The Show Goes On
Summer 2021 | By Gene Kruckemyer ’73
Students and faculty members rebounded at UCF Celebrates the Arts this year without missing a beat, following the event’s cancellation in 2020 as a result of the pandemic. Music, theater and visual arts presentations were offered to the community in April at downtown Orlando’s Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. The climactic event of the festival, an outdoor performance by the UCF Symphony Orchestra, was nearly canceled because of inclement weather, but the student musicians and production team showed their resolve by moving all their instruments and equipment inside less than an hour before the scheduled concert, playing on a stage with no lights or sound system.
550+
Participants on and off stage
22
Live performances
17
Original dance productions
11
Free lunchtime concerts
9
Days of art
7
Virtual events
The UCF Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band performed an exciting and colorful program of music by composers representing the great diversity of our community and nation.
We got to go back to where we as an orchestra belong: on a stage together, in front of a supportive audience.
A Knight of Dance was held in Dr. Phillips Center’s Walt Disney Theater and featured 17 original dances from genres such as tap, ballet, Pointe, contemporary, lyrical and jazz.
Audience members sat in physically distant sections for each performance or event.
First-year mechanical engineering pending major and cellist Cody Davis prepared to play during a UCF Symphony Orchestra event.
During the Creative Clash event students collaborated with alums to create an art piece around a concept within two hours. Here emerging media alum Alex Moonsang ’19 and emerging media student Jawn Roppoccio worked together, both of whom specialize in graphic design.
Musical theater major Alexa Comeau ’21 sings during the A Knight to Shine showcase.
To view more photos from UCF Celebrates the Arts 2021, visit UCF Today.