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A R T & C U L T U R E
The Rialto Theatre
rialtotampa.com
The Rialto Theatre, originally built
in 1924 as a live stage theatre, was
occupied by automotive repair,
65 years before being purchased
by 8-Count Productions. Although
the original intention of the theater
was creative, and even supported
by the Federal Theatre Project for a
period of time, the stage and seats
were long removed and all that
was left was a rundown warehouse
space with a crumbling proscenium.
The elevated stage was removed
around 1950, but the "stage"
area behind the proscenium has
45 feet overhead until the original
Many theater enthusiasts hoped
the space would be restored as a
working theater but 8-Count had
Instead of a black box, the space
was painted all white, other than the
aged brick wall to the back of the
the mezzanine remains behind new
white walls.
8-Count Productions installed track
lighting and a hanging system
for art that is changed out every
2 months by a local artist, with a
reception as part of the Downtown
Partnership's Fourth Friday gallery
stroll. Most Saturday evenings
are spent celebrating couple's
exchanging vows and dancing
the night away, but each Sunday
evening a different set of dancers
A free open cypher hosts hip hop
dancers late into the night with
the occasional photographer or dj
stopping through. And sometimes,
couples getting married will get
private ballroom lessons before
cyphers begin, in the months
As an effort to support the arts,
the space offers discounted rates
live art, and performances. Diggs
Deeper based out of LA, Florida
Footwork Conference, Thesis
Dance, an immersive 2-night
performance of Much Ado, Luche
2 by Pale Horse, fashion shows,
and local dance studio showcases
have taken the stage in the historic
theatre. Additionally, the space is
available for photoshoots and video
productions during the week and
has hosted HSN for a week shooting
their 2016 Fall Fashion launch, Vyb
and Tampa Bay Modern Dance
Company's shoot "The Grip", and
a number of local musicians' music
videos.