Arts & Entertainment

New Theater Has Grand Opening in St. Petersburg

freeFall Theatre co-founders Kevin Lane and Eric Davis renovated the former Christian Science Church complex, which is on the west end of Central Avenue.

St. Petersburg has a new theater complex on a 3-acre campus.

Today marked the grand opening of  freeFall Theatre Company, at 6099 Central Ave. The building is a former Christian Science church complex renovated by the theater's co-founders, Kevin Lane and Eric Davis.

The theater's mission is to "present a varied range of classical and new works that are bold, daring, and diverse."

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The building is on the west end of Central Avenue, an area where the city is eager to see redevelopment.

The complex is large, a 140-160 seat studio theater that can be configured in various ways. There is a large parking lot. The company plans to renovate the former sanctuary in 2013 to become a 200 seat main stage theater. It will use the outdoor green space for some performances.

Find out what's happening in St. Petewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

freeFall's organizers approached the city in July 2009, seeking a home for freeFall Theatre. The pair worked with Development Review Services to locate the 3-acre site.

Producing Director Kevin Lane said, “We are delighted to become a part of such a growing arts community and to expand the boundaries, both in terms of our theater offerings and geographically, moving from downtown west toward the beaches.”

In addition to locally produced plays, the theater also will have an educational arm. freeFall Theatre has partnered with Larry Silverberg, an acting coach, to bring the world headquarters of the "True Acting Institute" to freeFall Theatre. Visit the True Acting Institute website.

For more information on the facility and the various shows/programs in store, call 727-498-5205. Show times are Wednesdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.,  Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.

Here is a look at the theater's schedule:

Feb 4 - Feb 20

The Frogs

Mar 17 - Apr 3

Miss Julie

May 12 - May 29

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

June 23 - July 10

Man of La Mancha

Sept. 11-26

ROOMS A Rock Romance

Oct. 22-Nov. 7

Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde


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