TheatreWorks Florida's acclaimed community outreach program, THEATRECARES, provides increased opportunities to those who may never have the chance to engage in the art of live performance.
The TheatreCares program was launched in 2014 when TheatreWorks Florida received an unprecedented invitation from the National Endowment for The Arts to become the Central Florida representative for their program Arts Engagement in American Communities (AEAC). The AEAC mission to ‘increase understanding by enhancing the arts experience through engagement’ aligned perfectly with TheatreWorks Florida’s community outreach vision and the inaugural TheatreCares production, Winter Wonderettes, was born.
To provide a unique outreach program that promotes accessibility and lifelong learning in the realm of the performing arts by providing full-scale theatrical experiences for audiences who are physically, emotionally, financially, socially or geographically challenged and may otherwise not have the opportunity to embrace and engage in the art of a live performance.
VET VOICES - FALL 2017 - FOCUS GROUP: MILITARY VETERANS
TheatreWorks Florida continues their successful community outreach program, TheatreCares, by partnering with the National Initiative for Arts & Health in the Military, NEA Creative Forces and local veteran clinics to create an ongoing program for Central Florida military veterans that will nurture life long healing and learning through the art of live theatre.
Combining professional actors with veterans on stage, the program will result in an original musical play that incorporates creative writing, songs and visual art to promote creative arts therapy healing from the effects of war.
The Vet Voices program will be free of charge to active duty military members, veterans, their families and their caregivers. It will be presented to the Central Florida public in a continued effort to create awareness of our veterans, their health issues that need attention and the normalization of their lives after war.
Recruitment begins September 2017.
WINTER WONDERETTES - WINTER 2014 - FOCUS GROUP: NURSING HOMES & ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES
December 2014, TheatreCares mounted a production of Winter Wonderettes, a musical filled with 60s holiday classics, and toured the show to select nursing homes and assisted living facilities in the Central Florida region free of charge for the residents, their family members and staff of each location.
Following every performance, audiences engaged in a 20-minute interactive educational discussion with the professional cast that explored the influence of 60s music on the growth of American Musical Theatre and inspired continued participation in the performing arts. See photos below.
Supported in part by the National Endowment for The Arts.
SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE! - FALL 2015 - FOCUS GROUP: UNDERSERVED YOUTH
Fall of 2015, TheatreCares mounted a production of the musical Schoolhouse Rock Live!, the pop culture phenomenon that taught educational topics through song, and toured the show to select community centers in the Central Florida region free of charge for underserved youth, their family members and staff. Following every performance, audiences engaged in a 20-minute interactive educational discussion with the professional cast that explored how the music of Schoolhouse Rock Live! could educate their minds, impact their lives and inspire continued participation in the performing arts. See photos below.
Supported in part by the National Endowment for The Arts and United Arts of Central Florida.
ROCK OF AGES - FALL 2016 - FOCUS GROUP: MUSIC STUDENTS
Fall of 2016, TheatreWorks Florida mounted the Central Florida regional premiere of “Rock of Ages”, the Broadway musical phenomenon that pays tribute to the biggest rock anthems of the 1980’s. This production will play for 15 performances.
In conjunction with TheatreCares, TheatreWorks Florida’s highly successful outreach program, mini workshops were offered prior to select shows for music students in the surrounding Central Florida region. These workshops explored the basic building blocks of classical music and demonstrate the connection to all music, including rock and roll.
Following the workshops, students were able to attend the show for 50% off a normal ticket price. After the performance, students attended a special interactive educational discussion with the professional cast to explore how the music of “Rock of Ages” could educate their minds, impact their lives and inspire continued participation in the performing arts. See photos below.
Supported in part by the National Endowment for The Arts.
"You don't understand how great this was. One of our residents, who hasn't spoken a word in 4 years or interacted with anyone any longer, broke out clapping and saying 'You 4 girls! You 4 girls!'. My whole staff was crying with joy and amazed how this affected our residents."
"It is not everyday that an organization takes the time to meet with our residents to improve the quality of their life on an individual level. Part of our 'Quality of Life' program is to keep our residents involved in our community through special events. We are grateful for your effort in helping us meet this challenge."
"The evening was wonderful, the music perfect and the show was entertaining. This event gave us the opportunity to make happy memories for our residents and their families, and for that we are truly thankful."
“Families in attendance raved about the experience. Whether due to access or financial limitations, most had not been to a theater production of any kind as a family. The benefits of exposure to the arts is endless. When a production is done in this quality manner and is brought to an underserved neighborhood the entire community wins!”
“It is with great enthusiasm that the Garden Theatre relay its support of TheatreWorks Florida’s TheatreCares program. The TheatreCares production of Schoolhouse Rock Live! this past September was a testament to the incredible difference this program is making on our community.”
“Schoolhouse Rock Live! was an awesome free event… The kids had a blast and were very active in participating, not only are the kids learning the message presented, but the cast made the kids feel comfortable enough to bravely stand up in front of everyone to dance and sing.”
“This program was amazing! My children were riveted from the moment they entered the studio until we got home. Not only was the music outstanding but my kids learned about the technical aspect of putting on a show and what goes into a shows production. They had no idea about the complexities of the equipment that makes everything happen and what appears to be so easy on stage, really takes a team of people working together. This program was worth its weight in gold to us!”
“My students thoroughly enjoyed the hands-on experience of operating the sound, light and video equipment as the band from ‘Rock Of Ages” performed several songs from the show. For many of the students, it was their first opportunity to encounter a professional recording studio. Several of the students have begun pursuing their new interest in theater technology based on what they experienced on this field trip. Thanks so much for making it possible!”
“The Rock of Ages Experience, offered by TheatreWorks Florida and Full Sail University, was a free, unique experience offered to the Orlando community that was not available to someone like myself when I was young. It allowed my pre-teen son to experience what goes on behind the scenes both in a live, concert environment and during a televised event first-hand. This opportunity allowed him to experience the entertainment world in a way he might never have been able to. Outstanding job!”
ADDRESS
8 E. Cypress St.
Davenport, FL 33837
CONTACT
Email: theatreworksfl@gmail.com
Phone: 407.340.0472
Fax: 863.419.1700
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