In the aftermath of the devastating hurricanes that struck Tampa Bay, the region's theaters and cultural arts organizations have faced immense challenges. They are not just rebuilding physical spaces or hoping to restore performance attendance, but also grappling with the emotional toll on themselves and their home cities. Yet, the public overwhelmingly supports each organization navigating this difficult journey, recognizing that their revival is not just about bricks and mortar but healing a community.Empowering the Arts: A Community's Unwavering Support
Sacred Lands Preservation: Preserving History Amidst Nature's Fury
Imagine a cherished historic family property, a legacy lovingly maintained for three generations, reduced to ruins in a single night. This is the reality faced by David Anderson, board president of Sacred Lands Preservation and Education, a nonprofit that preserves the archaeological site his family owns in the Jungle Prada area of St. Petersburg. The organization's waterfront deck, museum building, outdoor kitchen, cabin, and seawall were all destroyed by the storm surge of Hurricane Helene.Despite the devastation, Anderson remains determined to rebuild and preserve the site's rich history, which dates back over 1,000 years to the Tocobaga Indian Village. The community's outpouring of support, through donations and volunteer work days, has been a testament to the organization's importance. Anderson's wish list, ranging from practical items to skilled volunteers, reflects the community's eagerness to lend a hand in the recovery efforts.
Firehouse Cultural Center: Rebuilding from the Ashes
The Firehouse Cultural Center, a hub of artistic expression in Hillsborough County, was not spared from the wrath of Hurricane Helene. The facility, which opened in the old Ruskin Fire Station in 2020, was submerged under four feet of water, leaving it and its adjacent pottery studio decimated. The pottery studio, which had been fully renovated just a year prior, suffered a significant loss, including kilns, wheels, and supplies. The damage was further compounded by Hurricane Milton, which caused additional roof damage.Executive Director Chris Bredbenner describes the immediate impact as a loss of both physical space and revenue, hampering the center's ability to serve the community with its diverse cultural programs and partnerships. However, Bredbenner remains optimistic, stating that the Firehouse Cultural Center will "build back better" with the community's support. While the organization won't ask for monetary assistance until the community's personal needs are met, Bredbenner is confident that the outpouring of volunteers and financial support will come as the rebuilding process progresses.
MacBeth and Cheese: Resilience in the Face of Setbacks
Amy Windle, president of the theater company MacBeth and Cheese, was poised to open the second week of "Dial M for Murder" at the Firehouse Cultural Center when Hurricane Helene struck. The company lost all of its wood materials used for set construction, as well as some furniture, and now must start from scratch to rebuild their sets. With the Firehouse Cultural Center's venue unavailable, MacBeth and Cheese has had to find alternative performance spaces, disrupting their planned schedule.Despite these challenges, the community's support has been overwhelming. After posting a video on their Facebook page, the theater company received ,500 in donations from the local theater community. Windle is grateful for the outpouring of support and the sense of camaraderie within the theater family, which she says "blew me away." To help the company get back on its feet, the public can purchase tickets to their upcoming holiday show, volunteer, or make a donation through their website.
New Tampa Players and TheatreFor: Weathering the Storm
The New Tampa Players faced a tough time with their "Little Shop of Horrors" musical production, having to cut it short due to the closure of their venue, Hillsborough County's New Tampa Performing Arts Center, power outages, and the damage inflicted on the homes of cast, crew, and staff. Meanwhile, TheatreFor in Clearwater, which had just opened its doors in August, was forced to cancel two shows and postpone a third, losing irreplaceable memorabilia, vintage costumes, props, and set pieces.Despite the setbacks, both theater companies remain resilient. New Tampa Players Producing Artistic Director Nora Paine commended the New Tampa Performing Arts Center staff for their unwavering support, with the team stepping in to lend a helping hand. The impact of losing an entire week of performances was a significant blow, but the company is determined to make up for the lost revenue in the next fiscal year. TheatreFor co-founder Mike Cote believes the best way to support their recovery is for the community to continue attending their shows and purchasing tickets, as long as the hurricanes leave them alone.
Tampa Bay Arts Alliance: Shining a Light on the Arts
The Tampa Bay Arts Alliance (TAA) has been working to help the region's arts and cultural organizations find their footing in the aftermath of the hurricanes. TAA offers a resource page on its website with information on local and national grants available to artists and organizations suffering losses from the storms.Executive Director Michele Smith emphasizes the importance of the community's support in sustaining the arts during these challenging times. TAA's focus is on getting back to arts programming, highlighting the venues that are open and seeking patronage. Smith believes it is crucial for the community to know that there are uplifting and joyful experiences to be had, as the arts play a vital role in bringing people together and aiding in the recovery process.The resilience and determination displayed by Tampa Bay's cultural institutions in the face of adversity is a testament to the power of community support. As these organizations work to rebuild and revive their offerings, the public's continued engagement and financial backing will be crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's vibrant arts and cultural landscape.
