Funky, Urban Theater Space Opens On Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa

A funky new community theater space has made its way to Tampa's Kennedy Boulevard.

Located across the street from local favorite Buddy Brew, Powerstories' new 1,000-square-foot space at 2105 W. Kennedy Blvd. is part of the Biscayne Lighting building near Tampa's South Howard Avenue.

Featuring 12-foot ceilings and a large glass storefront, owner Fran Powers couldn't be more pleased with the new location for her nonprofit agency with the mission of staging the true stories of women and girls to open minds and hearts.

“Location, location, location -- it's easy access for individuals living in all parts of Tampa,” Powers says. “The owners are delightful to work with and are truly delighted that we're using their space for such a meaningful mission.”

Powers, who believes that the discovery and the telling of autobiographical stories creates new success, invests our lives with more meaning and connects us vitally with others, says the size of the new space allows Powerstories to move forward with its mission, established in March 2003, without being a financial burden.

Working with Keith Arsenault of Tampa's IAEG Inc. International, Powers and the theater consulting group are in the process of transforming the small $3,000 space into a very versatile 30-seat theater. Currently, the space can be utilized for workshops, rehearsals and open mic nights. An additional $15,000 will be invested to get the space ready for theater season, including the addition and installation of lighting and curtain systems, chairs, risers and a new floor.

“Powerstories will be an incubator space for new and young talent: A new live theater providing quality and rich entertainment can certainly enliven an area,” Powers says. “We envision an active little theater where folks are coming and going and are committed to making this a special, bright jewel in the Tampa Bay area.”

Every other Thursday night, Powerstories opens its doors to the public to allow the community to share and listen to true stories during “Open Mic True Stories Nights.”

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberain
Source: Fran Powers, Powerstories