Central Florida Community Arts

? "This community is always here." ? – Ken Anders, choir member If you're new to CFCArts, hello and welcome! If you're a longtime follower, it's great to see you again! We're excited to share a brand new project with you – one that highlights who we are and what we do here. CFCArts exists to serve and build community through the arts. But what does that mean? ?? https://lnkd.in/eJ_8v6NC Get to know us through a video that highlights the unique stories of our members. These stories capture the personal journeys of several individuals and reflect the core values and impact of CFCArts. We connect, inspire, and strengthen by creating experiences that unite people and transform lives. Together, we’re making the arts accessible for everyone and fostering a vibrant, inclusive future. ? "Our real purpose is to give people a place to belong, a place to connect." ? – Justin Muchoney, Executive Director Film developed in partnership with Oxenfree Film & Motion #CFCArts #CentralFlorida #Community

The cast of Finding Nemo kicked off rehearsals last week! Exploring the big blue sea together will be an adventure – especially with 109 students! This cast started strong with a read through, and they're already incorporating props, skates and scooters, and more in rehearsals! They're working on great creative surprises, from 24 of the most adorable little "bubbles" to epic puppetry for beloved characters like Crush.

Did you know... donations made to the Collaborative Campaign for the Arts will have the opportunity to be matched through a collective fund of up to $1,250,000? Make your contribution today at https://CFCArts.com/UA

New show alert ?? Final Frontier, the Symphony Orchestra's next stellar adventure, is on sale now – and there's a matinee option! From the soaring scores of Star Trek, Star Wars, and Apollo 13 to the celestial brilliance of Holst's The Planets and "Also Sprach Zarathustra"—made famous by 2001: A Space Odyssey—this concert will transport you to the stars. Over 350 musicians will bring a new thrill to the powerful themes we know and love. To add to the incredible impact of the music, theatrical lighting, lasers, and stunning photography of space will create a thrilling and immersive experience to captivate the whole family. Beam aboard for an unforgettable night of adventure, discovery, and unrivaled spectacle! June 6 at 7:30 p.m. June 7 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Calvary Orlando CFCArts.com/Final-Frontier

Check out this good news about local arts organizations! Matt Palm of Orlando Sentinel?wrote about CFCArts as well as Orlando Shakes, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, Opera Orlando, Bach Festival Society of Winter Park, Renaissance Theatre Company, Open Scene, and HAITIAN AMERICAN ART NETWORK. We're so proud to be a part of this amazing, artistic community. Let's keep up the good work of creating the world we want to live in.

? "I want to give other young students that same feeling..." ? Robyn Battle's first experience with CFCArts Youth Theatre was in the summer of 2020. She participated through her graduation in 2024 before returning as a teaching artist (for summer camps and regular seasons) and assistant stage manager. "Looking back, I see that the four years I spent were some of the most impactful and beneficial years of my life, and they shaped the person I am today. "Throughout my time at CFCArts, I've gained a sense of responsibility that I have used to succeed in every area of my life. The discipline I learned in theatre helps me manage my time effectively, and the teamwork skills I acquired are instrumental in my academic and personal life. "I chose to return because of the immense impact CFCArts has had on my life. When I recall my first youth theatre experience, I remember it fondly. I want to give other young students that same feeling and give them the tools to succeed wherever their life leads." Images –?Organization-wide production of "Disney's Beauty & the Beast: In Concert" in September 2023 PC: Trisha Houlihan (SnapsbyTrish) – Youth Theatre production of "A Celebration of Idris Goodwin: How We Got On" in July 2022 PC: McKenzie Lakey

We are pleased to introduce the new chair of CFCArts' board of directors: Chad Faulkenberry, CFP, CPWA, CLU, CWS! Chad works with Journey Strategic Wealth, previously served on CFCArts' board, and stepped in as treasurer in 2024 before election to chair. "Our approach is straightforward, yet truly one-of-a-kind. We exist to serve and build community through the arts. This organization positively impacts thousands of lives, including my own and my family's." Alongside his daughter Caitlin, Chad performs with CFCArts ensembles, which allows him to bring a unique perspective as both a member of and leader for the organization. "The need is undeniable, and it's remarkable what we can achieve when our community unites. We feel incredibly fortunate to be able to offer this platform every season for thousands of people to connect, serve, and perform."

Your support can make all the difference. When you give to CFCArts, you make transformative experiences available to even more individuals. Donations help fund scholarships and ensure no one is turned away due to financial barriers. Make a powerful investment at https://CFCArts.com/UA.

? "It's such a positive environment." ? LiNa Fitzhugh joined the Symphony Orchestra in 2024, where she plays alongside her mom and sister. Her two younger sisters also plan to join the orchestra when they're old enough. "One of the things I love about this orchestra is how kind the members are to each other. It's such a positive environment. The orchestra also strives to accommodate my visual disability. I love how they make this experience great for me." Images –?Youth Orchestra production of "Myths & Monsters" in November 2023 PC: Trisha Houlihan (SnapsbyTrish)

In January, members of the CFCArts Big Band made a trek out to Leesburg, FL, for a rerun of "Hand-Drawn Jazz." The show again featured Jason Zucker – a character artist with the Walt Disney Company for over 19 years – to add an artist's perspective and demonstrate live interactions of jazz and animation. Thank you to the team at Beacon College?for making this experience possible! "Forging exciting new partnerships demonstrates our commitment to the people and places that make our community so special." – Justin Muchoney, Executive Director Between community performances, service projects, and other opportunities, CFCArts has 15 community collaborations planned for the year with more in the works. ?? The Big Band first performed "Hand-Drawn Jazz" in June 2023. If you missed it (or can't wait to experience it again), keep an eye out for the Big Band's fall show this year... PC: Robert Viehweger (musician view) and Allison Cothran (audience view)