LECTURE: “Upstairs/Downstairs at the Tampa Bay Hotel” w. Otis Freedman

Due to COVID-19 this event has been canceled. Please check back though. We are trying to bring it to YOU while staying at home.

The Carrollwood Village HOAs present “Upstairs/Downstairs at the Tampa Bay Hotel” with Otis Freedman.

Step back in time and a single-character performance that brings turn-of-the-century Tampa Bay Hotel staff members and guests to life. Based on original research conducted by the Henry Plant Museum, these characters recreate the attitudes and mores of a bygone time.

Who is Otis Freedman?

“The Bishop”, Head Waiter, 1905
Otis represents the professional black man of the era. He knows the “downstairs” viewpoint of the social goings-on at the Tampa Bay Hotel from a behind-the-scenes perspective. He knows how polite society should behave; not every member can pass his “soup test.” Otis is a self-educated, intelligent man who overcomes the confinements of his station in life.
Otis Freedman is played by actor Josh Goff.

“Upstairs Downstairs” is a Henry Plant Museum presentation created through a partnership with the Arts Council of Hillsborough County and the University of Tampa.

The Lecture Series is presented by Carrollwood Village HOAs. Admission is free. To reserve a seat, please email Aaron Washington at aaron@carrollwoodcenter.org.