Business Details
30 Years
experience
Premier Event Venue & Performing Arts Center in Largo
For over 27 years, Central Park Performing Arts Center has served as Largo's premier destination for cultural enrichment through live performances, educational programs, and event rentals. Owned and operated by the City of Largo, our state-of-the-art facilities include the Tonne Playhouse, Parkview Room, and Historic Feed Store, each designed to accommodate diverse events from intimate gatherings to large-scale productions. Our dedicated technical team ensures seamless execution of performances with cutting-edge audiovisual systems and staging capabilities.Through arts education initiatives like theatre camps and school performances, we cultivate creativity across generations while maintaining historic venues that blend modern functionality with preserved architectural heritage. With 150+ annual events and flexible rental options, we remain committed to fostering community engagement through accessible, high-quality cultural experiences.
Services
Event Rentals
Theater Productions
Arts Education
Technical Services
School Programs
Wedding Venues
Corporate Events
Live Performances
Historic Venue Tours
Catering Services
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer 27+ years of experience hosting diverse cultural events in Largo
- Our venues combine historic charm with state-of-the-art technical capabilities
- We provide flexible event spaces accommodating 50-654 guests
- Our arts education programs serve both youth and adult learners
- We maintain City-owned facilities with professional technical production support
Services
Event Rentals
Our versatile event spaces accommodate weddings, corporate functions, and special occasions. The Parkview Room seats 200 indoors with outdoor terrace access, while the Historic Feed Store offers intimate settings for 100 guests. The Tonne Playhouse supports theater-style events for up to 654 attendees with technical production capabilities. All venues feature modern amenities including catering kitchens and accessibility features. Our dedicated staff assists with event planning and space configuration.
Arts Education
We provide year-round arts education through theater camps, school performances, and community classes. Our curriculum develops creative skills in youth and adults through hands-on workshops and live performance opportunities. Educational field trips offer immersive theater experiences aligned with school curricula. Summer camps focus on stage production fundamentals while community classes cover various artistic disciplines. All programs emphasize accessibility and cultural enrichment for diverse participants.
Technical Production
Professional technical support includes advanced lighting, sound, and projection systems for live events. Our inventory features ETC Source Four lighting fixtures, db Technologies sound arrays, and multiple projection options up to 13K lumens. The control room manages 21 line sets with 1,500 lb capacity each. Additional services include rigging systems, intercom networks, and backline equipment. Our certified technicians ensure flawless execution of complex stage productions.
Live Performances
We host 150+ annual performances spanning theater, music, and dance genres. The Eight O'Clock Theatre Series offers subscription discounts for regular patrons. Special events include holiday concerts, tribute shows, and family-friendly matinees. Our programming balances local talent showcases with national touring acts. The venue's exceptional acoustics and sightlines enhance audience experiences across all performance types throughout the year.
School Programs
Our Education Live! initiative provides field trip opportunities for schools to experience live theater. Programs align with educational standards while making performing arts accessible to students. Group discounts apply for school bookings with specialized support available. The curriculum includes pre-show educational materials and post-performance discussions. These experiences aim to cultivate appreciation for live performance arts among younger audiences.
People
Danny Lehan
President
Danny Lehan leads the board as President while operating Village Inn. With extensive local business experience, he contributes strategic leadership to advance CPPAC's cultural mission and community engagement initiatives.
John Toppe
Vice President
John Toppe serves as Vice President, leveraging his consulting expertise from Toppe Consultants, Inc. He focuses on operational improvements and business development strategies to support CPPAC's growth and sustainability.
Marc Henderson
Treasurer
Marc Henderson manages financial oversight as Treasurer, applying real estate expertise from Coldwell Banker Realty. He ensures fiscal responsibility while supporting CPPAC's mission to provide quality cultural programming for the community.
Sue Osborne
Secretary
Sue Osborne contributes administrative leadership as Secretary, utilizing her retired professional experience to maintain organizational records and support board operations for CPPAC's continued success.
Fran Bartlett
Board Member
Fran Bartlett brings real estate industry insights from Realty Concepts to the board. She supports CPPAC's community engagement efforts and venue development initiatives to enhance the center's impact on local culture.
Questions
What event spaces are available for rental?
We offer three main venues: Tonne Playhouse (520-654 capacity), Parkview Room (200 indoors + 120 terrace), and Historic Feed Store (100 capacity). Each provides unique settings for weddings, corporate events, and performances.
How can schools participate in educational programs?
Schools can book field trips through our Education Live! program, which provides curriculum-aligned live theater experiences. Group discounts apply for public, private, and homeschool groups with specialized support available.
What technical capabilities exist for performances?
Our venues feature professional-grade systems including ETC lighting, db Technologies sound arrays, and multiple projection options up to 13K lumens. The Tonne Playhouse offers 21 line sets with 1,500 lb capacity each and full technical crew support.
Are there accessibility accommodations?
All venues provide wheelchair-accessible seating, service animal accommodations, and assisted listening devices. Both entrances feature ramps, and restrooms meet ADA accessibility standards for all patrons.
What payment options are accepted?
The box office accepts cash, MasterCard, Visa, and Discover for ticket purchases. Online payments use secure processing, and gift certificates are available in any denomination through our website or in-person.
How early should I arrive for events?
The lobby opens one hour before performances with theater doors opening 30 minutes prior. Late seating decisions occur at staff discretion, so we recommend arriving early for optimal entry experience.
