Orlando Arts & Theatre Venues
Lucky locals of Central Florida have long known they live in a gold mine of culture.
For them, the area is much more than theme parks and space exploration.
The venues established here have attracted energetic, renowned artists dedicated to continuing and improving Central Florida's talented legacy.
While in the area, take a day off from parades or golf and soak up more than sunshine.
Here are some examples:
Bach Festival Society
Since 1935, the Bach Festival Society has been bringing works of the great composers to central Florida.
This internationally acclaimed music event is the third oldest Bach Festival in the United States and is Florida's oldest operating performing arts organization.
Festival runs February to April.
Bob Carr Performing Arts Center
Although it was predicted that the theater would close with the opening of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, this has not been the case and the theater is now operated by the center.
Broadway Across America Orlando Tour
The Broadway Across America Tour is bringing some of the best shows across the nation directly to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando.
These shows are filled with toe-tapping songs and dance numbers that will have everyone out of their seats singing and dancing with the music.
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
This complex is home to two expansive performing theaters, a community theater stage, an outdoor plaza and stage, multiple rehearsal spaces, administrative offices and educational rooms.
The second phase of its expansion is currently underway.
Florida Film Festival
For ten days in April, Central Florida becomes the movie capitol of the world with more than 170 current, independent and international films being premiered.
Celebrity guests and judges are on hand for interviews and forums.
World renowned chefs add their touches to the many galas.
International Fringe Festival Orlando
The International Fringe Festival Orlando is 14 days of music, dance, art, theater and all-out fun right in the heart of central Florida.
It is the longest Fringe Festival in the United States and one of the biggest and most accessible in the country.
Festival runs from middle to end of May.
Mad Cow Theatre
The best in productions and performances are assured with Mad Cow Theatre.
This professional resident company has presented hundreds of plays for a broad range of audiences, plus showcases local top rate talent in the annual Orlando Cabaret Festival.
With numerous awards from many publications, this is the place for serious theatre lovers.
Performances held throughout the year.
Orlando Ballet
The only fully professional resident ballet company in Central Florida, the Orlando Ballet has a full season of traditional and modern, cutting-edge dances.
With an accredited Ballet School, this is entertainment at its finest.
Performances held throughout the year.
Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
Central Florida's only resident professional orchestra, performing more than 125 concerts annually.
A mixture of traditional chamber music, and Pop and Broadway tunes, the Orchestra has a mission to encourage and promote symphonic music through excellence in performance, education and cultural leadership.
With multiple concerts throughout the school districts and young artist's composition workshops, those goals are clearly being met.
Performances held throughout the year.
Orlando Repertory Theatre
This theatre produces and performs plays based on classical and contemporary children's literature.
A dramatic school with resident youngsters aiming for a performing arts career, the REP supports literacy, verbal and reading skills through playwrights and workshops.
Performances held throughout the year.
Orlando Shakespeare Theater
This venue presents a season of plays by Shakespeare, contemporary playwrights and features several works for children.
A weekend is devoted to first readings of new plays, some later becoming full scale productions.
The Shakespeare Theater offers classes, workshops and programs throughout the year for aspiring performers of all ages.
Performances held throughout the year.
Theatre Downtown Orlando
This dedicated company of volunteers has produced thought-provoking and entertaining plays for twenty-six years in the heart of Orlando's cultural district.
A venue for artists just starting their craft, audiences will be exposed to new playwrights, actors and directing styles.
Performances held throughout the year.
Winter Park Playhouse
The Winter Park Playhouse is a non-profit musical theater that regularly stages some of the most fun and lively productions in the state.
Every season, the Playhouse puts on seven Broadway and off-Broadway musical comedies and revues on its main stage.
They also host a cabaret series.
