TAMPA, Fla. — For the next three months, minority playwrights will take center stage at the Straz. The Performing Arts Center is hosting a free series of play readings. The plays are written by people who are Black, Indigenous or People of Color.  It’s part of an effort to bring more diversity to the performing arts world.

What You Need To Know

  • Plays are written by people who are Black, Indigenous or People of Color will be presented 3/10, 4/14 and 5/26

  • Readings are free and held at 2:30 p.m. in TECO Theater

  • Reservations are required by calling 813-229-7827

“I’m in awe,” said playwright Elijah Seay. “Ecstatic!”

Elijah Seay works with children as a therapeutic specialist at Metropolitan Ministries in Tampa. He is also a playwright. Recently, the Straz Center picked Seay’s work to be read and performed on stage. Children from Metropolitan Ministries will have the chance to go on stage and act out parts of the play. Seay is very excited.

“I’ve never done anything quite like this before,” Seay said. “It’s always been a dream of mine to do something of this sort.”

As a child, Seay became a fan of performing arts after participating in a program with the Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center. The program was part of a special partnership with Metropolitan Ministries. 

At 12 years old, Seay started writing his play, but he stopped. As an adult, he was encouraged to finish his childhood work.

“Back then, 12-year-old me never saw myself being where I am now,” Seay said.

He hopes through his story, people will be inspired to go for their dreams.

“I would like people to see I didn’t give up,” Seay said.

Seay’s play - Time’s Testimony - was presented March 10 at the Teco Theater. The play shares the testimony of a man whose faith is tested as he struggles through life’s ups and downs.

After the reading, the audience asked Seay questions to get an insight into his creative process.

Other playwrights will also get the chance to present their work in April and May. This is the third year for the Straz Center’s Black, Indigenous and People of Color - play reading series.