The Baker Theatre & Education Center

Passionately committed to enriching the cultural landscape of our region by producing professional theatre to the highest artistic standards, Gulfshore Playhouse is a thriving institution that has entertained and engaged hundreds of thousands of people through beautiful world-class professional productions, and impacted tens of thousands of children through innovative and inclusive educational programming.

Destined to be an iconic landmark at the gateway to downtown for generations to come, the new Gulfshore Playhouse Cultural Campus is located at the corner of 1st Avenue South and Goodlette-Frank Road.

Offering more than 40,000 square feet of space, the theatre and education center enhances the vibrant redevelopment occurring in the downtown area, and spurs more than $20 million annually in economic activity within the City.

Imagine the possibilities for programming in the 368-seat Mainstage Theatre. From the comfortable and easily accessible seating with impeccable sight lines, patrons will witness stunning large-cast musicals and comedies, treasured classics, and other technically impressive works produced on the architecturally-superb mainstage.

The new theatre features a second, more intimate, 125-seat Studio Theatre where a diverse array of programming from edgier new works to Theatre for Young Audiences will be produced, as well as performances by students of Gulfshore Playhouse Education.

A light-filled, open and airy space, the Struthers Hall welcomes patrons and visitors from near and far. Available for rentals and gatherings, this space provides the ideal ambience for creating memories during special events, Galas, weddings and parties, while also serving as ample rehearsal space for our quality productions and audience engagement programming. Our lovely Rooftop Terrace also allows for additional meeting space or mingling outdoors.

The expansive Grand Akin Lobby with café, bar and lounge will welcome members of our community for lively discussions before or after a performance.

The dedicated education wing’s classrooms and rehearsal spaces will host activities accessible to students of all ages and backgrounds.

We’ve also ensured convenient and easily accessible onsite parking for all who visit the theatre.

With an expanded capability for a vast array of show programming – including a myriad of educational offerings, community outreach initiatives, and anticipated programs for underserved children – the community will have countless opportunities to engage with varied audiences resulting in expanded dialogue and perspective on world issues.

And underscoring every facet of the new Gulfshore Playhouse Cultural Campus will be an unwavering commitment to the health and safety of all visitors. Special attention has been given to the use of special metals and materials in the building that are anti-bacterial and anti-viral, HVAC systems that pull in fresh air, and filtered water, as well as touch-free doors, faucets, and toilets.  

Please join us. We have a seat waiting for you.