One of Central Florida’s best festivals is above us as UCF celebrates the return of the arts to the Doctoral Center for the Performing Arts. The festival is now in its 11th year and feels like it’s still unknown to many outside the Central University of Florida community. And it shouldn’t.
UCF is a treasure trove of music, dance, theater and art celebrating art, bringing the future of art with animation and other technologies to an exciting look. Even for little kids, theatre activities for kids can be a variety of fun.
This year’s large production is the musical “Fiddler on the Roof,” which has multiple “Fiddler”-related events surrounding the show.
The festival events are free or very affordable. Please note that even for free events, you will need to reserve a seat. For more information, get it at cah.ucf.edu/events/celebrates. There’s a lot to explore for almost two weeks of the festival, from April 1-13th, so just give an overview of the highlights. These events speak for themselves.
Night to Shine: Alumni music student will perform showchaston and pop songs, cabaret style. Pew Theater on April 1st at 7pm
Knights Moved from Inside: Dance Night: Experience the artistry of UCF dancers and choreographers, including original works. April 1st, 7:30pm, Steinmets Hall
Mark Chagor’s Life and Work: Art Historian Keri Watson and theater professor Julia Stsgarten talk about influential artist Mark Chagor, who has revisited the theme of “The Roof Fiddler” throughout his career. April 2nd, 7pm, Devos Family Room, free
Flying Horse Big Band: The Golden Age of Jazz is celebrated with a homage to the legendary band of Count Basie and Duque Ellington. Guest vocalist Carla Cook will be taking part in the concert. April 4th, 7:30pm, Steinmets Hall
UCF-Orlando Orchestra Invitational: This new event will host concerts of six orchestras from Florida’s Top School Orchestras, receiving arbitrage and guidance from industry experts. Participating groups: Phillips High School Premier Orchestra, a university high school chamber orchestra, a symphonic orchestra at Timber Creek High School, a symphonic orchestra at Innovation High School, a quarter orchestra at Lake Howell High School, and an Oak Legale High School orchestra. Pugh Theater, free of charge, starting at 8am on April 5th
Creative Clash: Artists compete to beat clocks to create massive artwork at this fast-paced event. twist? Artists do not know the theme of their work until just before the timer begins. April 5th, 5pm, Senefu Arts Plaza, free
“Cendrillon”: UCF Opera students sing the story of “Cinderella” in a family-friendly performance. Pew Theater on April 5th at 7pm and April 6th at 1pm
“Earth and Stars”: The UCF Symphony Orchestra performs music inspired by our planet and its heavenly environment, including contemporary works and Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2.
Pixel: The Future of Performing Arts Simulation with Digital Twins: This educational experience lets you discover the cutting edge technology behind the latest entertainment. DeVos Family Room, 2pm on April 6th. free.
UCF Percussion Ensemble: The musician is a high-energy night partner of Brazilian composers Neiro Sauro, Francis Cobreu, Citti Choir Brasilia and UCF singers. April 7th, 7:30pm, Steinmets Hall
Inclusive Knights: The UCF Concert Band’s 50-minute “Out Out Of This World” concert for young people provides a sensory experience for everyone, including hearing impairment, hard hearing and neurological communities.
Going to laugh (and snacks) at One Wild Garden Party
“Murder at the Mirage Hotel”: The original thriller of UCF Student Joseph Fields is featured by Project Spotlight, a student development theatre organization. In the play, which owes inspirational debt to Agatha Christie, ten strangers are locked up together in a snowstorm with a common enemy. They must cooperate to find the killer when their enemies bite the dust. April 8th at 7pm, Pew Theater
All Music: UCF-Orlando Band Invitational: Southeastern Top School Bands perform throughout the day. Steinmetz Hall, free of charge, starting at 8am on April 9th
Body Voice: Luca Vrro shares Italian silent language: Yes, Italians speak with their hands. Called the “Ambassador of Italian Gestures,” Luca Vrro brings his implicit language to life. April 9th, 7pm, Devos Family Room, Free
“The Fiddler on the Roof”: The face of the family of Tevier, musical masterpieces about the joys of life and unprecedented changes in Russia, will take place in the beloved songs “Tradition”, “I Was Rich” and more. 7pm, April 10th-11th, 1st, 7pm, April 12th, 1st, April 13th, Walt Disney Theater
European Jews: People Are Away: Kenneth Hanson, professor of Jewish studies, provides a snapshot of Jewish life and lore as a preamble to “The Fiddler on the Roof” before World War II. April 10th at 6pm, Devos Family Room, free
UCF Choir Invitational Concert: Meet for a mass chorus programme featuring over 200 high school singers and UCF Singing Knights. April 10th at 7:30pm, Steinmets Hall
Mozart’s Requiem: Amazing work explores life, death, and hope. It will be done by members of UCF Choirs, The Orlando Choral Society, UCF Orchestra, and UCF Voice-Department Faculty. April 11th, 7:30pm, Steinmets Hall
“Harper’s Bedtime Story”: UCF New Music Ensemble tells bedtime stories in a unique way. Young Harper needs a story to sleep, but storytellers cannot agree on how the story should go. Recommended for children aged 5-12 and accepted for free. Welcome to pajamas. Pew Theater on April 12th
“Dinosaur Dance Party”: A 30-minute interactive show for people under the age of 5 on the Orlando Family Stage. April 12th, 11am, Devos Family Room
Character Animation and Animation VFX Premier: An award-winning short animated film from students in visual arts and design. Pew Theater on April 12th at 1pm
“Let’s Go Camping”: Talked through music, puppet shows and creative play, this interactive experience is designed for ages 2-5. DeVos Family Room, April 12th at 2pm
Gershwin’s celebration: The musician pays tribute to his iconic brothers Ira and George. April 12th, 7:30pm, Steinmets Hall
AI Cabaret: Late Night with Artificial Intelligence: A cutting-edge comedy devised with the help of artificial intelligence. April 12th at 7:30pm, Devos Family Room, free
National Young Composers Challenge: Listen to new works composed by students from around the country, performed by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Christopher Wilkins. April 13th, noon, Steinmets Hall, free
“The Last Firefly”: Naomi Iizuka’s play for a young audience combines Japanese fairy tales and folklore to tell the mythical tale of the Boom of Thunder’s son who must stand up to the power of nature with a blend of magic, courage and wonder. Pew Theater on April 13th at 1pm
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