About Tampa
Tampa, Florida is a lively and vibrant city located in the heart of Florida's Gulf Coast. The history of the area harks back to its Native American inhabitants who have held an influence on the region for centuries. With a population of over three hundred thousand, Tampa has something to offer everyone.
Throughout the centuries, Tampa has been an epicenter for performing arts. From the theaters at Ybor City's historic brick factories to the contemporary venues near downtown Tampa, there have been plenty of unique spaces for staging performances.
With its deep history rooted in Latin culture, Tampa has also become known as a hotspot for theatrical arts such as flamenco and salsa dancing. The beautiful waterfront parks along Bayshore Boulevard provide an idyllic backdrop for outdoor performances, including dances and musical acts, while numerous galleries throughout the city are beloved by artists looking for a place to exhibit their work. From classical music concerts to poetry slams to large-scale festivals like the Gasparilla Music Festival and Sunset Music Fest, the opportunities for performers in Tampa are endless.
Performance Options in Tampa
- Stage Designers
Professional stage designers create innovative stage sets that can enhance any performance. Depending on the type of performance being put on, a designer may create a stage set revolving around a certain theme or featuring dynamic lighting effects. The designer will work with the performers to craft something that truly captures the audience's attention and helps make their performance stand out even further.
- Sound Engineers
Sound engineers are essential for any kind of live performance, as they ensure that all sound is properly balanced and loud enough for everyone in attendance to hear it clearly, without distortion or feedback issues. They also help mix different audio elements so each moment of the performance sounds great.
- Costumes & Props
Costumes and props add another level of excitement to performances, whether they are theatrical or musical in nature. They allow artists to express themselves through physical objects while providing audiences with an extra visual element that helps them connect with what is happening onstage. Renting costumes and props from specialized stores makes this process much easier, as oftentimes these items can be expensive to buy outright or difficult to find elsewhere.
Performance Vendors in Tampa
- Bay Stage Live
Bay Stage Live is a leading entertainment technology provider in Florida that has been providing superior audio and visual rental services, custom solutions, and sales since 1957. Its experienced team of event producers uses cutting-edge 3D visualization software to create truly awe-inspiring experiences that will leave guests with lasting memories. The company has one of the biggest inventories of stage lighting and audio-visual equipment in the area, spread across a humongous 15,000-square-foot warehouse.
- Extravaganza Productions Inc.
Extravaganza Productions Inc. is a veteran-owned business with over 30 years of experience in event planning, audio/visual production, stage & lighting, and theme props & decor. The company offers complete event production services and specializes in producing events of any scale across the United States and globally. With its expansive inventory of event decorations, props, AV equipment, custom fabrication capabilities, state-of-the-art technology, and production resources; Extravaganza Productions Inc. can create unforgettable experiences that will leave a lasting impression on your audience.
- Judge Public Relations, Marketing & Advertising HQ
Judge Public Relations, Marketing & Advertising is a full-service PR firm and creative agency based in Tampa, Florida. With an experienced team of marketing and communications professionals at the helm, the company offers custom strategies and public relations campaigns. Judge's experts help clients accomplish their objectives with proven tactics in television, radio, web, and print media. Creative services include professional photography, custom video production, effective website design, and personalized ad campaigns for businesses of all sizes. Through these services, Judge brings passion and expertise to every project to ensure successful outcomes for each client.
Pros and Cons of Performance Spaces in Tampa
With such a dynamic and diverse music scene, Tampa is one of the most popular cities in Florida for organizing performances. While the city offers many venues that are convenient and well-equipped, there are also some drawbacks to consider when planning an event in Tampa. Here are some of the pros and cons of putting on a performance in this beautiful city.
Advantages
- Attracts Audience: With its large population and strong tourism industry, Tampa has no shortage of potential audience members for your performance.
- Variety: With dozens of performance spaces ranging from traditional theaters to unique outdoor settings, there’s something for everyone. There’s no shortage of choices when it comes to picking the right location for your event.
- Quality Venues: Most performance venues in Tampa have top-notch equipment and sound systems that make sure you get the best possible experience from your show.
Disadvantages
- Weather Conditions: While most popular performance venues are indoors if you plan on having an outdoor show or rehearsal, you must account for unpredictable weather conditions heavy rains or extreme heat — which can cause delays or cancellations.
- Limited Audience Size: Because many spaces have limited capacity due to fire safety regulations, it can be difficult to accommodate larger groups without compromising quality or experience.
- Availability: Since there are numerous venues available for all types of performances, it's necessary to plan ahead due to their quick booking.
Tips on How to Organize Performance Spaces in Tampa
When it comes to preparing a space for performance, there are many factors that one needs to take into consideration. It is important to ensure that the space is organized and comfortable for both the performers and the audience. Here are some tips to help ensure a successful experience in Tampa, Florida.
- Ensure Adequate Lighting: Lighting plays an important role in creating a favorable environment, as well as highlighting important elements of the performance. Consider installing professional theater lighting or pinpoint lights that can be focused on key areas of the stage. Also, make sure outlets are accessible so you don't have to worry about running cords everywhere.
- Set Up Seating Strategically: Think about how attendees will navigate through the venue, both before and during the performance. Make sure seating areas allow for easy movement while ensuring comfort for those watching the show or presentation. If it is possible, create multiple seating sections with different levels of prices listed for each one — this way everyone can attend regardless of their budget size.
- Make Sure The Sound System Is Up-To-Par: A good sound system is key when it comes to producing a high-quality show experience. Invest in a professional setup, including speakers, amplifiers, and microphones if possible. If this isn't feasible, make sure all equipment is properly tested before the show begins, and that extra cables are available just in case anything malfunctions during the performance.
Famous Locations in Tampa
- Tampa Bay History Center
The Tampa Bay History Center is a premier museum showcasing the fascinating history of the region. Nestled along the scenic Tampa Riverwalk, this three-story complex offers visitors a diverse array of exhibits and attractions. From the Seminole and Miccosukee tribes to the Cracker pioneers and the Cuban cigar industry, the museum presents a captivating journey through the area's rich cultural and economic heritage. The cartography collection is particularly impressive, featuring maps spanning centuries. The museum's Treasure Seekers gallery offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to set sail with pirates and explorers, while the Seminole exhibit takes guests on a journey through the Everglades.
- Henry B Plant Museum
The Henry B Plant Museum offers a unique glimpse into the extravagance of Victorian America and Florida's early tourism industry. Built in the 1880s by Henry Bradley Plant, the Tampa Bay Hotel served as a nexus for Plant's expanding transportation empire. The hotel boasted never-before-seen luxuries, including private baths, electricity, and telephones, which quickly became the talk of the town. The European decor of Venetian mirrors and exotic furnishings further solidified the hotel's opulent reputation. Today, the hotel is part of the University of Tampa and has been transformed into the Henry B. Plant Museum. Visitors can step back in time and immerse themselves in the gilded late-Victorian world that Plant created.
- Parque Amigos De Marti
Located in Tampa, Florida, Parque Amigos de Jose Marti may be small in size, but it holds great significance. This park is unique in that it is, in fact, Cuban property. Donated to the Estado Cubano shortly before the communist revolution in 1956, the land title to the park is owned by the Cuban government. Inside the archway lies soil from Cuba’s provinces, alongside memorial statues of Cuban independence heroes Jose Antonio de la Caridad Maceo y Grajales and Jose Julian Marti Perez. The park's management is left in the hands of the Tampa Cuban-American community while the city of Tampa maintains the property.