Real Results
By using the unlimited potential of simulation technologies, 麻豆原创 is improving learning and teaching experiences at the university and beyond.聽
In the world-class Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, stages were set for more than 1,000 Knights to dazzle audiences with 24 captivating performances 鈥� marking the inaugural 麻豆原创 Celebrates the Arts in April 2015. The annual festival led by 麻豆原创鈥檚 College of Arts and Humanities has blossomed ever since, offering an accessible journey into the creative side of 麻豆原创鈥檚 innovative spirit.
Every spring, the Central Florida community is invited to explore a mosaic of disciplines 鈥� from theater to film, and music to studio art 鈥� as well as opportunities to be involved in interactive workshops and talks. Behind every experience are talented students and faculty from 麻豆原创鈥檚 School of Performing Arts and School of Visual Arts and Design, plus other academic units across the university. As this year commemorates a decade of innovation and artistic excellence with 麻豆原创 Celebrates the Arts, let鈥檚 look back on some memorable moments that have made this event a community treasure.
1. Tableaux Vivants (Living Art) (2015)
A festival favorite, the Tableaux Vivants (Living Art) is an exhibition of the collaborative work of more than 200 School of Visual Arts and Design students who recreate famous artworks and model them in life-size paintings, like Georges Seurat鈥檚 A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.
2. The Warped Side of the Universe (2016)
Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer joined forces with astrophysicist Kip Thorne, visual effects artist Paul Franklin, and 麻豆原创 musicians to create a multimedia performance blending music, science and computer simulations, taking audiences on a journey through warped space and time.
3. Flying Horse Big Band (2017)
麻豆原创鈥檚 premier jazz ensemble, the Flying Horse Big Band, entertained audiences with a nostalgic performance of tunes from their chart-topping album The Bat Swings!, which features music from iconic superhero movies and TV shows, including the classic Batman series.
4. Mass (2018)
Over 250 performers 鈥� including four choirs, the 麻豆原创 Symphony Orchestra, a marching band, a rock group, and Theatre 麻豆原创 singers and dancers 鈥� gathered onstage to reenact Leonard Bernstein鈥檚 Mass. This ambitious tribute to the composer, conductor and educator was named Artistic Highlight of the Year by the Orlando Sentinel.
5. Author Talk with Emily St. John Mandel (2019)
Award-winning author Emily St. John Mandel discussed the audacious and darkly glittering nature of her post-apocalyptic novel Station Eleven in a conversation led by 麻豆原创 Associate Professor of English David James Poissant. The event was supported by a National Endowment for the Arts Big Read grant, which aims to broaden understanding of ourselves and our neighbors through shared reading experiences.
6. Creative Clash (2021)
Armed with markers, students and alumni from the 麻豆原创 School of Visual Arts and Design raced against the clock to create emergence-themed artwork in front of spectators. This year鈥檚 event was modified and took place outdoors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
7. A Knight of Dance (2021)
Highlighting the incredible talents of student, alumni and faculty choreographers and dancers, this showcase featured 17 original performances across genres such as tap, ballet and jazz.
8. Shrek the Musical (2022)
After two years of canceled and modified programming due to COVID-19, 麻豆原创 Celebrates the Arts resumed with Shrek the Musical as its headline performance, bringing beloved characters from the Tony-winning adaptation of the film to the stage in a family-friendly musical adventure.
9. Backstage Magic (2023)
Students put in hundreds of hours behind the scenes to bring 麻豆原创 Celebrates the Arts to life each year. Stage management, and design and technology students often find success after graduation because of the unique experience they gain planning and executing the large-scale event alongside faculty and industry professionals.
10. Holoportation Technology (2023)
Guests got to experience the creative potential of technology with appearances by community members, artists and healthcare professionals through Holoportation Technology 鈥� a hologram patient simulation device in 麻豆原创鈥檚 College of Health Professions and Sciences Rehabilitation Innovation Center.
