By KATELYN MASSARELLI

The theater life in Tampa is just one of the many parts of the city that bring fellow members of the community together to show their passion for performance. Students have the chance to explore the productions brought to Tampa this semester at theaters close to campus. Here are a few theaters students can go to in the Tampa Bay area and just a few of the many productions being brought to the community between now and December:

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Tampa Theatre

A childhood classic that will never be forgotten, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is playing at the Tampa Theatre on September 10 in honor of late actor, Gene Wilder who played Willy Wonka in the Original film. The movie tells a story based on the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory of a boy named Charlie living in an impoverished life in a cramped house with his family.  Charlie stares constantly through the glass window of the candy store where countless bars of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Bars lie. After finding a golden ticket to visit Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, Charlie is given the adventure of a lifetime through a glimpse into the life of the extraordinary man who captivates the world with his candy. With Wilder’s unexpected death, this showing of the film is sure to be emotionally touching and bring you back to your childhood days.

The movie screening is free to the community and seating is first-come, first-served. The screening will begin at 2 p.m. and doors will open at 1 p.m. For more information go to tampatheatre.org.

The Illusionists, Straz Center

On their Live from Broadway Tour, The Illusionists will be appearing in Tampa Bay to deliver a show full of magic. The audience will experience grand illusion, levitation, mind-reading, disappearance, and history being made by the Escapologist, Andrew Basso, as he holds his breath for four minutes in an underwater cell as he tries to escape. The performers provide traditional aspects of past great illusionists such as Harry Houdini with a  contemporary spin. The Anti-Conjuror, The Inventor, The Weapon Master, The Deductionist, The Futurist, The Trickster, The Escapologist, The Manipulator, and The Grand Illusionist all bring together each of their specialized areas of magic and bring a distinct performance for their Tampa Bay audience.

The performances will take place in Carol Morsani Hall in the Straz Center of Performing Arts between September 23-25 and tickets range from $35-95. For more information visit www.strazcenter.org.

iLuminate, Straz Center

A Dancing Performance in Ferguson Hall, iLuminate combines dance with technology that is bound to glow up the night. The group incorporates their Hip-Hop moves in a glow-in-the-dark performance with illusions visually appealing to the audience. The dance group were first-recognized internationally when they competed on the sixth season of America’s Got Talent. They placed third that season and continue to perform for audiences.

The Performance will take place November 20 at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.strazcenter.org.

One Man Dark Knight: A Batman Parody, Straz Center

Based on the Batman Trilogy, One Man Dark Knight: A Batman Parody, is a parody that sets out to have audience members laughing uncontrollably. The writer and performer in this production, Charles Ross, has also been apart of other parodies such as One Man: Star Wars Trilogy and One Man: Lord of the Rings. There will be no costumes or sets during the performance which aims to take you back to your love of superheros and spark your imagination. The play starts with Batman’s origins and follows him through his battles with Gotham villains.

The production will be held in the Jaeb Theater of the Straz Center on December 16 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.strazcenter.org.

Katelyn Massarelli can be reached at katelyn.massarelli@theminaretonline.com