Central Florida Community Arts Youth Theatre program inspires kids to grow as performers—and people.

Every parent wants to watch their child grow up with confidence and determination. And while there are many activities that can teach children skills to develop into capable young boys and girls, many are finding the immersive experiences in youth theater to be among the most rewarding. That’s because behind every standing ovation is something even more meaningful: weeks of teamwork, creativity and personal growth behind the scenes.

Central Florida Community Arts (CFCArts) is introducing the arts to new generations while fostering a welcoming environment where children ages 4 through 12th grade can showcase their artistic side while building confidence, developing communication skills and forming lasting friendships. Whether they’re new to the program or a seasoned performer, the organization encourages them to take risks, support one another and discover the joys of life on stage.

“Theater is a vital entry point to the arts for many people. Creating a way for youth in our community to get involved in the arts regardless of their circumstances is important for their individual development and for the vibrancy of our community as a whole,” says Leah Porrata, CFCArts Youth Theatre Artistic Director.

For families like Nikki Ortiz-Tatarka’s, that impact extends far beyond opening night.

A drama teacher in Seminole County, the mother of two CFCArts performers and a member of CFCArts’ Parent & Guardian Panel, Ortiz-Tatarka first discovered the organization after her family relocated to Central Florida. Looking for theater opportunities for her children, she heard about CFCArts Youth Theatre through her husband, who had joined the organization’s Symphony Orchestra. After researching the program, she enrolled her children in Disney’s Aladdin Jr. in 2023.

Since then, she has watched both of her children grow not only as performers, but as confident young people.

“One of my favorite things to see in students as an educator and in my kids as a parent is the way youth theater lets them experience success and disappointment, teaches them to hit a bump in the road and still come back from it,” Ortiz-Tatarka says.

While audiences see polished performances under the lights, Ortiz-Tatarka says the lessons learned during rehearsals pave the way for students to work collaboratively toward a shared goal. These aren’t just attributes that help them when the spotlights are the brightest; they are skills that will carry into the classroom and everyday life. 

That’s exactly the environment CFCArts strives to create. 

“Participation in the performing arts is linked to high academic achievement, college enrollment rates and civic engagement. Theater is directly linked to friendships, community investment, interpersonal connection, social-emotional learning, self-confidence, public speaking skills, healthy emotional expression and so much more,” says Porrata. 

Through her experience as both a parent and educator, Ortiz-Tatarka has witnessed firsthand the many ways youth theater can benefit young people. 

“As a teacher and a parent, I’ve seen the life-changing opportunities that theater can provide,” she says. “It can certainly be an avenue to a passion a child didn’t know existed, but it can also just be a safe space to express themselves and grow as a person.”

While learning and performing are at the heart of the program, Ortiz-Tatarka also stresses the importance of the meaningful relationships being formed. After all, the program does more than introduce kids to the world of theater, it creates a sense of belonging and community. 

“Anyone can be a theater kid,” she says. “It’s for everyone.”

That level of inclusion is intentional as Porrata says the program was created to welcome all ages and experience levels.

“We want to be both a welcoming introduction to theater and a place for artistic growth,” she says.

With a combination of performances and educational experiences, CFCArts provides an opportunity for youth to explore their creative side while building leadership skills that will serve them long after the final curtain has closed. Upcoming productions, including A Christmas Carol, Disney’s Moana Jr., Come From Away and Disney’s Frozen Jr., will continue providing opportunities for students to perform, collaborate and grow. These productions also give the broader community a chance to experience the program firsthand. Whether attending a Youth Theatre production or a Symphony Orchestra concert, audiences of all ages can enjoy family-friendly performances while supporting the next generation of artists. 

For families interested in seeing their children reach new heights, the CFCArts Youth Theatre program offers more than a chance to perform—it offers a community where they find their voice and unlock their true potential.

Central Florida Community Arts
Winter Park
(407) 937-1800
CFCArts.com