Deborah Bostock-Kelley

Owen Robertson, Executive Producer says, '... Coming to our event, supporting LAB is saying that you believe that Tampa can be a place for new works to be nurtured and grown, that new artists are welcome in our community and be given a safe place to explore their work and step into the spotlight as professional theater artists.”

Whether you're after laughter, music, history, or discovery, Tampa Bay’s summer theatre delivers. This July and August, stages of all kinds showcase standout productions full of passion and a whole lot of talent.

Tampa Metropolitan Improv*'s debut was a sharp, high-energy triumph filled with quick wit, strong ensemble chemistry, and nonstop laughs. The cast delivered a tightly paced, joyfully unpredictable show that left the audience thoroughly entertained and eager for more—a bold and confident start for Tampa’s newest comedy staple.

Let’s talk about the name—TMI. Yes, it stands for exactly what you’re thinking: 'too much information.' But there’s more to it than meets the eye. Erica confesses, “Yes, the typo in our logo is purposeful. As the man says, the best jokes are the ones that need to be explained!” If that’s any indication, audiences can expect comedy with a clever twist that will keep them laughing long after the punchline.

One-woman triumph. I was completely captivated by Samantha Marti Parisi’s beautiful portrayal of Molly Ivins in Red Hot Patriot. She didn’t just perform the role—she embodied it, delivering every line with razor-sharp wit and unmistakable heart.

The Straz Center’s Fifth Annual Juneteenth Commemoration on June 16 offers an evening of powerful storytelling, original performances, and historical reflection. Storyteller Jennifer Samuel Chance honors the resilience of the Black community and underscores the importance of remembering the past to shape a better future. “Juneteenth needs to be embraced even more than it has been,” she says. “We don’t realize how precious freedom is until it is taken away.”

TheatreFor’s Red Hot Patriot – The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins is a fiery, funny, and fearless tribute to one of journalism’s boldest truth-tellers. Starring Samantha Marti-Parisi, the one-woman show brings Ivins’ wit, grit, and deep love of democracy to the stage in a smart, sharp celebration of free speech and civic responsibility.

Experience the pulse of tap dance reimagined. This June, dancer and visionary Ashlyn Bolton brings two thrilling events to the Straz Center: The Copasetic Show (June 7), a high-energy celebration of tap culture and live jazz, and What If? (June 15), a bold, original production blending rhythm, storytelling, and imagination.

I had no idea what to expect, but Shucked was a golden ear of comedy, wrapped in clever writing, helmed by powerhouse vocals, and buttered with some of the funniest deadpanned quips you’ll hear on stage this season.

Desiree Montes returns to Stageworks Theatre in *Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill*, channeling the spirit and sound of Billie Holiday in a powerful, intimate performance set during one of the icon’s final concerts. With deep emotional resonance and a voice shaped by years of connection to Holiday’s music, Montes brings new layers to the legendary singer’s story—blending art, history, and activism in a tribute that’s both haunting and deeply human.

With 'The House of Future Memory,' freeFall reimagines Shakespeare’s iconic “Seven Ages of Man” monologue as an interactive performance blending music, improvisation, audience input, and AI.

On Saturday, May 31, the Studio@620 opens its doors for Inside the Studio, a public open house marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter — and everyone’s invited. From 1:00 to 3:30 PM, guests are encouraged to drop in, explore, and take part in a celebration that’s both a look forward and a call to action.

Quinn VanAntwerp who plays Gordy says, “The first moment I read this script I knew it was probably the funniest show I'd ever read.” That was over five years ago. Since then, he’s been embedded in the development of Shucked, helping it grow from a quirky concept to a Broadway hit, and now touring across the country.

The halls of Carrollwood did ring with laughter. It was a reminder that whether thou art noble or nerd, there’s always room for poetry—and proton packs.

On May 18, 2025, Broadway Star of the Future will shine a light on the dedication and passion of high school musical theatre performers, transforming their dreams into reality.

James Ijames’ 'Fat Ham' has already garnered critical acclaim, winning the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and it's easy to see why. The play’s innovative approach breathes new life into Shakespeare’s tale, intertwining themes of identity, queerness, and familial pressure with a unique blend of comedy and drama. With such a balance of humor and pathos, audiences can expect to be both entertained and deeply moved.

Whether you're in Tampa or Tacoma, the accessible Zoom format ensures that any woman, local or national, can log in and participate in Seek and Speak Your Powerstory from wherever they are, building a vibrant, supportive community of storytellers without borders.

Morningside is a smart, funny, and unexpectedly impactful piece, brought to vivid life by an incredible cast and direction that understands the delicate balance between laughter and truth.

The play Witch Hunt illuminates how patriarchal structures have manipulated and marginalized women's voices throughout history. Through clever dialogue and powerful performances, the audience is encouraged to question societal assumptions and engage in a deeper conversation about gender and power dynamics.