When Justin Muchoney started working with Central Florida Community Arts when it was founded in 2010, he saw a need for belonging and a sense of place among new Orlando-area residents who had moved from out of state.
“People move here and ask, ‘Where do I fit? Where do I belong? How do I make friends? How do I feel connected?’” said Muchoney, the nonprofit’s executive director. “Our primary goal is to give more people a deep sense of community. We want to help them put down roots, to find a place to belong, to meet their people and find their tribe here. That sense of connection is so valuable.”
Since its founding, the organization has grown to include a volunteer choir and symphony orchestra, each of which comprises more than 400 performers, a big band, a theatre group for older adults, a youth theatre program and a dedicated outlet for neurodivergent performers.
The Central Florida Community Arts youth theatre program presents “The Addams Family.” (Ashleigh Ann Gardner/Courtesy of CFCArts)
This year, the organization celebrates its 15th anniversary with record participation and 15 months of programming. CFCArts is planning on 29 productions with 82 individual shows that feature more than 1,200 performers “from age 4 to 90.”
One of the biggest concerts is “Dreaming Together,” a special anniversary performance with more than 450 members of the community choir and symphony orchestra Nov. 14-15.
“We are singing some of the choir members’ favorite songs from those last 15 years and some of our audience members’ favorite songs,” Muchoney said. “We’re weaving them together to really tell this story of belonging and doing it through songs.”
Another popular offering returning for this fall season is “Hand-Drawn Jazz,” a big band concert combining music and animation with shows Oct. 17-19. While the band plays songs from animated films including Disney, Pixar and Japanese anime, a Disney illustrator will be creating art live on the stage.
The CFCArts Big Band is back with another “Hand Drawn Jazz” concert. (Courtesy Trisha Houlihan via CFCArts)
During the holidays, the symphony orchestra will “Celebrate the Season” with a holiday spectacular performance featuring members of the community choir. Other 15th-anniversary season productions include “Betsy Ross & Friends: History as It Never Happened” performed by older adults, “My Funny Valentine” with the big band for Valentine’s Day and a John Williams tribute with the symphony orchestra next year.
In the coming months, the youth theatre program will present “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” “Once Upon a Mattress” and “Hadestown: Teen Edition.”
CFCArts found itself with a budget deficit in mid-2024 following the departure of its former CEO, at which point Muchoney stepped in as interim executive director. By the nonprofit’s 14th anniversary a year ago, it had made up for most of the financial gap and this year welcomes new grants and community partnerships.
The Narrators is a theatre troupe for performers ages 55 and older. (Ashleigh Ann Gardner/Courtesy of CFCArts)
This includes a $20,000 Transformational Change Grant from The Parikh Giving Alliance and a $15,000 grant from the Addition Financial Foundation. This year, CFCArts joined the Winter Park Arts & Culture Alliance and will collaborate with Give Kids The World Village to perform for their “Holiday Nights” celebrations in December.
While registration has closed for performers this fall, CFCArts has ongoing opportunities for involvement for community members of all ages and skill levels. Meanwhile, arts patrons can find a full slate of performances to enjoy this season.
The Central Florida Community Arts choir and symphony orchestra perform together. (McKenzie Lakey/Courtesy of CFCArts)
“When you come to a performance, you’re seeing people from all backgrounds and all walks of life who have to work together to create something bigger than any one of them can on their own,” Muchoney said. “This organization has shown me that there’s just an incredible amount of talent and creativity and empathy and diversity here in this area that’s truly remarkable.”
Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com. Stay up to date with our latest travel, arts and events coverage by subscribing to our newsletters at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.
