Dr. Phillips Center Brings 'The Wiz' to 200+ Orlando Students and Families for Free Through Community Giveback Initiative

Orlando, FL – More than 200 Central Florida students and seniors will experience the magic of Broadway this week as Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts welcomes them to Tony Award-winning musical The Wiz — kicking off a season that continues the venue's eight-year tradition of making world-class theater accessible to all.

Since its launch in 2017, the initiative has provided over 11,000 tickets specifically to Broadway shows, strengthening a tradition of expanding access to the arts. Last season alone, more than 3,100 guests—including students, teachers, veterans and first responders—were invited to experience live theater as part of the program.

“Community Giveback is an invitation to be inspired, to connect and to create memories that last,” said Kathy Ramsberger, president & CEO of Dr. Phillips Center. “As we begin this new season, we’re continuing a tradition that reflects our vision of Arts For Every Life® and strengthens the bonds of our community.”

Through the Community Giveback initiative, Dr. Phillips Center works with donors and partners to provide first-class cultural experiences for audiences throughout Central Florida. Each season, the initiative curates meaningful events designed to inspire, connect and create shared experiences across the community.

Launching this year’s AdventHealth Broadway in Orlando 25/26 Season with The Wiz is especially meaningful. This groundbreaking reimagining of The Wizard of Oz reshaped Broadway with its vibrant mix of soul, gospel and funk, while reintroducing Dorothy’s journey in a bold, contemporary voice that continues to inspire new generations.

During The Wiz show run in Orlando from September 30-October 5, 2025, multiple community giveback events are planned:

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

• Pre-show reception (Girls on the Run, Empowered Girls, Rebuild Yourself, Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida and Eight Waves Youth)
• Performance of The Wiz

Thursday, October 2, 2025

• Dance Masterclass (Evans High School)
• Pre-show reception (Evans High School, The Greatest Investment, United Foundation of Central Florida and New Image Youth Center)
• Performance of The Wiz

Sunday, October 5, 2025

• Arts & Wellness Lunch & Learn (Senior residents from Magnolia Towers)
• Performance of The Wiz

This community giveback is made possible by generous support provided by PepsiCo and Sysco.

Special guests include:

Empowered Girls Inc.
Girls on the Run Central Florida
Eight Waves Youth
Evans High School Dance Troupe
Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida
Magnolia Towers
New Image Youth Center
Rebuild Yourself Inc.
The Greatest Investment
United Foundation of Central Florida

The Community Giveback initiative is part of the art center’s larger community engagement efforts, which has provided over 63,700 tickets to the community since opening in 2014.

For more information, visit drphillipscenter.org/giving-back.