TAMPA — The David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts will need an estimated $8.6 million infusion of cash until it can resume revenue-generating ticket sales for stage performances.
That was the message Straz Center President and CEO Judy Lisi delivered to Hillsborough County commissioners Thursday morning.
Appearing at the invitation of Commissioner Pat Kemp, a Straz Center trustee, Lisi said the center needs an estimated $2.6 million for hygiene and safety changes related to the coronavius pandemic. Those would include providing for no-contact entry and ticketing, enhanced cleaning, additional signage and improving the filtration system for the facility’s ventilation and air conditioning.
Additionally, the facility will require $6 million to cover its operating costs until ticket sales can resume. Lisi said ticket sales account for 80 percent of the Straz Center’s $50 million annual budget.
The center previously laid off 34 employees and furloughed 32 more at the end of June. That followed 28 furloughs in March when the center shut down because of the pandemic. The center also used a $2.8 million Paycheck Protection Program loan to assist with employee salaries, which had already been cut by 5 percent to 25 percent.
“Our ability to carry out our mission is truly in a perilous position,” said Lisi.
The center is host to 1,600 events annually, including 230 non-ticketed civic or catering events, and it is home to 222,000 hours of arts education classes. It serves 700,000 people each year and traditionally employed a workforce of more than 500. The five-indoor theater complex, which opened in 1987, would cost upwards of $800 million if it were built today, Lisi said.
“I think it’s safe to say that everyone looks at the Straz Center as a real jewel in our community, something that we all care about deeply,” said Kemp.
The center has plans for a three-phased opening. In its initial phase, the center will continue education classes and offer digital programs and performances on its outdoor stage along the Tampa Riverwalk. The second phase would include live on-site activities and opening for some smaller works within the theaters. The final phase would be main stage productions of Broadway shows, the Florida Orchestra, as well as concerts and comedy performances. Lisi announced no timetable for the reopening.
Not all the stage lights have gone dark. Online classes are continuing at the Patel Conservatory. The center will be the site of the NFL Honors awards show Super Bowl weekend. And Lisi said the center will host “a nationally recognized entertainment company” to produce and stream a major concert for a global audience.
Lisi did not make a specific funding request Thursday and commissioners did not act on the issue, but indicated they will assist with federal CARES Act dollars when appropriate. Last month, the commission approved $10.4 million in federal funding for upgrades at Raymond James Stadium to protect against the spread of coronavirus.
“You know we’ll be there to help you in any way we can,’' said Commissioner Sandy Murman.
Lisi said the center also is advocating for federal support and hopes to benefit from the $10 billion bipartisan ‘”Save Our Stages'’ bill pending in Congress.
"center" - Google News
August 20, 2020 at 10:02AM
https://ift.tt/3j2ELuy
Tampa’s Straz Center seeks $8.6 million to keep operating - Tampa Bay Times
"center" - Google News
https://ift.tt/3bUHym8
https://ift.tt/2zR6ugj
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Tampa’s Straz Center seeks $8.6 million to keep operating - Tampa Bay Times"
Post a Comment