WINTER PARK — The Winter Park Playhouse, which will reopen its newly renovated theater in July, just got another feather in its cap when the musical theater company was one of 10 recipients nationwide to receive the prestigious National Stand For The Arts award.

“As one of only 10 recipients nationally selected for this prestigious award, The Winter Park Playhouse is honored to receive $10,000 from the Ovation TV/Spectrum organization for its Stand For The Arts Award,” the Playhouse noted. “Happy to share the wonderful news!”

Ovation TV, the organization sponsoring the award, noted “This year’s awardees represent a diverse range of organizations using the arts to strengthen and enrich their communities. The Winter Park Playhouse in Florida exemplifies the impact of arts in the South by providing professional musical theater productions and education programs that bring high-quality performance experiences to audiences of all ages.”

In addition to the national recognition this award delivers, each organization that won receives a $10,000 contribution to support their ongoing programs.

What are the Stand For The Arts Awards?

Ovation TV, the national cable arts network, partnered with cable provider Spectrum for the 2025-2026 Stand For The Arts Awards, a philanthropic effort first launched in 2017. The awards shine a positive light on local arts, cultural and educational organizations and programs. Since 2017, Ovation TV and Spectrum have given out 90 awards totaling $900,000, with that money being used to promote arts education and community engagement.

Criteria for each organization that got chosen includes:

• Support for creative endeavors and artists
• Support for community-driven programming
• Being advocates for equity and access to the arts
• Providing accessible community spaces for creative expression.

Sol Doten, executive vice president of Marketing & Strategy at Ovation TV, said they wanted to honor “uplifting community-based arts organizations that inspire creativity and expand access,” while adding “This year’s honorees represent extraordinary commitments to education, cultural preservation and artistic expression, and we are proud to stand with Spectrum in supporting their impact.”

Ovation TV is known for popular programming that includes Inside the Actors Studio, Murdoch Mysteries, Frankie Drake Mysteries, Arts Engines, The Fall, Midsomer Murders, The Art Of and The Sound of New York. As its signature advocacy program, Stand For The Arts includes a coalition of 150+ arts organizations, cultural institutions, and arts leaders across the nation dedicated to raising awareness about the positive impact the arts have on local communities.

“Local arts organizations make a lasting difference in the communities we serve,” said Adam Falk, senior vice president of State Government Affairs at Spectrum. “These investments enrich neighborhoods and connect people in meaningful ways.”

What is Happening At Winter Park Playhouse?

In addition to being given this $10,000 award and the national recognition that comes with it, the musical theater company is gearing up to return to its longtime home at 711 N. Orange Ave. in Winter Park, in a newly renovated theater space. As part of that celebration, the Playhouse is hosting a Grand Opening Gala on July 17 “to christen the new theatre space,” the musical theater company notes.

The renovations were made possible after the City of Winter Park received an $8 million grant from Orange County to purchase the Playhouse’s property after the owner put it up for sale. The theater will be leased exclusively to Winter Park Playhouse, and the Orange County grant also provided funds for renovations and improvements to the property, which will include:

• Increased theater seating capacity (from 123 to 172 seats)
• A larger stage
• Dedicated space for the Playhouse’s regular cabaret shows
• Expanded restroom facilities
• and a renewed lobby. 

How Can I Get Tickets for the New Season?

The Winter Park Playhouse’s new 2026/2027 season kicks off on Aug. 7 with six new musical productions. The Playhouse is offering 6-Show Series subscriptions at a discount off the established single ticket price, with all 6 musicals available for $282 for adults and $258 for senior adults (62 years and older). A “You Pick 3” Series subscription is also available for $153 for adults and $141 for senior adults. Individually tickets range from $20 to $52. Two preview performances will be performed prior to opening night at $25 per ticket.

6-Show Series subscriptions are on sale now, while “You Pick 3” Series subscriptions are now on sale, available by calling the Playhouse Box Office at 407-645-0145. 

Michael Freeman is an Orlando journalist, playwright, and author of the book “Bloody Rabbit”. Contact him at Freelineorlando@gmail.com.