Beyond The Stage

Theatre, at its core, is a storytelling experience. Join American Stage as we venture Beyond the Stage into new spaces and storytelling formats. These new programs are local, immersive, and diverse. It's unlike anything St. Pete has ever seen before. Be sure to follow along as we update you on the creation of these pieces.

Sponsors

Tales by Twilight

January 12–February 18, 2024

Ditch the seat and get ready for a hike through Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. In this immersive experience, actors will spin a story that stretches far and wide across the trail. It's the perfect chance to experience nature and art at the same time. Be sure to plan to come several times; every two weeks, our company of actors will perform a different story written just for Boyd Hill.

LIft Every Voice

May 2 - 4, 2025

American Stage is committed to producing powerful stories, boldly told. Lift Every Voice is a new play festival committed to providing exposure to emerging playwrights with a focus on women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ storytellers. This year’s programming includes a week-long rehearsal and development process for each of the final playwrights and their plays, culminating in public staged readings. In addition, the festival weekend includes workshops, panels, and  lectures. All public events are held May 2 - May 4, 2025. 

HEdwig at Jannus

June 14-15, 2024

Welcome to a euphoric night on a rock ‘n’ roll rollercoaster with our transgender icon and protagonist Hedwig – a hedonistic genderqueer anti-heroine seemingly hellbent on destruction. This darkly humorous self-love story, powered by a live band, epic rock music and hard-hitting lyrics, explores gender identity, acceptance and the freedom to be whoever you want to be. This multi-Tony award winning show will leave you begging for more. And catch an additional week of Hedwig and the Angry Inch at the grunge alleway venue that is Jannus Live!

Bats#it

June 21, 23, & 24

Part confessional. Part storytelling. All ridiculous, “Bats#!t” is a 75-minute monologue that, depending on statutes of limitations and local laws regarding admission of guilt wherever this may be produced, is either 100% fictional or entirely autobiographical. Trigger warning:  This show contains a cis white man talking about himself for over an hour. It also contains some legit-upsetting topics like parallel parking; theater camp; coming out in small-town, rural America; assault; addiction; pickle ball; and mental illness. Oh! And clowns!

Unplugged

June 23 & July 27th
Join American Stage as we t.

Join American Stage as we go on a musical journey with local artists!

Unplugged allows local music performers a chance tell their stories their way through their music - or their favorite music - for one-night only!

Weird in st. pete

October 24 - November 3, 2024
Location: FloridaRAMA

Taken directly from the weird and wacky tales that make St. Pete one-of-a-kind, this new, immersive play will take you on a wild ride through the FloridaRAMA Experience, as some well known (and not so well known) characters in St Pete folklore come to life!

Wonderful Life

December 5-22, 2024
Location: The Raymond James Theatre at American Stage

Wonderful Life features local favorite Gavin Hawk and American Stage Producing Artistic Director, Helen R. Murray in a heartwarming 75 min retelling of the classic holiday story, Wonderful Life where one actor plays every character in Bedford Falls.

George Bailey’s struggle to grasp why life is worth living finds a fresh voice in this imaginative one-person retelling of Frank Capra’s classic film, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Join the residents of Bedford Falls, New York on a fateful Christmas Eve in 1945 when angels, alternate realities and miracles change the way we see our place in the world. 

Tinseltown USA

December 5 - 22, 2024
Location:  American Stage

American Stage will get a festive makeover and transform into Tinseltown USA, an immersive holiday experience! Enter a magical winter town and create your own adventure in this self-paced experience. For a short time, leave Florida behind and become a resident of Tinseltown USA where the whole family can take part in holiday fun.

Tales by Twilight

January 30 - February 23, 2025
Location:  Boyd Hill Nature preserve

Who said you need to sit down to enjoy theatre? Ditch the seat, get some fresh air, and go on a storytelling adventure through Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. Tales by Twilight returns with another story on the move that will take you on a journey through the trails at Boyd Hill.

Puppy Hamlet

April 12, 2025
Location:  The Raymond James Theatre at American Stage

To bark or not to bark?  That's never a question! Enjoy an improvised retelling of Hamlet, featuring our cast of adoptable puppies and the actors who will work with our adorable best friends to present an improv show like none other! 

Fresh Ink

April, May, June, 2025 (Exact dates Tbd)
Location:  TBD

Experience the development of a new play with this staged reading series! Enjoy hearing new work at local hot-spots around town, and engage in meaningful conversation post-show! 

Summer Cabaret Series

July 12, 19, 26, 2025
Location:  American Stage (Lobby)

American Stage’s lobby will become our sizzling summer speakeasy for this fun filled series! Get ready for a triple-treat of weekends, each one featuring a unique artist at the helm, curating a sensational musical showcase. It's a heartfelt tribute to our favorite musicals and iconic artists by iconic local performers —three distinct celebrations that promise to bring the house down!