Of House and Home 2026 Playwright!

We’re thrilled to announce that Deon Barksdale, Jr.’s short play Chameleons has been selected as one of seven winning plays for the 2026 Of House and Home Short Play Festival, presented by Art Prevails Project as part of the Amplify Arts initiative.

This carefully curated festival features staged readings of new works that promise to tickle your funny bone, tug at your heartstrings, or quite possibly do both. Chameleons joins a dynamic lineup of stories that celebrate bold voices, lived experiences, and the power of contemporary theatre.

Amplify Arts is a new initiative of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, designed to support and elevate local artists and emerging arts organizations while helping them reach wider audiences and grow as professional presenters. Throughout the year, South Florida artists across a wide range of performing arts disciplines will have opportunities to showcase their work on Broward Center stages.

During the 2025–2026 season, the Broward Center’s Amplify Arts initiative is made possible through the generous support of Wayne and Lucretia Weiner, Baptist Health, and TD Charitable Foundation.

fade to black Reading series 2026; a success in the midst of winter storm fern

spongebob musical tickets are on sale!

Tickets are on sale for The SpongeBob Musical now!

Who lives in a pineapple and is ready to rock the stage? SpongeBob The Musical is making waves at New Tampa Players! This bold, bright, and hilarious show brings all your favorite Bikini Bottom characters to life with an original score by music legends like Sara Bareilles, Panic! At The Disco, Cyndi Lauper, and more. When a volcano threatens their undersea world, it’s up to SpongeBob and his friends to save the day—with friendship, courage, and a whole lot of bubbles. Packed with heart, humor, and high-energy fun, join our mainstage cast and our Ampersand cast for SpongeBob The Musical. It’s an unforgettable adventure for audiences of all ages!

Live on stage at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center.

Presented through the generous support of Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa.

Presented with special arrangement through Concord Theatricals.

dramatists guild member!

2026 Fade to black reading series winner!

Deon Barksdale, Jr. has been selected as one of the featured playwrights for the 9th Annual Fade To Black Reading Series, produced by Shabach Enterprise. Taking place January 23–25, 2026, in Houston, Texas, the series celebrates innovative new works by Black playwrights from across the nation.

Each year, Fade To Black spotlights stories that embody powerful storytelling, bold perspectives, and the continued evolution of Black theatre. Barksdale’s work joins a lineup that reflects the artistry and authenticity shaping the next generation of Black voices in American theatre.

aSSISTANT DIRECTOR OF tHE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL

Deon is thrilled to announce his role as Assistant Director for The SpongeBob Musical, working under the guidance and partnership of Artistic Director and Director, Nora Paine.

🌊✨ Plunge into this all-singing, all-dancing, dynamic stage show! When the citizens of Bikini Bottom learn that a volcano threatens to destroy their home, SpongeBob and his friends must band together to save their undersea world. With lives at stake and all hope nearly lost, an unexpected hero rises to prove that the power of optimism really can save the day.

Based on the beloved animated series created by Stephen Hillenburg, The SpongeBob Musical features a book by Kyle Jarrow and an incredible lineup of original songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, David Bowie, and so many more, it's a true theatrical celebration.

For more information, click the button below to be redirected to the New Tampa Players website!

Great American Teach In & Jr. Thespians

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Wrapping Up Production on The Preacherman

The Preacherman by Cris Eli Blak