Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center (DPAC) and the Florida Theatrical Association (FTA), are once again in negotiations for FTA to present Broadway touring shows at DPAC, according to a report in the Orlando Sentinel. Both groups recently exchanged Open Letters to the Central Florida Community about the breakdown in negotiations. FTA, headed by President Ron Legler, has presented touring Broadway shows at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center for 24 years. FTA was negotiating to present the shows at DPAC until mid-December last year, when the DPAC Board decided to self-present touring shows.
According to the Sentinel story, certain DPAC funders and board members, including members associated with Disney and the Orlando Magic, objected to the DPAC Board decision. They expressed concern that DPAC risked “alienating the arts community by snubbing Florida Theatrical Association.” FTA donates a portion of its profits with local arts communities, and shares a percentage of the profits with the city. While the profits to DPAC would not be as great as if they self-produced, working with FTA also protects DPAC against taking the full burden in the event of any losses. Although the two parties are back negotiating, at press time there is still no agreement in place.
