Discover the next generation of creative voices at UCF Celebrates the Arts, exclusively at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando.
University of Central Florida (UCF) Celebrates the Arts is an annual event that has become a cornerstone of Orlando’s cultural calendar. The next edition of the festival is taking place at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts from April 3 – 14, 2024. See why you’ll want to make it part of your plans this spring!
Inside UCF Celebrates the Arts
Expect to be immersed in dance, music, audiovisual, storytelling, visual art, theater and more at UCF Celebrates the Arts. Led by UCF’s College of Arts and Humanities, this showcase features over 1,000 students from the School of Performing Arts and the School of Visual Arts and Design, as well from other academic units. Enjoy performances, exhibitions, presentations and interactive experiences throughout the entire footprint of the Dr. Phillips Center in downtown Orlando’s City District.
A new offering this year is a sensory-friendly concert called Inclusive Knights: Planes, Trains and Automobiles. This show will offer transport-themed band-concert fare in a welcoming setting for people of all ages who are neurodivergent, such as those on the autism spectrum.
An emcee will assure concertgoers that they can move to the music and are welcome to use hearing protection, fidget toys, cushions and other support objects that they bring with them. Visual representations of the music and text of spoken explanations will be shown on a big screen, and those who are deaf or hard of hearing will be provided with helium balloons — which capture the vibrations of musical instruments.
Music education students will interact with audience members and serve as guides to the concert experience. If anyone needs a respite, they’ll be welcome to leave their seats and visit a nearby quiet room.
“The rationale is that not everyone is able to attend a band concert that requires typical band concert behavior,” notes Christine Lapka, associate professor of music education at UCF. “So, this is a more relaxed environment — and it’s so gratifying to watch audience members enjoy themselves.”
Other highlights of UCF Celebrates the Arts will include workshops, readings, art exhibitions, and choral and orchestral concerts. The celebration is designed to be affordable and accessible; about half the programs are ticketed but many exhibitions in the lobby areas can be viewed free with a ticket to an event inside one of the venues.
For more information, refer to the list of UCF Celebrates the Arts events provided below, or visit Arts.CAH.UCF.Edu/Celebrates.
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Authors: Randy Noles and Thali Sugisawa
