Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts

Members Mingle Happy Hour
2025-06-25 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | The Mahaffey, 400 1st St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701, United States
Members Mingle at The Mahaffey
Hosted by Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts
Wednesday, June 25
from 5pm – 7pm
Open to Members of Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts
RSVP to (727) 300-2000

Once a month, Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts hosts Members Mingle at The Mahaffey! These intimate mingling events feature alternating Happy Hours and Conversations Over Coffee.
Join us on Wednesday, June 25 in the Members Lounge from 5pm – 7pm for Happy Hour! Come enjoy complimentary drinks, live music, light appetizers and the company of fellow members.
This is a members only event. Please RSVP ahead of time by calling (727) 300-2000!

Summer Camp Fundraiser with Special Guest Laura Bell Bundy!
2025-07-18 19:30 - 21:00
One Night Only – Laura Bell Bundy
Friday, July 18 at 7:30pm
Tickets go on sale Fri, 6/13 at 10am
Member Presale begins Thursday, 6/12 at 10am
Tickets available on Ticketmaster
Or call (727) 300-2000
Parking is $10, cash only

The Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater is proud to announce a special one-night-only event featuring Broadway star Laura Bell Bundy, best known for originating the role of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde the Musical. Friday, July 18, Bundy will perform in a cabaret-style fundraiser performance, featuring two solos, plus a special number from Wicked, where she starred as Glinda on Broadway. She will join the Legally Blonde Jr. summer campers from Mahaffey’s Class Acts program for a collaborative performance.
In its third year, the Mahaffey Class Acts Summer Camp provides transformative performing arts education for students across the region. Ms. Bundy will lead a private workshop with the students, working with them to refine their performance, offer professional insights, and provide one-on-one coaching before their show the following week. The workshop itself is not open to the public, but the evening performance provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the impact of arts education and support future programming.
Guests will enjoy a Cocktail Dinner Reception, behind-the-scenes tours of the ballroom and stage set, and an opportunity to meet the cast of Legally Blonde Jr. The evening features raffle drawings and VIP seating in the front section for the performance, all in support of local arts education.
“We are thrilled to welcome Laura Bell Bundy to the Mahaffey stage—not only as an extraordinary performer but as an inspiring mentor to our Class Acts students,” said Bill Edwards, CEO and Founder of Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts. “It’s an incredible opportunity for these young performers to learn directly from a Tony-nominated Broadway star. This event reflects our Foundation’s ongoing commitment to ensuring every child has access to quality arts education. These camps—and the impact they create—are exactly why we do what we do.”
This event serves as a fundraiser to support youth arts education, with all proceeds benefiting the Mahaffey Class Acts Summer Camps, which are made possible through the support of Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts.
About Laura Bell Bundy
Laura Bell Bundy is a Tony-nominated Broadway actress, recording artist, and advocate. She is best known for originating the roles of Amber Von Tussle in Hairspray, Glinda in Wicked, and Elle Woods in Legally Blonde the Musical, the latter of which earned her a Tony Award nomination for Best Leading Actress in a Musical. In 2010, Bundy signed with Mercury Records Nashville and released two successful country singles. She is also the co-founder of Womxn of Tomorrow, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing women’s rights.

Coffee + Connections
2025-07-23 09:00 - 11:00
Coffee + Connections at The Mahaffey
Hosted by Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts
Wednesday, July 23
9am – 11am
Open to the public
RSVP to (727) 300-2000

During July’s Coffee + Connections event, we will feature our Legally Blonde The Musical JR. Summer Camp. Join us to learn more about the incredible opportunities Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts creates for students throughout the year. Attendees are welcome to observe Summer Camp in action!
Each Coffee Conversation will highlight a different corporate supporter to thank them publicly and provide them with additional recognition amongst our members.
Our Coffee Conversations are open to the public. Please RSVP ahead of time by calling Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts at (727) 300-2000.

Legally Blonde the Musical Jr.
2025-07-25 19:30 - 21:00
Legally Blonde The Musical JR
Friday, July 25 at 7:30pm
Tickets go on sale Fri, 6/13 at 10am
Member Presale begins Thursday, 6/12 at 10am
Tickets available on Ticketmaster
Or call (727) 300-2000
Parking is $10, cash only

Join us for a fabulously fun performance of Legally Blonde The Musical JR., presented by the Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts at the Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater. Performed by the talented young artists of our 2025 Summer Camp, this high-energy, family-friendly production follows Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal, proving that staying true to yourself never goes out of style. With catchy songs, dynamic choreography, and plenty of pink, this uplifting musical is the perfect way to celebrate the creativity and hard work of our next generation of performers.

Legally Blonde the Musical Jr.
2025-07-26 15:30 - 17:00
Legally Blonde The Musical JR
Saturday, July 26 at 3:30pm
Tickets go on sale Fri, 6/13 at 10am
Member Presale begins Thursday, 6/12 at 10am
Tickets available on Ticketmaster
Or call (727) 300-2000
Parking is $10, cash only

Join us for a fabulously fun performance of Legally Blonde The Musical JR., presented by the Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts at the Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater. Performed by the talented young artists of our 2025 Summer Camp, this high-energy, family-friendly production follows Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal, proving that staying true to yourself never goes out of style. With catchy songs, dynamic choreography, and plenty of pink, this uplifting musical is the perfect way to celebrate the creativity and hard work of our next generation of performers.

Members Mingle Happy Hour
2025-08-27 17:00 - 19:00
Members Mingle at The Mahaffey
Hosted by Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts
Wednesday, Aug 27 from 5-7pm
Open to Members & their guests
RSVP to (727) 300-2000

Once a month, Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts hosts Members Mingle at The Mahaffey! These intimate mingling events feature alternating Happy Hours and Conversations Over Coffee.
Join us on Wednesday, August 27 in the Members Lounge from 5pm – 7pm for Happy Hour! Bring a friend to enjoy complimentary drinks, live music, light appetizers and the company of fellow members.
This is a members only event. Please RSVP ahead of time by calling (727) 300-2000!

Fluid Dreams: Surreal Visions of Louis Markoya - Opening Night
2025-09-18 17:00 - 19:00
Opening Night Invitation!
Join us Thursday, September 18th, from 5:00-7:00 PM for the debut of ” Fluid Dreams: Surreal Visions of Louis Markoya.” Explore mesmerizing works displayed throughout the theater and meet the artist himself – a protege of the late Salvador Dali – as he shares the inspiration behind his surreal visions.
A portion of the proceeds benefits the Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts.
RSVP required: Call 727-300-2000 or email membership@themahaffey.com

DEFYING LIMITS THROUGH DANCE | Class Acts
2025-09-22 11:00 - 12:30
An Educational Schooltime performance focusing on Disability and the Arts. REVolutions Dance is a Tampa-based integrated dance company that features seated and standing dancers.
REVolutions Dance was created with the intention of uniting diverse communities of individuals with and without disabilities through movement, creativity, and artistry. Our efforts to achieve equity and unity in the dance world can be experienced through our education, community outreach programming, and professional performances which are always rooted in our belief that compassion, understanding, and empathy are the building blocks of a diverse and inclusive community.

Coffee + Connections
2025-09-24 09:00 - 11:00
Coffee + Connections at The Mahaffey
Hosted by Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts
Wednesday, September 24 from 9-11am
Open to the public
RSVP to (727) 300-2000

During September’s Coffee + Connections event, we will feature one of our valued Corporate Partners, Dr. Holly Durning & Associates – Holistic Medicine, Acupuncture Physician, during our Member Spotlight!
Each Coffee Conversation will highlight a different corporate supporter to thank them publicly and provide them with additional recognition amongst our members.
Our Coffee Conversations are open to the public. Please RSVP ahead of time by calling Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts at (727) 300-2000.

BAM! FEST | ABSTRACT ART!
2025-09-30 10:30 - 13:30
A FREE field trip experience at the Mahaffey Theater in Downtown St. Petersburg.​
Step into a world where imagination runs wild! Students will explore the playful and expressive side of visual art through bold shapes, colors, and textures. With hands-on projects and interactive stations, this festival encourages creativity without boundaries—showing young artists that there’s no “wrong way” to make art.

BILLY GOATS GRUFF and Other Tales | Class Acts
2025-10-08 11:00 - 12:30
Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s newest production, Billy Goats Gruff and Other Tales, presents a fresh and engaging reimagining of three cherished children’s stories—Goldilocks and the Three Bears, The Three Little Pigs, and The Three Billy Goats Gruff. Filled with adventure, humor, and heroism, the story follows a brave raccoon and clever mouse who are on a journey to collect treasure. Along the way, they unknowingly help the goats, bears, and pigs, preventing disaster—without any of the animals ever encountering a true villain. This imaginative retelling seamlessly interweaves three classic tales into a heartwarming adventure that celebrates friendship and courage.
Designed for children ages 3 to 7, Mermaid Theatre’s latest production offers a captivating performance, laughter, and wonder for young audiences.
Learning connections: Friendship, Community, Storytelling/Story Elements, Fables, Fairy Tales, Puppetry, Visual Art, Theatre, Movement, Mammals (Science), Forces and Interactions/Motion and Stability (Science), Counting, Sorting, Adding with the number 3 (Math), Shapes (Math), Visual Literacy, Texture

BAM! FEST | CAREER DAY
2025-10-21 10:30 - 13:30
​A FREE field trip experience at the Mahaffey Theater in Downtown St. Petersburg.
​From fire and police chiefs to artists and singers, from scientists to athletes—students will meet real-life role models who inspire, create, and protect our community. This festival is all about exploring possibilities, asking questions, and discovering the many paths their future could take.

PINKALICIOUS THE MUSICAL | Class Acts
2025-10-27 11:00 - 12:30
Pinkalicious loves pink and wants everything in her life to be pink. Her dream is to radiate pink. After over indulging in pink cupcakes, she wakes up pink. She is thrilled to be pink and have her dream come true. Her parents take her to the doctor, and she is diagnosed with pinkititis. On the way home, Pinkalicious plays at the playground but is attacked by birds and bees when she is mistaken for a pink flower. Her best friend doesn’t even recognize her as she is camouflaged in the garden. At home, she eats another cupcake, and the next morning she wakes up red and develops pink eye pinkititis whereby she can only see the color pink. Now she must do something to fix her predicament. She bravely follows the doctor’s order to eat green food. Due to her new resolve, Pinkalicious is transformed back to normal. Pinkalicious has learned self-control and to be careful of what you wish for. Her brother, on the other hand, has eaten the last cupcake, turns pink, and shouts with glee: Pink-A-Boo!*

MAEBELLE’S SUITCASE | Class Acts
2025-11-10 11:00 - 12:30
A bilingual adaptation of a beloved Reading Rainbow picture book.
Maebelle lives in her treehouse and is an incredible hat maker. She’s been working hard ahead of the town’s annual hat contest when she befriends Binkle, a bird with a migration dilemma. He’s trying to carry too much on his flight south for the winter! As Maebelle generously offers her cherished suitcase from her own migration from Colombia, they delve into profound reflections on the significance of our possessions and memories. Through laughter and tears, Maebelle and Binkle help each other discover the beauty of remembrance and the liberating power of letting go.
Multi-generational audiences will love this enchanting tale celebrating friendship, cultural heritage, and the universal lessons found within the stories of our lives. Featuring a two-person cast, various styles of puppetry, environmental themes, & Colombian music.

MISTER C LIVE: When Science Goes Viral | Class Acts
2025-11-19 11:00 - 12:30
Join Mister C in the lab for another amazing day of learning as he attempts the world’s coolest and most popular experiments with YOU, his science crew!! Jumbo centripetal force boards, on-stage mentos geysers, GIANT elephant toothpaste and so many more experiments will transform how students, parents and teachers feel about learning science! Mister C’s positive attitude, his love for science and his passion for creating media makes this show fun for learners of all ages. Warning: Attendees may experience laughter, learning and a love for science! Combining Mister C’s love of science and making epic videos is sure to create an amazingly fun learning adventure that encourages exploration, curiosity and even failure! From chemical reactions, kitchen concoctions, and DIY rockets, Mister C uses humor, media and the engineering design process to make the ordinary extraordinary.
Mister C is a regional Emmy Award winning producer for his show DIY Science Time which airs on PBS stations across the country! He is a 15-time Telly Award winner for DIY Science Time and he’s also a 4-time regional Emmy nominated host for Full STEAM Ahead.

BAM! FEST | PUPPETRY UNLEASHED!
2025-12-03 10:30 - 13:30
A FREE field trip experience at the Mahaffey Theater in Downtown St. Petersburg.
Where imagination comes to life! Students dive into the magical world of puppetry—creating, performing, and exploring this timeless art form. With interactive stations led by puppeteers, kids will learn how simple materials transform into characters that tell unforgettable stories.

MAD LIBS LIVE! | Class Acts
2026-01-26 11:00 - 12:30
Mad Libs Live! is a new, interactive musical based on the most popular word game of all time. The show follows four teenagers, Virtuosa, Gogo, Geyser and Merrily, as they band together to win a singing competition. When they realize their songs have some holes, it’s up to the audience to help them out!
Our story begins at the finals of Teen Superstars, the live TV show that will determine the most popular singing group at Blankville Central High. Virtuosa, Gogo, Geyser, and Merrily seem to have nothing in common – until just before airtime, when they realize that their songs are missing words! In the spirit of the “World’s Greatest Word Game,” our gang fills in the blanks with words from the audience! This truly interactive musical changes at every performance – thanks to you! Will GoGo get the girl? Will Geyser make new friends? Will Merrily come out of her shell? Will Virtuosa get out of the spotlight? And who will be the next Teen Superstars?? There is only one way to find out: Mad Libs Live!

MAD LIBS LIVE! | Class Acts
2026-01-27 11:00 - 12:30
Mad Libs Live! is a new, interactive musical based on the most popular word game of all time. The show follows four teenagers, Virtuosa, Gogo, Geyser and Merrily, as they band together to win a singing competition. When they realize their songs have some holes, it’s up to the audience to help them out!
Our story begins at the finals of Teen Superstars, the live TV show that will determine the most popular singing group at Blankville Central High. Virtuosa, Gogo, Geyser, and Merrily seem to have nothing in common – until just before airtime, when they realize that their songs are missing words! In the spirit of the “World’s Greatest Word Game,” our gang fills in the blanks with words from the audience! This truly interactive musical changes at every performance – thanks to you! Will GoGo get the girl? Will Geyser make new friends? Will Merrily come out of her shell? Will Virtuosa get out of the spotlight? And who will be the next Teen Superstars?? There is only one way to find out: Mad Libs Live

NUMBERS DON’T LIE | Class Acts
2026-01-29 11:00 - 12:30
When two failing math students, Algie & Bray take a trip to an enchanted museum,anything can happen. (song-Endless Possibilities) After falling behind their tour group, the kids stumble upon an old broken-down exhibit called “The Brain.” The premise is that you can ask the Brain any question in the world and it will answer the question using math. Curious about the exhibit, they try and get it to work, but to no avail so they start to leave. Suddenly, in a whiz bang flash, the brain comes to life and the excitement begins! Weaving in the 5 basic strands of elementary mathematics, this multi-media musical proves how throughout civilization, math has led the way in every facet of our history. (title song-Numbers Don’t Lie) Filled with fun audience participation songs like “Pollution Solution” and “The Tap Measure”, Algie & Bray can’t wait to get back to the classroom and share their new-found knowledge. In the rousing finale, “Math Rules”, the students learn that from sports to science, medicine to music, math is necessary in every part of our lives.

HOW TO SURVIVE MIDDLE SCHOOL | Class Acts
2026-02-09 11:00 - 12:30
Comedian Robert Post barely survived Middle School. Struggling because of various learning disabilities, he found that making people laugh saved him. In this brand new multimedia performance, kids talk to kids in a compelling, funny and educational show. Dealing with real issues affecting students today including social media, testing, bullying and peer pressure these video testimonials by kids and their advocates (along with a generous dose of Post’s signature humor) is sure to resonate with school and public audiences alike.
One of Robert Post’s childhood report cards in Columbus, Ohio, gave a hint as to how his future might unfold. Not amused by Robert’s antics, his teacher created a whole new column of categories describing maladaptive behavior. Happily for audiences around the world, Post stuck with antics. The result: a dazzling performance career that continues to defy categories.

BAM! FEST | Cirque Du BAM! : A Carnival of Creativity and Learning
2026-02-11 10:30 - 13:30
A FREE field trip experience at the Mahaffey Theater in Downtown St. Petersburg.​
The thrill of the circus meets the wonder of the arts! From juggling and acrobatics to clowning and movement, students get to try it all in this high-energy festival. They’ll explore teamwork, coordination, and creativity while discovering that performance is more than a show—it’s an adventure.

THE LIGHTNING THIEF : TYA Edition
2026-04-06 11:00 - 12:30, 2026-04-07 11:00 - 12:30
Based on the bestselling novel by Rick Riordan, this electrifying musical brings The Lightning Thief to life in a thrilling, one-act adaptation perfect for young audiences.
Percy Jackson is a 12-year-old with a knack for getting into trouble—until he discovers he’s actually a demigod, the son of Poseidon. When Zeus’s lightning bolt goes missing, Percy has just ten days to find it and restore peace to Mount Olympus. Along the way, he battles monsters, navigates mythological challenges, and discovers the true meaning of courage, friendship, and identity.
With a high-energy rock score and fast-paced storytelling, this show is a dynamic introduction to Greek mythology and a great companion to classroom reading.

DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS | Class Acts
2026-04-15 11:00 - 12:30
Whatever you do, don’t let the Pigeon star in his own musical production! With a script written by Mo Willems, the creator of the #1 New York Times best-selling, Caldecott Honor award-winning “Pigeon” picture books, and featuring music by Deborah Wicks La Puma (Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!), TheaterWorksUSA‘s Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party!
It’s not easy being the Pigeon-you never get to do ANYTHING! But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird CAN do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs, and feathers, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping.

THE BOY WHO GREW FLOWERS | Class Acts
2026-04-22 11:00 - 12:30
Treehouse Shakers’ The Boy Who Grew Flowers is a stunning visual performance suitable for Grades K-3. Adapted from the picture book by Mara McEwin and choreographed by Emily Bunning, it is the story of a young boy, Rink Bowagon, who lives on top of Lonesome Mountain with his unusual family of rattlesnake tamers and shape-shifters. The townspeople agree that Rink’s family are quite strange, but they are unaware of Rink’s spectacular gifts. Whenever the moon is full, Rink sprouts beautiful flowers all over his body. When a new girl, Angelina, moves to town, Rink’s life truly begins to grow.
Incorporating shadow puppetry, original music, and movement into the play, The Boy Who Grew Flowers is a thoughtful story that lends itself to themes of diversity, creating empathy & celebrating individualism.

HONK! Jr. | Class Acts
2026-05-06 11:00 - 12:30
A heartwarming celebration of being different that is sure to delight audiences of all ages with its sparkling wit, unique charm and memorable score. Witty and hilarious, but also deeply moving.
Ugly looks quite a bit different from his darling duckling brothers and sisters. The other animals on the farm are quick to notice and point this out, despite his mother’s protective flapping. Feeling rather foul about himself, the little fowl finds himself on an adventure of self-discovery, all the while unknowingly outwitting a very hungry Cat. Along the way, Ugly meets a whole flock of unique characters and finds out being different is not a bad thing to be.
