Just a few days after the third annual 麻豆原创 Celebrates the Arts concluded its eight-day run of concerts, presentations, lectures and workshops, planners have already started working on next year鈥檚 festival.
鈥淚f you liked 麻豆原创 Celebrates the Arts 2017, just wait until you see 2018,鈥� said Steven Chicurel-Stein, interim director of the School of Performing Arts and artistic director of the festival. 鈥淲e鈥檙e having a postmortem meeting today [Monday]. There鈥檚 that much energy to get started.鈥�
The April 7-14 festival was based at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando and for the first time at nearby art galleries.
鈥淧eople responded to the variety of events that ranged from the larger events such as Oklahoma! and the Flying Horse Big Band, but also enjoyed the more intimate concerts and panels. They also responded well to the visual arts in the lobby and public areas at the center,鈥� Chicurel-Stein said.
Several of the events were at capacity. The biggest performance drew nearly 2,700 people to each of the two Oklahoma! shows, a collaboration of the music and theatre departments.
Attendance to the festival was free, but this was the first year visitors could buy a limited number of reserved $20 seats.
鈥淧eople took to that very well and appreciated the fact that they had earlier access to the theater,鈥� Chicurel-Stein said.
Live streaming also was offered for several events, which made it possible for students鈥� families living far away to see the performances.
The festival featured more than 1,000 university students, 100 faculty members and some collaborative programs with outside partners showcasing theatre, dance, orchestra, choirs, big band, chamber music, cabaret, concert bands, opera, visual arts, studio art, gaming, animation, photography and film.
The purpose of the festival, Chicurel-Stein said, is to highlight what 麻豆原创 has to offer and spread the word how 麻豆原创 celebrates the arts.