The Florida Theatre has been an integral part of Jacksonville's cultural scene since it opened April 8, 1927, but that doesn't mean the historic venue hasn't been through its share of transitions.
Change has been part of the business since actors first stepped on a stage centuries ago, said Numa Saisselin, Florida Theatre Performing Arts Center Inc. president.
He spoke Monday to the Rotary Club of Jacksonville at the organization's meeting at the Omni Hotel.
"The history of theater is about innovation and adapting to change. The Greeks performed theater outdoors and then there were gas lights. Now we use LEDs," he said.
Saisselin said one of the most important dates in Downtown entertainment history is Sept. 5, 2002.
"That's the day the Center Theater fell down, making the Florida Theatre the last historic theater standing," he said.
Originally a vaudeville and film venue, the Florida Theatre, like many urban movie houses, went into decline in the late 1970s.
After a few years of screening martial arts movies, the theater closed for several years before former Mayor Jake Godbold and a group of arts advocates raised money to restore and reopen the venue.
"It's one of only four high-style movie palaces remaining in Florida," said Saisselin.
The building is owned by the City and the performing arts nonprofit leases the theater. Saisselin said more than 100,000 people come Downtown each year to attend performances and events at the theater and public funding provides only 7 percent of the annual budget. The balance comes from rental fees, ticket sales and donations.
"Nonprofit is a tax status, not a business plan," said Saisselin.
He said in addition to helping provide a brand identity for the city and for Downtown, the theater also contributes to the local economy, including supporting more than 100 jobs and contributing an annual economic impact of more than $5 million.
"The arts were economic stimulus long before that term became trendy," Saisselin said.
In addition to a schedule of diverse live entertainment at the Florida Theatre, Saisselin said plans are being completed for the theater's first gala fundraiser in more than 30 years. It's on the calendar for April and Saisselin said the evening will include cocktails and dinner on the Main Street Bridge.
Later this year, the Florida Theatre will celebrate its 30th anniversary as a nonprofit arts organization, he said.
For more information about the theater's history and to view the concert schedule, visit floridatheatre.com.
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