Broward Center for the Performing Arts facts for kids

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts (often called the Broward Center) is a huge place in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It's where you can watch all sorts of amazing shows! This center is a special kind of building called a performing arts center. It opened in 1991.

The Broward Center is located on the north side of the New River. It helped make the downtown area a lively place again. It's also a main part of the Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District.

A famous architect named Benjamin C. Thompson designed the center. Inside, there are four different theaters. You can see operas, ballets, concerts, plays, and many community events here. The Broward Center works with many arts groups. These include the Florida Grand Opera and Miami City Ballet. They also partner with Broadway Across America to bring big Broadway shows.

The Broward Center is one of the most visited theaters in the USA. In 2007, it was ranked among the top theaters worldwide for ticket sales. Each year, over 700,000 people visit the center. They enjoy more than 700 different events.

How the Broward Center Was Built

The idea for the Broward Center started in 1984. The Florida government created a group called the Performing Arts Center Authority (PACA). Their job was to build and then run the center. Many people helped raise money for the project. Citizens, private groups, and the Broward Performing Arts Foundation all worked together.

By 1987, enough money was raised. The project was ready to begin construction. The famous architecture firm of Benjamin Thompson and Associates was chosen to design the building. Building work officially started in May 1988.

The center was finished in early 1991. It cost $54 million to build. The doors opened for the first time on February 26, 1991. The very first show was The Phantom of the Opera. Just ten years later, the center paid off its building loan. This was 11 years earlier than planned!

In 2007, a special live show called Go, Diego, Go! premiered here. It was based on a popular TV episode. This show was very popular with families.

Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District

In 1998, the Broward Center started working with other cultural places nearby. This led to the creation of the Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District. This district helps bring visitors to Fort Lauderdale. It promotes many cultural spots along the New River.

The district includes the Broward Center and other places. These are the Museum of Art/Fort Lauderdale and the Florida Grand Opera. More than 1 million people visit these places each year. They come to enjoy the shows and attractions.

Broward Center's Reach

The Broward Center helps strengthen arts throughout the community. It has partnered with other venues to expand its mission. In 2004, the Broward Center became a managing partner for the Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center. This center is located at Nova Southeastern University.

A year later, the Broward Center also started managing the historic Parker Playhouse. This theater is in east Fort Lauderdale. In 2007, they helped guide the development of the Miramar Cultural Center/Arts Park. They now manage this new theater as well.

The Broward Center is run by a group of 13 volunteers. This group is called the Performing Arts Center Authority (PACA). In October 2023, Ty Sutton was chosen to be the new president and CEO. He started his new role in February 2024.

Theaters at the Broward Center

The Broward Center has several amazing performance spaces.

Au-Rene Theater

This is the main theater for big shows. You can see major international and national productions here. It hosts groups like the Miami City Ballet and Broadway Across America.

• Capacity: 2,658 people
• Famous Shows: The Phantom of the Opera (in 1991 and 2018), Broadway's The Lion King (several times), and Wicked.
• Seating: It has three levels: Orchestra, Mezzanine, and Balcony.

Amaturo Theater

This theater is used for plays and children's shows. It also hosts films, community theater, and concerts. You can see jazz, folk, and classical music here.

• Capacity: 584 people
• Famous Shows: Gold Coast Jazz and the Symphony of the Americas.

Abdo New River Room

This is a flexible space. It can be used for conferences, banquets, or performances. It's great for dinner theater, rehearsals, and speaker programs.

• Capacity: 225 people for seminars; 200 for banquets.
• Location: It's on the same campus as the Au-Rene and Amaturo theaters.

Other Theaters Managed by Broward Center

The Broward Center also helps manage other theaters in the area.

Parker Playhouse

This theater has almost 1,200 seats. It hosts concerts, plays, comedy shows, and dance performances.

• Capacity: 1,147 people
• Famous Shows: In the past, it hosted stars like Elizabeth Taylor and James Earl Jones. More recently, Judy Collins and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band have performed here.
• Location: 707 NE 8th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center

This hall has great lighting and sound. It's used for many community events and lectures. It's also a good place for children's productions.

• Capacity: 498 people
• Seating: 399 seats on the main floor, 99 on the balcony.
• Location: On the campus of Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale.

Awards and Recognitions

The Broward Center has received several awards.

• In March 2007, Mark Nerenhausen, the former President and CEO, received a Silver Medallion Award. This award was from the National Conference for Community and Justice.
• In January 2006, the Brazilian Ministry of Culture called it a "Point of Culture."