Thousands of Central Floridians crowded into a huge white tent downtown Orlando on Thursday to participate in the ground celebration of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (DPAC). With shovels in hand and following an evening of song and dance, DPAC Board members, government officials, private donors, community representatives and school kids broke ground at the location of the front door of the $383 million wold-class entertainment facility, the first phase of which is expected to be completed in 2013.
Following a delightful rendition of the national anthem by renowned Broadway singer and actor, Davis Gaines and Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance by Sovereign Brass, President, Dr. Phillips Center, Kathy Ramsberger, in her opening remarks, underscored the importance of the new Center and the nexus between arts and culture and the community’s growth and development.
“The program will celebrate our local performing arts community, our children, and so many who are committed to making this possible”, Ramsberger said. “This speaks volumes about what this Center already means to this community and is the ideal platform to launch our endowment and capital campaigns.”
During the first phase of construction, a 2,700-seat theater for major productions and a 300-seat multi-purpose theater for dance, music and education will be built. A second transitional theater which will accommodate 1,700 persons is envisioned as part of phase two and is projected to be completed in 2015.
Chairman of the Dr. Phillips Center, Jim Pugh, noted the project will define the community and no other place will have a facility like this, as it has never been done before–construction of three theaters. It will be monumental, Pugh said.
“When the community gets behind a vision, the possibilities are endless”, Pugh said. “That relentless pursuit of a shared vision, it’s about to become a reality on this spot.”
While few doubted that the project would ever be built, giving up was never an option, Pugh said. He stressed there was more to be done and that the final stage (phase two) would be built.
“This mission is about the community, it is about all of us and welcome home”, Pugh said.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, observed for about 20 years a new performing arts center was envisioned, but particularly over the past 8 years, leaders in the arts, tourism community, government, private donors, DPAC and local arts groups have pushed relentlessly to bring the project to fruition.
“There is no question we will have the best Performing Arts Center when it is completed”, Dyer said.
Drawing on his own experiences as a high schooler who was later drawn to drama, Dyer said once the Center is completed it is his hope that kids will be inspired and drawn to careers in the arts and culture fields, thus transforming their lives.
“Vibrant arts and culture are critical to the vitality of a community”, Dyer said. “Arts and culture are the soul of our city….and speak to the quality of life.”
Observing that Orlando welcomed over 50 million visitors last year, beating out New York City, Dyer said while some come for the theme parks, most people visit to experience the arts and culture of the city.
Dyer too, underscored the partnership and collaboration that had taken place to get to the point of breaking ground on the new facility.
“We are going to celebrate our community, the people in our community and what we are doing together”, Dyer said. “Arts and culture are for every life. It cuts across race, ethnicity and breaks down barriers.”
Throughout the official groundbreaking ceremony, live entertainment and performances were also presented by the Orlando Ballet, Orlando Ballet School, the Orlando Repertory Theatre and the cast of the national tour of the Tony Award-winning revival of HAIR. Attendees were also treated to a two video presentations–a fly through–of the features of the new performing arts center and an historical perspective to the present.
Celebrations continue with an open house on June 24, 11 am – 2 pm and June 25, 12 – 4 pm, where the community is invited to enjoy performances from local performing artists and groups, including The Winter Park Playhouse, Metropolitan Area Youth Symphony, Avalon Dance Company, Orange Blossom Chorus and The F.L.O Freedom Love Order.
