The Mahaffey Theater aims to co-host acts with USF St. Petersburg, breathing youthfulness into the arts and establishing a beneficial relationship. At least one “big-name comedy act” suggested by students has been tentatively scheduled for December.
Representatives from Student Government polled students and compiled a list of favorable acts, which included actors Neil Patrick Harris and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and comedians Zach Galifianakis, Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert and Daniel Tosh.
On May 22, representatives from SG and Student Affairs met with the theater’s management to discuss the ideas. Some of the requests were out of the price range or capacity of the venue, but others were taken into consideration by Mahaffey’s management.
“There were a lot of good ideas, and a lot of positive energy circulating,” said Joe Santiago, Mahaffey’s general manager.
Mahaffey’s planners left the meeting with ideas for acts they could realistically host.
“This is a good start, and the beginning of a productive relationship. Who knows where it will be five years down the road?” Santiago said.
None of the proposed events have been confirmed, but the big-name comedy act may become part of a planned dinner event that the university is having at the Mahaffey in December.
“It was a perfect opportunity to get the students to co-promote a show,” Santiago said.
He said the meeting was optimistic and showed promise for a budding relationship that will benefit both USFSP and the Mahaffey.
The theater has shown interest in reaching out to a younger demographic in the past. The Mahaffey has participated in USFSP’s Get On Board Day twice within the last year. The icebreaking expo allowed them to get to know some of the many faces and interests of students. Now, they are seeking to turn friendship into partnership with the acts specifically requested by and targeted at the student body.
