Broward Center for the Performing Arts facts for kids
| Address | 201 SW 5th Ave Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312-7112 |
|---|---|
| Location | Sailboat Bend |
| Owner | Broward County |
| Operator | Performing Arts Center Authority |
| Type | Performing arts center |
| Capacity | 2,658 (Au-Rene Theater) 584 (Amaturo Theater) 188-220 (Abdo New River Room) 220 (Porter Riverview Ballroom) |
| Construction | |
| Opened | February 26, 1991 |
| Renovated | 2014 |
| Architect | Benjamin Thompson and Associates |
| Tenants | |
| Broadway Across America Florida Grand Opera |
|
The Broward Center for the Performing Arts, often called the "Broward Center," is a big place in downtown Fort Lauderdale. It's where many different shows happen. You can find it along the New River.
This center opened in 1991. It helped make the downtown area a lively place again. It's also part of the Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District.
The Broward Center has many theaters. They host all kinds of performances. These include opera, ballet, concerts, and plays. It also hosts lectures and community events.
Many groups work with the Broward Center. These include the Symphony of the Americas and Florida Grand Opera. Miami City Ballet and Broadway Across America also perform here.
The Broward Center is very popular. It's one of the most visited theaters in the United States. In 2007, it was ranked among the top theaters worldwide for ticket sales. Over 700,000 people visit each year for more than 700 events.
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Building the Broward Center
The idea for the Broward Center started in 1984. The Florida government created a group called the Performing Arts Center Authority (PACA). This group was in charge of building the center.
Many people and groups helped raise money. The Downtown Development Authority, citizens, and private donors all worked together. They also got grants from the city, county, and state.
By 1987, enough money was raised. A famous architecture firm, Benjamin Thompson and Associates, was chosen to design the building. Construction began in May 1988.
The center was finished in early 1991. It cost $54 million to build. The doors officially opened on February 26, 1991. The first show was The Phantom of the Opera.
The Broward Center paid off its building loan early. This happened in 2002, 11 years ahead of schedule. This showed how successful the center was.
Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District
In 1998, the Broward Center started working with other local attractions. They created the Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District. This district helps bring visitors to Fort Lauderdale.
The district includes the Broward Center and The Museum of Art. It also features the Florida Grand Opera and the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society. The Historic Stranahan House Museum is also part of it.
More than 1 million people visit these places each year. They come to enjoy the many cultural events.
How the Broward Center Helps Other Theaters
The Broward Center helps other arts groups in the community. It has partnered with several other theaters. This helps spread arts and culture to more people.
In 2004, the Broward Center became a partner for the Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center. This center is at Nova Southeastern University.
A year later, the Broward Center started managing the Parker Playhouse. This historic theater in Fort Lauderdale has 1,100 seats.
In 2007, the Broward Center also helped the Miramar Cultural Center/Arts Park. It helped guide its early development. Now, the Broward Center manages this 800-seat theater.
The Broward Center is run by a group of 13 volunteers. This group is called the Performing Arts Center Authority. In October 2023, Ty Sutton was chosen as the new leader. He started his job in February 2024.
Performance Spaces at the Broward Center
The Broward Center has several different performance areas. Each one is designed for different types of shows.
Au-Rene Theater
This is the main theater at the Broward Center. It hosts big shows from around the world and the country. You can see ballet, opera, and Broadway shows here.
- Capacity: 2,658 seats
- Famous Shows: The Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King, 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 music groups. You can see jazz, folk, and classical concerts here.
- Capacity: 584 seats
- Famous Shows: Gold Coast Jazz and 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 special events.
- Capacity: 225 people for shows; 200 for banquets.
- Location: It's on the same campus as the Amaturo and Au-Rene theaters.
Other Theaters Managed by the Broward Center
The Broward Center also manages other performance venues in the area.
Parker Playhouse
This theater is managed by the Broward Center's governing group, PACA. It's used for concerts, plays, comedy, and dance.
- Capacity: 1,147 seats
- Location: 707 NE 8th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304.
Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center
This hall has good lighting and sound. It's used for community events, company meetings, and lectures. It also hosts children's shows.
- Capacity: 498 seats (399 orchestra, 99 balcony).
- Location: On the campus of Nova Southeastern University, 3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Blvd., Fort Lauderdale.
Awards and Special Recognitions
The Broward Center and its leaders have received awards.
- In March 2007, Mark Nerenhausen, who was the President and CEO, received a Silver Medallion Award. This was from the National Conference for Community and Justice.
- In January 2006, the Brazilian Ministry of Culture called it a "Point of Culture."
