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The Light in the Piazza banner shows a golden colored Italian piazza in the background with the silhouette of a couple daning in a spotlight. The text reads the title of the show and November 15 and 16 at The Plaza Live. Tickets on Sale. Click Here for Tickets. The whole image is a link.

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Now through April

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Upcoming Events

Illuminating the Mind

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The Winter Park Library presents Illumination the Mind: Exploring Brain Injury Through The Light in the Piazza.  October 30 at 7pm. FREE

Promotional poster for The Light in the Piazza showing the sillouette of a couple dancing closely from the waist down, illuminated in a yellow spotlight with a plaza in the background.

The Light in the Piazza

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This lush, sophisticated, romantic musical about a mother and daughter touring the Tuscan countryside enthralled audiences and earned six Tony Awards, including Best Original Score. Experience it November 15 – 16 at The Plaza Live

Poster of The Ballad of Baby Doe. Depicts the silhouette of a woman in mid 1800's attire looking down from a mountain at the western city in the background. Beyond the town, there are mountains and the shape of a man and a woman in a romantic position. Colors are silver with red text.

The Ballad of Baby Doe

COMING SOON

One of the most treasured American operas, The Ballad of Baby Doe is based on the lives of actual historical figures from Colorado: Horace Tabor and his wife, Elizabeth (“Baby”) Doe Tabor.

THINKING DIFFERENTLY

Re-Imagining the Future of Vocal Arts

Central Florida Vocal Arts, along with sister company Opera del Sol, are using our platform in the performing arts to build a better Central Florida community through education, performance, and appreciation.  A non-profit music advocacy organization, we are dedicated to re-imagining the future of vocal arts.  We provide the highest quality training to artists of all ages while also offering performance opportunities to emerging and professional artists. We use the arts to create tangible social good in our community.

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CFVA Programs

A group of five students on a stage in the middle of singing. The girl on the far left, is wearing blue. She has blonde hair with a red streaks in it. Her hands are up to the back of her head and opposed position. She's also wearing black shorts the girl that is closest in the front is wearing a red sleeveless shirt and her arms are outstretched. She has brown hair. In the center there are two females, leaning on each other, shoulder shoulder. The girl in the back has dark hair and sin as a white T-shirt and blue long pants. The gal in the front is also dark haired, and is wearing a long sleeve sweatshirt, which appears to have pink and green checkers on the sleeve. She is wearing dark colored jeans on the right side of the image are a male and female and they are cropped off of the sides of the image. The male is singing. He is wearing a black T-shirt, and blue jeans, the woman on the right of the v is singing she has dark curly hair, a white shirt with a blue patterned shirt on top.

Education

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A continuing lifecycle of vocal arts in our community begins with our Educational and Training Programs. We develop students’ talent and passion to build a better community.

Mainstage

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Our Mainstage Productions provide performances to our community that align with our mission and create a professional pipeline for youth talent.

Opera del Sol

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Opera del Sol is committed to redefining the Opera Genre as a whole by addressing relevant social issues through original works and regional premieres.

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Vocal Arts in the News

Florida arts and culture funding cuts continue to hurt Central Florida organizations

By Devin Martin – Spectrum News 13

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Central Florida Vocal Arts to bring ‘The Pirates of Penzance’ to the Orlando stage

By Jeremy Williams – Watermark Online

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CommUNITY Champion: Central Florida Vocal Arts

By Jason Guy – WESH2

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Blue Bamboo clinches former Winter Park Library building

By Brendan O’Connor – Bungalower

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Press Releases from CFVA

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Press Release Archive

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INTRODUCING CFVA's NEW BLOG

Sound Check

The Journey of Ayọ̀fẹ́mi Demps: Advocating for Authenticity in Theater Ayọ̀fẹ́mi Demps is a multifaceted professional in the theater industry, wearing many hats as a teacher, director, intimacy coordinator, and diversity advocate. Her journey through the arts has been shaped by both her passion for storytelling and the challenges she has faced in a field that often lacks representation. Her current project is directing Central Florida Vocal Arts’ production of The Light in the Piazza which opens November 15th at The Plaza Live. Early Exposure to the Arts Growing up in Jacksonville, Ayọ̀fẹ́mi was fortunate to attend an arts elementary school, which provided her with a foundation in the arts from a young age. However, she quickly realized that her passion for theater was often met with societal pressures, particularly the impact of toxic masculinity. Despite these challenges, she found solace in the arts, where she could express herself freely and authentically. Intersectional Challenges in Theater As a Black, queer, trans, and fat individual in the theater world, Ayọ̀fẹ́mi has encountered numerous obstacles. She emphasizes the importance of color-conscious casting and the need for advocacy within the industry. For her, representation is not just about visibility; it’s about creating spaces where all artists can thrive. She shares, “being black in theater is hard, being queer and being queer in theater is hard, being trans in theater is hard, being fat in theater is hard…So all of those things being intersectional in one person… makes you invisible a lot of the time.” In her advocacy work, Ayọ̀fẹ́mi engages in conversations that challenge stereotypes and push for more diverse portrayals in theater. She believes that changing perceptions is crucial for creating a more inclusive environment for all performers. Core Memories and Transformative Experiences One of Ayọ̀fẹ́mi's core memories involves her role as Madame de la Grande Bouche in a production of *Beauty and the Beast*, directed by Roberta Emerson. This experience taught her the significance of taking up space and embracing authenticity in her performance. However, she also faced disheartening moments, such as being told she couldn’t be cast in a role due to her weight and race. These experiences fueled her passion for advocating for diverse casting and the emotional care needed for actors in the industry. Advocacy and Cultural Competency Ayọ̀fẹ́mi’s advocacy extends beyond her personal experiences. She is committed to educating others about the challenges faced by marginalized groups in theater. Influenced by initiatives like "We See You, White American Theater," she stresses the necessity for active advocacy, particularly in light of social movements and events that call for change. For her, creating systems of care and accountability in theater is essential for fostering a healthier, more inclusive environment. She adds that “there's sometimes a lack of forethought when putting a performer in a role… not being conscious about how that role is going to impact them, and not necessarily caring for them emotionally or mentally, while they're in the space working on that role.” A Vision for the Future When asked about her vision for the future of theater, Ayọ̀fẹ́mi expresses hope for a landscape where diversity and inclusion are intuitive rather than an afterthought. She envisions a world with more queer romance, varied body types, and authentic representations of diverse backgrounds in media. Intentionality in casting is key to achieving these goals. Impact on The Light in the Piazza Ayọ̀fẹ́mi’s vision deeply influences her work on *Light in the Piazza*. She prioritizes casting the best person for each role while being intentional about representation. This approach ensures that the production reflects the rich diversity of human experiences, adding depth and authenticity to the storytelling. “There’s ​​always an assumption about what various places in the world look like. There's an assumption about what Americans in the 1950s would have looked like. There's an assumption about what Italians in general look like, or Italians in the 1950s would have looked like. And while there is something to be said for specific types of people existing, those weren't the only people that existed.” Additionally, she encouraged, “let's really illustrate more of what reality looks like. Yes, there's the willful suspension of disbelief. Yes, people are coming to the theater to escape, but you're making the assumption that the same type of person is always coming to the theater to escape.” A Message for the Audience Ultimately, Ayọ̀fẹ́mi hopes the audience will embrace the romantic storyline and find beauty in the music of *Light in the Piazza*. Her guiding message for the show is simple yet profound: "Always assume that love is waiting for you to find it." She hopes to inspire the audience to see themselves represented and to connect with the characters’ journey toward love. Final Thoughts Ayọ̀fẹ́mi Demps' journey in theater is a testament to resilience and advocacy. Through her work, she aims to lead with love and openness, encouraging both artists and audiences to embrace the transformative power of representation. As she continues to navigate her path in the arts, her commitment to authenticity and diversity remains a beacon of hope for a more inclusive future in theater. Learn more about Ayọ̀fẹ́mi Demps' upcoming project, The Light in the Piazza! Join us for an unforgettable journey filled with soaring melodies and heartwarming moments. Tickets to performances of The Light in the Piazza at The Plaza Live are available now at CentralFloridaVocalArts.org. WHAT Central Florida Vocal Arts presents The Light in the Piazza WHEN Friday, November 15 8:00 PM, Saturday, November 16 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM WHERE The Plaza Live, 425 N Bumby Ave, Orlando, FL 32803 TICKETS https://www.CentralFloridaVocalArts.org/light

The Journey of Ayọ̀fẹ́mi Demps: Advocating for Authenticity in Theater

October 17, 2024

Ayọ̀fẹ́mi Demps is a multifaceted professional in the theater industry, wearing many hats as a teacher, director, intimacy coordinator, and diversity advocate. Her journey through the arts has been shaped by both her passion for storytelling and the challenges she has faced in a field that often lacks representation. Her current project is directing Central Florida Vocal Arts’ production of The Light in the Piazza which opens November 15th at The Plaza Live. Early Exposure to the Arts Growing up in Jacksonville, Ayọ̀fẹ́mi was fortunate to attend an arts elementary school, which provided her with a foundation in the arts from a young age. However, she quickly realized that her passion for theater was often met with societal pressures, particularly the impact of toxic masculinity.

Read More »
CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE SOUND CHECK BLOG ARCHIVE
The Journey of Ayọ̀fẹ́mi Demps: Advocating for Authenticity in Theater Ayọ̀fẹ́mi Demps is a multifaceted professional in the theater industry, wearing many hats as a teacher, director, intimacy coordinator, and diversity advocate. Her journey through the arts has been shaped by both her passion for storytelling and the challenges she has faced in a field that often lacks representation. Her current project is directing Central Florida Vocal Arts’ production of The Light in the Piazza which opens November 15th at The Plaza Live. Early Exposure to the Arts Growing up in Jacksonville, Ayọ̀fẹ́mi was fortunate to attend an arts elementary school, which provided her with a foundation in the arts from a young age. However, she quickly realized that her passion for theater was often met with societal pressures, particularly the impact of toxic masculinity. Despite these challenges, she found solace in the arts, where she could express herself freely and authentically. Intersectional Challenges in Theater As a Black, queer, trans, and fat individual in the theater world, Ayọ̀fẹ́mi has encountered numerous obstacles. She emphasizes the importance of color-conscious casting and the need for advocacy within the industry. For her, representation is not just about visibility; it’s about creating spaces where all artists can thrive. She shares, “being black in theater is hard, being queer and being queer in theater is hard, being trans in theater is hard, being fat in theater is hard…So all of those things being intersectional in one person… makes you invisible a lot of the time.” In her advocacy work, Ayọ̀fẹ́mi engages in conversations that challenge stereotypes and push for more diverse portrayals in theater. She believes that changing perceptions is crucial for creating a more inclusive environment for all performers. Core Memories and Transformative Experiences One of Ayọ̀fẹ́mi's core memories involves her role as Madame de la Grande Bouche in a production of *Beauty and the Beast*, directed by Roberta Emerson. This experience taught her the significance of taking up space and embracing authenticity in her performance. However, she also faced disheartening moments, such as being told she couldn’t be cast in a role due to her weight and race. These experiences fueled her passion for advocating for diverse casting and the emotional care needed for actors in the industry. Advocacy and Cultural Competency Ayọ̀fẹ́mi’s advocacy extends beyond her personal experiences. She is committed to educating others about the challenges faced by marginalized groups in theater. Influenced by initiatives like "We See You, White American Theater," she stresses the necessity for active advocacy, particularly in light of social movements and events that call for change. For her, creating systems of care and accountability in theater is essential for fostering a healthier, more inclusive environment. She adds that “there's sometimes a lack of forethought when putting a performer in a role… not being conscious about how that role is going to impact them, and not necessarily caring for them emotionally or mentally, while they're in the space working on that role.” A Vision for the Future When asked about her vision for the future of theater, Ayọ̀fẹ́mi expresses hope for a landscape where diversity and inclusion are intuitive rather than an afterthought. She envisions a world with more queer romance, varied body types, and authentic representations of diverse backgrounds in media. Intentionality in casting is key to achieving these goals. Impact on The Light in the Piazza Ayọ̀fẹ́mi’s vision deeply influences her work on *Light in the Piazza*. She prioritizes casting the best person for each role while being intentional about representation. This approach ensures that the production reflects the rich diversity of human experiences, adding depth and authenticity to the storytelling. “There’s ​​always an assumption about what various places in the world look like. There's an assumption about what Americans in the 1950s would have looked like. There's an assumption about what Italians in general look like, or Italians in the 1950s would have looked like. And while there is something to be said for specific types of people existing, those weren't the only people that existed.” Additionally, she encouraged, “let's really illustrate more of what reality looks like. Yes, there's the willful suspension of disbelief. Yes, people are coming to the theater to escape, but you're making the assumption that the same type of person is always coming to the theater to escape.” A Message for the Audience Ultimately, Ayọ̀fẹ́mi hopes the audience will embrace the romantic storyline and find beauty in the music of *Light in the Piazza*. Her guiding message for the show is simple yet profound: "Always assume that love is waiting for you to find it." She hopes to inspire the audience to see themselves represented and to connect with the characters’ journey toward love. Final Thoughts Ayọ̀fẹ́mi Demps' journey in theater is a testament to resilience and advocacy. Through her work, she aims to lead with love and openness, encouraging both artists and audiences to embrace the transformative power of representation. As she continues to navigate her path in the arts, her commitment to authenticity and diversity remains a beacon of hope for a more inclusive future in theater. Learn more about Ayọ̀fẹ́mi Demps' upcoming project, The Light in the Piazza! Join us for an unforgettable journey filled with soaring melodies and heartwarming moments. Tickets to performances of The Light in the Piazza at The Plaza Live are available now at CentralFloridaVocalArts.org. WHAT Central Florida Vocal Arts presents The Light in the Piazza WHEN Friday, November 15 8:00 PM, Saturday, November 16 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM WHERE The Plaza Live, 425 N Bumby Ave, Orlando, FL 32803 TICKETS https://www.CentralFloridaVocalArts.org/light

The Journey of Ayọ̀fẹ́mi Demps: Advocating for Authenticity in Theater

October 17, 2024

Ayọ̀fẹ́mi Demps is a multifaceted professional in the theater industry, wearing many hats as a teacher, director, intimacy coordinator, and diversity advocate. Her journey through the arts has been shaped by both her passion for storytelling and the challenges she has faced in a field that often lacks representation. Her current project is directing Central

Read More »
CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE SOUND CHECK BLOG ARCHIVE

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