The performing arts are so popular in St. Pete that it can be a real challenge to find the space needed to rehearse, offer classes or perform. So after a long career in all aspects of the entertainment world, husbandand- wife team Dave and Heather Hamar decided to open the MAR St. Pete, a performing arts studio and incubator.
Whether you want to rehearse, teach a class, hold a workshop or record, it’s the perfect spot for creative collaboration. Current resident companies of the space include the Ballet Academy of St. Petersburg, Diva Dance Florida Suncoast, Synchronized Swimprov, Hip Expressions Belly Dance, and ROCA Productions.
Co-owner Heather Hamar moved to Tampa in 2006 to work for Busch Gardens after receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in musical theater from Sam Houston State University. She has done everything from event management and casting to production management and performing. Dave Hamar is originally from Tampa and has a BFA in music from the University of South Florida, where he studied jazz and drumming. He also worked for Busch Gardens and today is a freelance drummer in high demand for vocalists such as Mandy Harvey as well as the bands he helped start, Anyan Devery and Modern Measure. Both Dave and Heather Hamar worked for the creative arts organization Lovewell, where they wrote full-length musicals with middle- and high-school students.
“The MAR is the perfect place to wear all of our hats,” Heather Hamar says. “MAR means ‘the sea’ in Spanish, and we also like to think it stands for ‘Mistakes Are Required!’ for all those learning to perform.”
A Space for Any Purpose
The MAR has about 2,400 square feet of space that include a lobby, performance space, and a green room with a kitchenette. “It’s completely flexible where dance classes can be held on a floating dance floor with large wall mirrors, and easily converted to a black-box theater for live performances,” Dave Hamar reports. “Live recordings can be made, and live-streaming is also something we offer a lot. When people walk in, they know it’s the right space for them.”
Rental rates start at $50 per hour, and discounts are available for multiple bookings.
Special events such as the MARket take place to coincide with other activities in the Grand Central area of Central Avenue. For example, during the Pride in Grand Central event, there was inside space for vendors to display and sell their wares, as well as an area for vendors to sell outside in the street.
For the past two summers there has been a three-week camp offered by the Arts Conservatory for Teens where they learn all aspects of musical theater. “It’s wonderful to see kids blossom throughout their time together here,” Heather Hamar says.
The Synchronized Swimprov Jam happens on first and third Sundays, and other improv groups such as the Wet Bandits use the space as well. Recently there was a 12-hour live-stream fundraising extravaganza for the Countdown Improv Festival. “We laughed for 12 hours straight, and they reached their goal!” Heather Hamar says.
As the couple approach the two-year anniversary of the MAR’s opening in September, they look forward to many more years of supporting the St. Pete arts community. “It’s something to be celebrated and grateful for to be part of such an amazing community of artists, theater lovers, and entertainment supporters.”
The MAR is located at 2309 Central Ave. in St. Pete. For more information or to book the space, visit www.TheMARStPete.com, call (727) 851-9001 or email [email protected]
