The Dr. Pallavi Patel Performing Arts Conservatory is the first addition to the Center since it opened in 1987, and it is the first building to open within the City of Tampa’s newly designated cultural arts district. The Conservatory is the first of its kind in the United States. This unique facility gives true form and shape to all of the community outreach and teaching efforts at The Center. Programs that were already in place such as the Community Arts Ensemble, the Tampa Bay Youth Orchestras and The Center Classical Ballet School were conducted in hallways, lobbies dressing rooms and even a converted warehouse.

The building consists of four floors. The first three floors are primarily dedicated to education programming. Many of the spaces on these floors are multi-purpose or flex space to meet the needs of the Conservatory’s diverse programs. The fourth floor houses The Center’s administrative offices.

The facility includes:
• A 3,500 square foot Performance/Rehearsal Hall and Technical Theater Workshop, where students learn how to build scenery, design costumes and learn other elements of stagecraft.
• A Sound and Lighting Laboratory. This space is used for audio and video recording of activity in the Hall.
• A Multipurpose Classroom. This is primarily used for large groups programs (orchestral ensembles, choral groups and theater workshops), and it will also be used for lectures, demonstrations and receptions.
• Two dance studios. Both feature 14 foot ceilings to allow for partnering lifts, and they have sprung floors to protect dancers from injury. The studios also have sound systems, permanently installed exercise barres and mirrors.
• A Multi Media Classroom houses computers, and video and audio equipment for viewing and production. Computer equipment allows for use of access to interactive technology and will be central to a distance-learning program.
• A Library and Archive that serves as a resource to students at the Conservatory and the community. It will contain a full collection of performing arts materials and serve to document the Center’s performances.
• Necessary office space for The Center’s staff.