On the heels of the Dr. P. Phillips Orlando Performing Arts Center’s announcement of its spring groundbreaking, a $1million gift has been received from Bryce West. West is the 20th donor to contribute $1 million or more to the much anticipated performing arts center. A recently appointed member of the board of directors, he is known for his enthusiasm for the classical performing arts and his commitment to help provide this community with a new state-of-the-art performing arts destination.

West has been supporting the arts through volunteerism, subscriptions and donations throughout his life. West moved to Orlando in 2002, and has since joined the board of the Orlando Philharmonic. “My vision – and dream – is to help provide Orlando with a world-class venue in which all live performing arts can be experienced,” said West.

“Bryce’s gift is a testament to the community’s confidence in the project’s direction and the passion that even new members of the community have for this project,” said performing arts center Board Chairman Jim Pugh. “Bryce’s vast experience of the performing arts will play an important role in this legacy project.”

The board of directors voted on October 15 to approve a staged construction plan of the three theaters beginning with the 2,700± seat Disney Theater and 300± seat Community Theater. The 1,700± seat Multi-form Theater will be constructed in the second stage. Renderings for the three theaters were unveiled at the State of Downtown Address by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, marking the latest step toward breaking ground in the spring of 2010.