AIR DATE SEPTEMBER 29, 2022

Title: Orlando Theatres

Emily explores the artistic magic hidden within local theatres in Orlando.

Guests and Locations

Mad Cow Theatre, Manager of Events – John Holley

Orlando REP, Senior Director of Marketing – Olivia DeMarco

Central Florida Offers a Robust Theatre Experience

Local theatre is a treasure that should never be ignored. These organizations provide destination-based entertainment while actors can work on their craft or earn a living doing something they love.

We have several fantastic theatres that support our Central Florida community, including Mad Cow and the Edyth Bush Theatre.

John Holley is the Event Manager at Mad Cow Theatre. He told me they try various things to stand out as an entertainment provider. “We’re trying to be inclusive, have as much diversity to ream as many people as we can. We base our seasons with that in mind… to do newer plays and some of the older musicals.”

As for Olivia DeMarco, Senior Director of Marketing at the Orlando Repertory Theatre, she points to their professional approach. “We pay our actors to work here with us,” she told me. “They rehearse the shows. They perform the shows here, and we perform during the week, which is different from other theatres.”

What Are the Benefits of Having an Active Local Theatre?

Although critics might say the art of performing is dying, local community theatres are growing in numerous ways in Central Florida and across the United States. These stages create moments for self-expression while delivering multiple benefits.

Communication, self-improvement, self-expression, promoting creativity, and working on one’s craft are all possible because of Mad Cow and the Orlando Rep’s efforts.

“We don’t have touring productions come through here unless it’s a special occasion,” said DeMarco. “For the large majority, our productions are licensed professional shows that we completely produce here.”

Holley pointed to their educational opportunities for aspiring performers in the community. “We just had three different workshops for middle school kids, and middle school drama now is kind of like high school drama when I was their age. We had the kids come in and learn about lighting and lighting design and different instruments of lighting and how you hang them and how you create effects, different atmospheres, and how to set the mood.”

The Orlando Rep offers summer camps for kids and year-round classes at various times so that virtually anyone can find something that helps them explore their creativity.

How to Support Local Theatre in Central Florida

The best way to support local theatre is to attend Mad Cow and the Orlando Rep performances. Ticket sales are a significant source of revenue for these organizations.

Additional opportunities are out there to explore what local theatre provides. “We do rent out for big groups,” Holley said. “You could even have a wedding in the theatre if you wanted.” He also mentioned how local writers and artists shoot scenes and other work, and rentals are available for other needs.

At the Orlando Rep, you can find different classes that get families involved in several ways. “We have a Baby and Me class for caretakers and infants that’s like a sensory, tactile, creative play opportunity,” said DeMarco.

Memberships are also available, as are volunteer opportunities. You can stay in touch by visiting orlandorep.com or madcowtheatre.com.