KariGoetz's Page

If you live in Tampa Bay, Why are you here?

I grew up in Florida and after five years of living on the West Coast I realized that I really missed a lot of the aspects of living in this state. Plus, I had friends who were successfully running a theater company (Jobsite Theater), so as an artist, I knew I had a home in Tampa.

How long have you lived here?

7 years

What neighborhood do you live in, why did you choose it and what do you like about it?

I currently live in Palma Ceia and I love being able to walk everywhere. Bayshore for my exercise, Cappy's for my pizza, Datz for my indulgences, Barks on the Bay for my doggie treats, DKM for my sparklies, etc.

If you were to move to a different neighborhood, what would it be and why?

Before I moved to Palma Ceia I lived in Seminole Heights and I still miss my front porch lifestyle and my great neighbors!

What is your favorite thing about Tampa?

The inclusiveness. I found Tampa to be a very warm and inviting place right from the very beginning.

What kinds of things are you involved in?

What am I not involved in? I am a compulsive joiner! I am the Executive Officer of Jobsite Theater where I direct and perform, I also am Chair of the Education Channel's Board of Directors, a board member of Creative Tampa Bay. I am active in the John F. Germany Friends of the Library, The Uptown Council and the Tampa Downtown Partnership. I work with non-profit groups to assist with talent for fundraisers. Past events include Tampa General Hospital's Gala, Juvenille Diabetes Research Foundation's Gala, and Silverspoons and Sandcastles. I am a member of the Small Business committee and Creative Industries committee for the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, love to attend Indo-US Chamber meetings and am a founding member of Conversations and Cocktails, a women's networking group that is supported by The Ophelia Project.

Tell us about what you do.

On top of all that, I am the Audience Development Manager for the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. A lot of my involvement in the community is on behalf of the TBPAC. I build community partnerships, find ways to promote the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center and enhance the culutural experience of people living in our area. I am most proud of Scene on the Green, a free movie series I created this season. I also have the privledge of speaking on behalf of TBPAC at community meetings and promoting Opera Tampa and other events.

If you live in Tampa, Why do you stay?

This has become my home. Culturally, I work at the largest performing arts center in the Southeast. I perform and direct at one of the best regional companies in the area. Professionally, I can't imagine having made such strides in another major market so quickly. Tampa recognizes talent and they are supportive of nurturing and mentoring that talent.

Where else have you lived?

I spent the good portion of growing up in Fort Myers and then had the great honor of going to the University of Florida for my BFA. I spent five years in Los Angeles, but I try to keep that to myself.

What kinds of things are you interested in seeing on Brand Tampa?

Opportunities and events!