American Stage is dedicated to telling compelling stories with integrity and professionalism. As Tampa Bay’s longest-running, most critically-acclaimed professional theatre company, we seek to bring the power of live theatre to our community.
American Stage presents its Mainstage Series in the 182-seat Raymond James Theatre year round and the annual American Stage in the Park each Spring. The theatre’s other programming includes: “After Hours” Series, School Tour, and camps and classes for children. Raymond James is the Mainstage Sponsor and WUSF 89.7 is the Radio Sponsor of American Stage. “After Hours” Series, Cabaret Series, School Tour, and camps and classes for children.
American Stage presents its Mainstage Series in the 182-seat Raymond James Theatre year round and the annual American Stage in the Park each Spring. The theatre’s other programming includes: “After Hours” Series, School Tour, and camps and classes for children. Raymond James is the Mainstage Sponsor and WUSF 89.7 is the Radio Sponsor of American Stage. “After Hours” Series, Cabaret Series, School Tour, and camps and classes for children.
Operating as usual
Only five more chances to see this masterful play! Don’t forget we have two shows on Sunday to make up for the holiday today!
By Jake-ann Jones. George C. Wolfe’s now-classic satire on Black stereotypes and identity takes on subject matter as loaded as the Middle Passage, Black women’s hair, and self-hatred. Now at American Stage, the play’s humor makes it palatable for the audience to digest, even as Wolfe ponders o...
Happy Thanksgiving from our unconventional family here at American Stage! We hope you're spending the day with family, friends, good food, and maybe some loud laughs brought on by too much boxed wine. There are three days left to see 'The Colored Museum" with the American Stage family, gift your mom, dad, spouse, or situation-ship, with a trip to see this hilarious piece of theatre while you still have time off work.
$45 single Ttckets at americanstage.org
American Stage takes on the Tampa Theatre! For our St. Pete peeps, see the show Dec 3-4 at American Stage. Tickets are just $12 :) at tickets.americanstage.org/TheatreManager/1/login?event=2400
For many of the students coming to the Tampa Theatre for a field trip this December 5 and 6, Cinderella Eats Rice and Beans will be the first time they will experience live theatre. Not to mention, live theatre with an all-Latin cast speaking both English and Spanish.
"She done already done had herses"... Translation: Jinkx Monsoon making her Broadway debut! Drag Queen All Stars 7 and season 5 winner Jinkx Monsoon is playing Matron "Mama" Morton in Chicago early 2023. That makes her the first drag queen to play the role on Broadway. Con-dragulations, queen!
Our Cinderella traded in her impractical glass slippers for converse. “Cinderella Eats Rice and Beans” - a bilingual adaption of the classic princess tale is on our Mainstage Dec 3 or 4! Details and $12 (yes, $12 😉) tickets at bit.ly/3FU8Ivq
Some say just being nominated is an honor ... but nominations don't pay the bills. Voting for the 2022 BroadwayWorld Tampa Awards is now open! We're thrilled that there are quite a few American Stage productions, artists, and creatives on the nominee list.
If you have an opinion, you should definitely vote. ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Voting is now open for the 2022 BroadwayWorld [REGION] Awards! Nominations were reader-submitted and now our readers get to vote for their favorites.
If you've ever wondered what it's like inside an acting class, read this The Gabber Newspaper article from actor and former Creative Loafing editor, David Warner. David took an Acting for the Camera class at American Stage, and he's giving you the insider scoop at what that looks like. thegabber.com/looking-in-on-a-film-acting-class-at-american-stage/
Intrigued? Our next set of classes are coming up soon. Stay tuned for the spring semester!
Tampa Bay actor David Warner sits in on one of American Stage's acting classes. Here's his impression of the class, and why he'd go back for more.
Have you seen "The Colored Museum" at American Stage yet? Get on board. Here's what Gabber Newspaper theatre reviewer Brian Shea had to say about our 11-skit satire.
Read the full article at thegabber.com/what-we-loved-about-the-colored-museum-in-st-pete/
Will we catch you at the The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art this March? American Stage's Lift Every Voice New Play Festival is bringing fresh plays, emerging playwrights, art, and music together for the first ever three-day play festival, hosted at the James Museum — for the first time. March 3-5, 2023. Secure your tickets early at americanstage.org/lift-every-voice
Who remembers this week's ? August Wilson's "Joe Turner's Come & Gone" ran at American Stage back in 2017. This was the first production that our "The Colored Museum" actor Jemier Jenkins appeared at our theatre! Five years later and she's the show opening for "The Colored Museum." Did you catch her Instagram takeover this weekend?
Hey friends! You have two weeks left to be moved by "The Colored Museum" at American Stage. That's two weeks to see Jermaine Robinson's monologue from his perch at an '80s gay bar, two weeks to see Alicia Thomas confront the audience while gripping her microphone, and two weeks to see Yewande Odetoyinbo star in her own disturbingly funny cooking show - plus, much more. You don't want to miss this show.
Wed-Sunday through Nov. 27. americanstage.org
Somewhere out in Pinellas County, there's a van full of actors touring local schools and bringing "Cinderella Eats Rice and Beans" to the schools and their stages. Here's a look at what it takes to get this bilingual fairytale together each week, and our cast of talented actors - including Cinderella. 🏀👠
Our school tour will make a Mainstage appearance Dec 3-4. Tickets are only $12 - book yours now at bit.ly/3FU8Ivq
Pull up a chair, and join the cast and director of "The Colored Museum" at American Stage. We met this talented crew at Chiefs Creole Café for a round table discussion on the show, Black joy, and bringing art to life on the St. Pete stage. It's an important conversation - and one that's worth a listen.
Visit youtube.com/watch?v=-LxPNWtcy_w for the full discussion!
Hungry for conversation? Join us for a creole dinner with the cast and director of "The Colored Museum" at American Stage. The cast of five and director and ...
We hope you're having an egg-cellent Saturday! It's been a week of "The Colored Museum" at American Stage. Each show, we start with an unsettling trip on the Celebrity Slaveship and end with a song and dance number by Topsy. Here are the memorable moments in between.
See it though Nov. 27. americanstage.org
to our 2019 school tour performance of "The Wind in the Willows." Every year, a cast of actors tours Pinellas County schools to bring live theatre to local students. Right now, American Stage is in the middle of putting on "Cinderella Eats Rice and Beans" - a bilingual modern take on the classic fairytale. But on Dec. 3-4. "Cinderella" will come alive on the Mainstage! We're inviting kids, parents, and theatre supporters to come see our inclusive show. Parents, find $12 tickets at tickets.americanstage.org/TheatreManager/1/login?event=2400
Critics gonna critic, but it's nice when it's good things. See what made Creative Loafing Tampa write "Wolfe asks you to imagine being kidnapped against your will, shackled, shivering and afraid, crossing a vast ocean into the unknown" in their review of "The Colored Museum". Read the full CL article at cltampa.com/arts/the-latest-from-american-stage-and-stageworks-demand-reflection-and-encourage-empathy-14514455
See the show for yourself Wed-Sun through Nov. 27 at American Stage. Single tickets are only $45 at americanstage.org
Our new series, Phones Down, Voices Up, gives you a chance to meet our new producing artistic director, Helen Murray as she travels through St. Pete. Here's a look at her walk through Boyd Hill Nature Preserve with park supervisor Taylor Graham. Have you been to Boyd Hill yet?
See the full series and more American Stage happenings at youtube.com/watch?v=ylAJJFRPYpo
Field trip!! Producing Artistic Director, Helen R. Murray visited Boyd Park Nature Preserve and met the Preserve Supervisor, Taylor Thornton. They got their ...
Turn up the volume! Here's a snapshot of each of the 11 exhibits in the horrifying, hilarious, tongue-in-cheek satire that we know as "The Colored Museum". Need context? The only way to get the bigger picture is to land a seat in the audience and strap in, it's going to be a wild ride full of satire, history, and stereotypes that we haven't escaped since the play came to life in the '80s.
Wed-Thursday: 7 p.m.
Friday: 8 p.m.
Saturday: 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Sunday: 2 p.m.
Through Nov. 27. Tickets at americanstage.org
Happy opening! Here are just a few moments from “The Colored Museum”. Tickets are $20 only this weekend! We’re selling out fast - so your best bet is to secure a spot on Saturday. 🎟🎬
Nov 4-27. This weekend, tickets are $20, but typically, they're $45. Get yours at americanstage.org
We were up on the Brightside on 10 Tampa Bay this morning talking about “The Colored Museum” and going back stage!
Tickets for this weekend are only $20! There are only 50 left, so get them before they are gone.
https://www.americanstage.org/shows/the-colored-museum
Happy Friday! Hanging out at the American Stage Theatre!
Plus, a list of other productions, musicals, and cabarets near you this November!
Carrollwood Players Theatre
freeFall Theatre Company
Straz Center for the Performing Arts
Studio Grand Central & The Off-Central Players
Asolo Repertory Theatre
Jobsite Theater
Florida Studio Theatre
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe
Urbanite Theatre
The Studio at 620
Stage West Playhouse
Francis Wilson Playhouse
West Coast Players
Eight O'Clock Theatre
Early Bird Dinner Theatre
Lab Theater Project
Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre
Mahaffey Theater
Suncoast Broadway Dinner Theatre
Plus, a list of all the other shows and cabarets playing in Tampa, St. Pete, and Sarasota this month.
Go off 1989! Here's a press photo of "The Comedy of Errors" from Shakespeare in the Park. Back in 1989, Victoria Holloway was the artistic director, tickets were FREE, and Lee Ahlin was the musical director behind the magic.
Meet "TILL" star Keith Arthur Bolden who is working as the director for our upcoming comedy, "The Colored Museum. Thanks for the good times, Daytime TV Show!
See the show this Friday! It's running Nov 4-27. Tickets are going fast, so book yours at americanstage.org today.
https://www.wfla.com/daytime/american-stage-brings-in-all-black-cast-for-upcoming-play
American Stage’s “The Colored Museum” brings tastefully executed, racially-charged satire to St. Petersburg. Director Keith Arthur Bolden discussed several skits within the play a…
Our new Producing Artistic Director, Helen Murray, has only been in St. Pete for three weeks but that isn't stopping her from meeting some of the finest folks and see some local staples, like Boyd Hill Nature Preserve and Black Crow Coffee. Curious what the tea is? We're posting the videos of her "coffee chats" later this week.
Our new Producing Artistic Director Helen Murray went live on Great Day Live Tampa Bay this morning to talk about her first three weeks in St. Pete, "The Colored Museum" and her new "coffee chat" series where she meets community members at local spots! Stay tuned for the full series on our website - coming soon.
wtsp.com/article/features/great-day-live/coffee-talk-with-american-stage-the-new-producing-artistic-director-of-american-stage-helen-murray-joined-gdl-to-talk-about-her-new-role-and-new-her/67-8f9cc56e-5042-4bdc-9d77-c95f142314ca
The new producing artistic director of American Stage, Helen Murray, joined GDL to talk about her new role and new her new “Coffee Chat” series.
We all have those Halloween stories.
People who love theatre, love Halloween. We want to hear your plans, especially if they're St. Pete-based. Don't give us any good ideas. Comment below what you're doing tonight. 😈
These actors really know how to light up a room! Watch "The Colored Museum" actors Jemier Jenkins and Yewande Odetoyinbo talk about our upcoming production on the set of The Morning Blend TMJ4. We were waiting for them to break out into song at any moment!
abcactionnews.com/morning-blend/the-colored-museum-coming-to-american-stage
"The Colored Museum" is coming to the American Stage Theatre Company next month. It's a racial commentary full of satire and stereotypes about what it means to be Black in America
TICKET ANNOUNCEMENT! Opening weekend tickets for "The Colored Museum" are only $20 for shows on Saturday, Nov. 5-Sunday, Nov. 6. Thank you to our board of trustees for making a generous donation that made this deal possible. We'd like to give as many people as possible the ability to see this riveting production. Book your $20 ticket online now at americanstage.org/shows/the-colored-museum
There's nothing quite like the week before a show at American Stage. Except, of course, opening night. In seven days, we'll present "The Colored Museum" - a gem of a show often studied, but rarely performed. We're looking forward to bringing you these 11 exhibits. Opening night is Friday, Nov. 4. americanstage.org
We're not going too far back for this week's , but hey, a lot can change in a year. Our 2021 production of Natalie Symon's "The People Downstairs" was a hit with critics and delivered complex performances from actors like Matthew McGee uncharacteristically playing a total putz, and Sara Oliva character, who was so-unlikeable-it's-fun. Of course, we have Scott Cooper thank for the hoarder-like set. Who remembers this killer show?
Theatre doesn't have to break the bank! As always, we're hosting a pay-what-you-can night on Nov 3. Usually, we host two, but November 2 is already sold out! So, there's only one chance to get in on this $$ saving fan-favorite. Book your seats and support local theatre at americanstage.org/shows/the-colored-museum
Not a bad way to spend a Monday! American Stage Producing Artistic Director walked through Boyd Hill Nature Preserve with the park's supervisor, Taylor Graham Thornton. We learned a lot, including that a man successfully swam through Boyd Hill's lake - a lake that's home to around 230 alligators! Stay tuned for the full interview soon. 🐊🐊 🐊
"This play holds up a mirror to you and forces you to see the humanity in yourself so that you can see it in others," "The Colored Museum" director Keith Arthur Bolden said. This satirical 11-piece story was the first production our director ever performed in. He was an 18-year-old journalism major then, and now he's a seasoned actor and the director of American Stage's "The Colored Museum."
Read his full note @ americanstage.org/post/a-note-from-the-colored-museum-director-keith-arthur-bolden
We're two weeks out! If you love Chappelle's Show you'll love our next show. "The Colored Museum" is almost like the theatre version of Dave Chappell's satirical-style series. It's full of painfully truthful scenes, quips of racial commentary, and musical moments. Sound familiar? However, this production will make it to the end of its run. Book your seats early at americanstage.org
Nov 2-27: Wednesday-Friday @ 7 p.m. Saturday @ 2 p.m. and Sunday @ 2 p.m.
Just a reminder that our free Behind-the-Scenes event for "The Colored Museum" is happening this Sunday, Oct. 23 at 1 p.m. We'll catch you backstage.
Seriously, you don't know how to "define" satire? Just kidding, It's a hard concept to tackle - that's why we made this video defining what satire is. It's the genre of our upcoming show, "The Colored Museum", and before you go into this shocking show blind, maybe take a listen. Just like SNL, and Spike-Lee's "Chi-Raq", our production looks at uncomfortable social concepts and spins them into the spotlight.
Ah, the years before the pandemic.
For this week's we're remembering the 2018 American Stage production of "A Raisin in the Sun", directed by L. Peter Callender. Patrick Arthur Jackson pictured right, played Bennie's suitor in the production. Four years later, Patrick is the Associate Artistic Producer at American Stage. He won't be on stage for our next production, "The Colored Museum", but you can bet he has a hand behind-the-scenes.
Say hello to "The Colored Museum" show opener, Jemier Jenkins! She's a returning artist for American Stage, an international traveler, and a proud vegan. Catch Jemier as "Miss Pat", "LaWanda", "Medea", "Little Girl", and "Normal Jean". It's a tall order, and we know Jemier will tell these stories in the most theatrical way possible.
Satire and stereotypes are just a few of the themes of "The Colored Museum" by George C. Wolfe. While the show will keep you thinking, some of the scenes can be heavy - but it's all a commentary on Black identity. Read American Stage's synopsis of four of the central themes of this powerful piece of theatre on our online blog.
"The Colored Museum", written by George C. Wolfe and soon to hit American Stage Theatre Company, dives into complicated topics using high-brow comedy. Here's a few of the central themes of this racially-charged play.
All our St. Pete peeps know that Gallagher's Pumpkins & Christmas Trees is a local's best friend! This year, American Stage picked our favorite pumpkins and decorated them in celebration of “The Colored Museum”. When you go shop for fall essentials - we hope you notice the American Stage cameo by the drink stand. 🎃🍂
163 3rd Street N
Saint Petersburg, FL
33701
| Monday | 10am - 6pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 6pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 6pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 6pm |
| Friday | 10am - 6pm |
| Saturday | 2pm - 8pm |
| Sunday | 2pm - 8pm |
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Turn up the volume! Here's a snapshot of each of the 11 exhibits in the horrifying, hilarious, tongue-in-cheek satire that we know as "The Colored Museum". Need context? The only way to get the bigger picture is to land a seat in the audience and strap in, it's going to be a wild ride full of satire, history, and stereotypes that we haven't escaped since the play came to life in the '80s. Wed-Thursday: 7 p.m. Friday: 8 p.m. Saturday: 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday: 2 p.m. Through Nov. 27. Tickets at americanstage.org
Seriously, you don't know how to "define" satire? Just kidding, It's a hard concept to tackle - that's why we made this video defining what satire is. It's the genre of our upcoming show, "The Colored Museum", and before you go into this shocking show blind, maybe take a listen. Just like SNL, and Spike-Lee's "Chi-Raq", our production looks at uncomfortable social concepts and spins them into the spotlight.
American Stage is turning 45 this season, but that definitely doesn't mean we are slowing down. As we look ahead to season 50 (where does the time go?!) we are sharing stories from our diverse community in the form of a new video series, Five to 50. You may recognize actor Zummy Mohammed Rayan from our production of "Footloose" and "Green Day's American Idiot". He took some time to reflect on his time with American Stage and the impact it's had on his life.
One week of rehearsals down, two more to go! "The Colored Museum" cast is loving every moment of blocking, singing, and drumming through the intimate moments of this show. Backstage, we're all smiles, but this satire by George C. Wolfe (directed by Keith Arthur Bolden) is a powerful and oftentimes, emotional and dark look at what it means to be Black in America. It's a must-see. Tickets are $45, showing November 2-27. Get yours today at americanstage.org
Podcast alert! For October's 'In the Limelight" podcast we sit down with Eugenie Bondurant and get an inside at her time on set while filming "Conjuring III" and "Werewolf by Night". Stay tuned for the full episode, and an interview with both mad Theatre of Tampa and Francis Wilson Playhouse who are both producing "The Drowsy Chaperone" this Saturday. Listen on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/0YjIZmDfRqoBNQ9tsQ2RZa
We have so many great museums here in downtown St. Pete ... Introducing the newest one, "The Colored Museum"! See what we did there? "The Colored Museum" may not be on the official map, but for a fleeting moment, it will be on our stage. See it November 2-27. The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art The Dalí Museum Florida Holocaust Museum St. Petersburg Museum of History Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, Florida Imagine Museum
“Green Day's American Idiot" audience members, crew, and cast, thank you for being a part of this heartfelt production. This is just a brief look into the moments, on and off stage that we shared during our production. Though it was unpredictably cut short, in the end it was right. We hope you had the time of your life. 🖤❤️🖤
We're so sad that we wont get to see these lights in action again. A huge part of the magic of "Green Day's American Idiot" was the dazzling, colorful, sometimes strobe-like lighting that highlights the stage, and the cast. If you didn't get a chance to see the magic live, here's a glimpse.
Oh say can you see … cast members from "Green Day's American Idiot" singing the national anthem at the Tampa Bay Rays game this Monday night. They came, they sang, they did baseball the St. Pete way. We get the irony of this politically punk cast singing our nation's anthem, but hey, we're Rays fans. See the cast sing Green Day hits until October 2. Tickets are available at americanstage.org
Here's a look behind the scenes at "Green Day's American Idiot." Before the show hit the stage, we gave the public a special presentation from the designers about the meaning, themes, and concepts behind our current show. It's a one-time event, but we host one for each show of the season.
You heard the hosts! Earmark a listen to American Stage's new podcast, "In the Limelight", hosted by Matthew McGee and Jose Aviles We'll talk art, theatre, pop culture, and more, available wherever you listen. Stay tuned for the drop, coming very soon.
Here's a first look into the chaotic world of "Green Day's American Idiot." Watch as our cast dances across the stage in full punk gear. Have you bought your tickets yet? Find them at americanstage.org
Have you purchased your tickets for "Green Day's American Idiot" yet? We're less than a week out from removing the red tape and inviting everyone to come see this energetic and emotional show. Reserve your tickets at americanstage.org
Behind the scenes of the sitzprobe for "Green Day's American Idiot"! Our cast practiced with the live band for the first time this week. Here's a snippet of what to expect.
Ever wonder what it looks like in a room full of actors? Here's a look into the first week of rehearsals for "Green Day's American Idiot." We laughed, we danced, we rocked out. Catch the full show – opening night is September 9. Find information about our upcoming production at americanstage.org
Saying goodbye is always bittersweet, but we know we'll see these young performers again. American Stage's Summer Camp has come to an end, and a new school year is beginning. Here's a glimpse into what students learned all summer long. If you missed the theatrical fun, we have plenty of youth fall classes to choose from at americanstage.org/education
If you love jazz music, this is a the event for your! For one-night only, The Al Downing Jazz Association is bringing Dr. Zachary Bartholomew and his trio to American Stage on August 14th. Reserve your tickets at americanstage.org/community-engagement
Join us now through July 31 and learn what it means to be an American, as we take you beneath the surface with Amiri Baraka's "Dutchman"! Single tickets are $45. Get yours at americanstage.org
Don't miss the show BroadwayWorld calls “awesomely hideous and stunning, scary and oh so beautiful, all at the same time.” "The Dutchman" runs now until July 31 at American Stage. Tickets are just $45. Visit americanstage.org or call 727.823.7529
Check out our latest teaser trailer to get a glimpse of what's ahead in 2022-2023. Single tickets for all of our Mainstage shows are available on August 1st! Season subscriptions are available now at americanstage.org. Video Producer: Tyler McElrath
Go behind the scenes with Timon Brown, Director of Production. Set to premiere in 2020, "Footloose" was well into construction right before the pandemic. Hear how Timon and our crew revamped the set to what you see today. Watch and subscribe to our YouTube channel by clicking here ➡️ https://bit.ly/AmericanStageYoutube
Meet Shain Stroff, the Director & Choreographer of "Footloose," back for his fifth year of American Stage In The Park! “One thing I hope the audience takes away from this year’s park show is the fun of Footloose. There’s something about the park show you cannot replicate.” Watch the full interview below! For tickets, visit americanstage.org
"We're all very excited to finally be able to spend time with our community, be able to watch awesome musicals, and drink some beer." Khris Johnson, Head Brewer and Co-Owner of Green Bench Brewing Co. Green Bench's Pre-Prohibition Pilsner is exclusively at "Footloose," April 6 - May 8 at Demens Landing Park For tickets & more information about Footloose: The Musical you can visit us at AmericanStage.org
Get your first look at American Stage's, Footloose! Running now until May 8 at Demens Landing Park, get your tickets now at americanstage.org
Did you know, each month American Stage and Creative Pinellas presents a FREE professional staged reading of short plays, stories and poems in the beautiful Gallery at Creative Pinellas. This month we will be performing "The Web" by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Eugene O'Neill. Join us Monday night, April 4th at 7:00pm. Reserve your seat at: https://www.americanstage.org/community-engagement
Arthur Miller once said, “the mission of the theatre, after all, is to change, to raise the consciousness of people to their human possibilities." It's in that spirit that we share a new look for American Stage. As we approach our 45th anniversary we want a design that celebrates the many voices who have shaped American Stage, while letting us look to the future. This stained glass mosaic design reminds us that American Stage is made up of many different people, working to uplift the community through art.
It has been one week since we started construction on the stage for "Footloose." We were out at Demens Landing this morning and wanted to share the progress with you all. There's only 30 more days until the first performance! Get your tickets at americanstage.org.
Celebrate the return of American Stage in the Park! Get ready to kick off your Sunday shoes as the high-energy pop musical FOOTLOOSE dances into Demens Landing for American Stage in the Park’s 2022 production, April 6-May 8. For more information visit americanstage.org
Audiences are in love with "School Girls; or, the African Mean Girls Play!" "What a great show, I loved it, I liked it better than the real mean girls shows, all the ladies are beautiful, talented and funny and the character of Paulina showed such a range of emotion. Would highly recommend this show!" -Audience comment. This new comedy runs now until Feb 27th. Get your ticket by calling 727-823-7529 or visit americanstage.org
Stars of the stage and screen Phyllis Yvonne Stickney and Jennifer Leigh Warren are joining the cast of "School Girls; or The African Mean Girls Play." This new comedy by Jocelyn Bioh explores the ugly questions of internalized racism, colorism, and the nature of true beauty. Running Feb 2- 27, 2022. Tickets at americanstage.org
1977 American Stage is founded as The Palisades Theatre of Florida, taking residence in Florida Presbyterian College (now Eckerd College) in St. Petersburg, FL. Its programming consists of theatre for students and educators, including an annual School Tour.
1979 The Junior League of St. Petersburg provides The Palisades funds to convert an old cinema house in downtown St. Petersburg into a 179-seat performance space. The Palisades launches its five-play Mainstage subscription series with a non-union acting company in residence. John Berglund and Victoria Holloway take over leadership of the theater following the departure of the founding directors.
1984 The Palisades Theatre of Florida officially changes its name to American Stage Theatre Company. The City of St. Petersburg condemns the American Stage facility. The local power company offers an alternative site which provides over 10,000 square feet for an intimate 130-seat performance space with a lobby, costume shop, rehearsal hall, and office spaces.
1985 American Stage becomes the first non-profit theatre company in the Tampa Bay region to operate under a full contract with Actors’ Equity Association. The company is one of five original theatres in the country pioneering the Small Professional Theatre contract.
1986 American Stage in the Park, also known as Shakespeare in the Park, is launched in the Spring, offering ten free outdoor performances of THE TAMING OF THE SHREW. More than 8,000 people attend, and a community tradition is born.
1987 The St. Petersburg City Council designates American Stage as St. Petersburg’s Resident Professional Theatre Ensemble.
1989 Awarded Best Theatre Company by Tampa Bay Magazine.
1991 The Florida State Legislature designates American Stage as a Vital Local Cultural Organization due to the theatre’s outreach efforts, community support, and artistic excellence.
1992 American Stage is one of 13 professional arts organizations nationwide to participate in the National Endowment for the Arts’ Advancement Program.
1993 It is announced that a thorough renovation and remodel will begin on the American Stage building.
1996 Renovation of the new facility is completed, and includes the redesigned 148-seat space, a new sound system, new light board and dimmers; remodeling of the costume shop, rehearsal space, and courtyard; inclusion of a visual arts gallery; and an expansion of the lobby space.
1998 Shakespeare in the Park adds an additional eight performances in Tampa at Curtis Hixon Park, following the regular run in St. Petersburg.
Awarded Best Theatre Company by the annual survey of the Best of the Bay by The Weekly Planet. American Stage will be awarded this title for the next fifteen consecutive years, during which The Weekly Planet is renamed to Creative Loafing Tampa.
2002 American Stage produces August Wilson’s GEM OF THE OCEAN, embarking on an ambitious endeavor to complete Wilson’s Century Cycle within the following ten seasons.
Shakespeare in the Park presents its first adaption, based on THE COMEDY OF ERRORS, the Regional Premiere of THE BOMB-ITTY OF ERRORS (Allen-Dutton, Catalano, et al.).
World Premiere: I LEFT MY HEART: A SALUTE TO THE MUSIC OF TONY BENNETT (D. Grapes/T. Olson).
Awarded Best Theatre Company by Tampa Bay Magazine, an award American Stage will receive for the next twelve consecutive years.
Awarded the Neighborhood Builder Award by the Bank of America Neighborhood Excellence Initiative.
2004 The Tampa Bay Chapter of the American Red Cross presents American Stage with the Good Neighbor Award for having made significant humanitarian contributions in support of the American Red Cross.
2006 American Stage changes a twenty-year tradition of presenting Shakespeare in the Park with a musical, the Regional Premiere of CROWNS (R. Taylor).
Bank of America awards American Stage with the Neighborhood Excellence Award.
2007 American Stage enters into a partnership with St. Petersburg College to build a brand new state of the art building in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg. This is the first time in Pinellas County history that a brand new building is constructed for a professional theatre. Raymond James Financial acquires naming rights to the new theatre space.
2008 American Stage Theatre Company celebrates its 30th Anniversary Season. Administration offices are moved into the new building.
Florida Premiere: BY THE WATER OF BABYLON (R. Schenkkan).
2009 American Stage completes its first full season in the Raymond James Theatre.
Regional Premiere: KING HEDLEY II (A. Wilson).
2010 American Stage in the Park celebrates its 25th anniversary with a production of HAIR, enjoyed by over 15,000 Tampa Bay residents. It is the highest-attended Park production in nearly two decades.
The St. Petersburg Times chooses the opening of American Stage’s new home in the Raymond James Theatre as the Tampa Bay art scene’s most important event of the decade.
Todd Olson celebrates his 10th year as Artistic Director at American Stage.
Named Non-Profit of the Year by the Tampa Bay Business Journal.
Regional Premiere: AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY (T. Letts).
2012 Presented with Watermark’s Wave Award for Variety and Excellence as one of St. Petersburg’s favorite local performing arts venues.
Presented with the PARC Community Service Award in appreciation of American Stage’s extraordinary volunteer efforts.
Presented with the St. Peterburg Mayor’s Top Apple Award for continued partnership with local schools.
2013 Todd Olson celebrates his 11th and final year as Artistic Director at American Stage, before departing to assume the duties of Executive Director at the Columbia Festival of the Arts in Maryland.
American Stage Director of Education, Meg Heimstead is named Interim Artistic Director while Board of Trustees embarks on a nationwide search for the company’s next leader.
Presented with the St. Peterburg Mayor’s Top Apple Award for continued partnership with local schools.
World Premiere: THE AMISH PROJECT (J. Dickey).
2014 Presented with WEDU’s Be More: Educational Outreach Award.
Florida Premiere: NUREYEV’S EYES (D. Rush).
2015 Stephanie Gularte is a named the new Producing Artistic Director of American Stage.
Awarded the MUSE Performing Arts Award by the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance.
2017 12th theatre in the world to complete the August Wilson American Century Cycle
The Palladium at St. Petersburg College
253 5th Avenue NStudio Grand Central & The Off-Central Player
2260 1st Avenue South
Studio Grand Central & The Off-Central Player
2260 1st Avenue South
The Palladium at St. Petersburg College
253 5th Avenue N