Is Dunedin Ready for a Theater of Its Own? Dunedin Public Theater Is Asking the Big Questions

By Avery Anderson

Dunedin Public Theatre has a vision: a dedicated venue for performances, community events, and artist-driven programming in the heart of Dunedin. But before they break ground or launch a capital campaign, they’re doing something crucial—and maybe a little misunderstood.

They’re doing their homework.

That’s essentially what a feasibility study is. “It’s like a homework assignment,” says arts consultant and Board Chair Elizabeth Brincklow, who’s helping lead the charge. “It answers the big questions: Do people want this? Can we afford it? Where should it go? Will it work long-term?”

It’s not just about logistics—it’s about proving the dream is possible. For potential funders, major donors, and the broader community, the results of a feasibility study provide the hard evidence that a permanent theater isn’t just wishful thinking—it’s a viable, sustainable project rooted in community need.

Community First

That community focus has been central from the start. Over the past year, Dunedin Public Theatre has quietly built momentum with a wide-ranging lineup of live performances across the city. From Broadway vocals at St. Mark Lutheran Church to comedy at the House of Beer and live music at the Fenway Hotel, the organization has produced four DineAround and four DineOut events in partnership with local restaurants—each featuring paid artists and packed audiences.

“We’re not just testing the waters,” says Brincklow. “We’re showing the community what’s possible.”

That approach is working. So far, the group has raised enough to cover artist fees, public programming, and the feasibility study itself. It’s a strong early signal that the Dunedin community is ready to support more permanent arts infrastructure.

What’s Being Studied?
Everything. “The feasibility study is taking a holistic look,” says Brincklow. That means digging into potential locations, operational costs, the types of shows and rentals that might succeed, and whether there’s enough audience demand to sustain it long-term.

Survey feedback is a key piece of that. The group is currently collecting responses from two distinct groups: potential audience members, and artists or arts organizations who might one day use the space. The survey closes soon, but has been extended to June 22—and Brincklow encourages anyone who loves the arts to participate.

Importantly, the survey isn’t just for Dunedin residents. “It’s open to anyone in the Tampa Bay region and beyond,” she says. “If you’re an artist, an audience member, or simply someone who believes in the power of live performance, your input matters.” The more voices they hear from, the more accurately they can shape a space that reflects the region’s artistic energy and serves a wide, diverse audience.

“We want the vision for this theatre to reflect what the community actually wants and needs,” she says.

What Happens Next?

If the feasibility study gives the project a green light, the next step is launching a capital campaign—retaining a fundraising professional and starting the work of making the theatre a reality.

And even if it’s still early days, Dunedin Public Theatre isn’t slowing down. Plans are already in motion for an expanded 2026 season featuring even more music, dance, and live performance throughout the city.

For Brincklow and the board, the study is about more than one building. It’s about building a cultural legacy.

“The feasibility study doesn’t just answer whether we can build a theatre. It helps us build the case for why we must.”