The Show Must Go On At The Carrollwood Cultural Center

CARROLLWOOD, FL —A cultural arts center in Hillsborough County has remained a community asset throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

It hasn't been easy. Lots of scheduling and technical adjustments were needed to accommodate virtual and smaller in-person gatherings at the Carrollwood Cultural Center. Many of these measures remain in place. But with vaccinations now widely available and some precautionary mandates lifted, the center's leaders are hopeful the worst of the pandemic is behind them.

The main building is owned by Hillsborough County. The center is run by a nonprofit group and funded by fees, grants and donations.

Another complex, the University Area Community Complex, has programs ranging from visual arts and music to sports activities and workforce training. It is run by the nonprofit University Area Community Development Corp.

Most cultural center members and guests understand the wisdom of precautions such as live-streaming events and classes, and reducing audience capacities at events. Still, they're ready for change.

"The response to streaming has tapered off a bit," said Paul Berg, executive director of the Carrollwood Cultural Center. "I think people are tired of watching things at home and just want to go back out."

Summer camp for children and young teens will take place at the center, with COVID-19 safety measures in place.

Located at 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa, in the heart of Carrollwood Village, the Carrollwood Cultural Center is includes a 26,000 square-foot main building equipped with a stage, dressing rooms, art studios, computer lab and conference rooms.

Vaulted ceilings, an open lobby, caterer’s kitchen and artistic decor can be transformed to meet the community's needs. In addition, the cultural center has a 4,400-square-foot sister building, The Studio, with an outdoor stage.

Upcoming events include:

• Jazz With Jim presents Theme from Movies & Television in the Main Theatre June 25 at 7:30 p.m.
• Carrollwood Trivia Night: Sci-Fi in July at The Studio at Carrollwood Cultural Center July 8 at 7 p.m.
• Seussical in the Main Theatre July 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31 at 8 p.m. and Aug. 1 at 4 p.m.

Email Rob Curry at rob@carrollwoodcenter.org or Kimberly Rodriguez at kimberly@carrollwoodcenter.org.