CEO Kathy Ramsberger Talks Arts For Every Life

Dr Phillips Center CEO Kathy Ramsberger talks culture, community, and Arts for Every Life

By Jim Carchidi, The Orlando Real

In the 12 years since its grand opening, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts has earned national and international recognition for programming, venues, and community impact. President & CEO Kathy Ramsberger joined the organization in 2003 with prior experience leading the Orlando Film Commission. She worked alongside Dr. Phillips Center Founding Chairman Jim Pugh and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer to build a home for arts and culture where everyone is welcome.

In an interview with Ken Pozek of The Orlando Real, Ramsberger discussed topics including the significance of an accessible arts space, the vision of “Arts For Every Life” and plans to utilize additional spaces for creative programming and community initiatives.

By the Numbers

Fiscal Year 2025/26 year-end figures:

1,233 total curtains
336 events, including 143 corporate events and 37 weddings/birthday parties
600,400+ tickets sold
$48 million in ticket revenue
910,000 guests in the building
350 volunteers
$5 million in community support value
$9.2 million+ raised in philanthropy
$2.1 million earned in sponsorship
3,212 guests through community givebacks
33 billion audience reach through earned media
100,640+ meals served

Building a Culture

Developing public projects presents a range of challenges; from budgets and funding to gathering local government support. But as the development of Dr. Phillips Center began, the perceived exclusivity of the art world quickly became an obstacle to overcome.

“When we started building art centers in America, we put them on pedestals,” Ramsberger said. “We made them very important and in some cases, maybe, that became a barrier.”

She has stated her belief that creating an accessible art space is more about building a culture than a building. “Arts for Every Life” became the culture that removed all barriers.

More than 10,000 members of the community were asked what they wanted in an arts center and the type of programming they wanted to see. Interiors were designed to be spacious, well lit and comfortable. And the public was to have the opportunity to experience every performing arts genre under one roof.

“We thought it would be healthier for everyone,” Ramsberger said, noting that hosting several arts groups helps cross-promote and foster patron curiosity in performances they may not otherwise consider. And a more cohesive artistic environment resulted in more community involvement.

Arts and wellness

A programming schedule that began with classes, camps and youth plays evolved into arts education programs and healthcare partnerships for free wellness-enhancing programs. Ramsberger says an effort to test the value of the arts in cognitive therapy resulted in groundbreaking research.

Dr. Phillips Center partnered with AdventHealth on research efforts that include combining music therapy with stroke rehabilitation in Steinmetz Hall. And the augmenting of treatments for Alzheimer's and cognitive decline with performing arts therapy.

“We worked with the AdventHealth research division for Alzheimer patients and their caregivers,” Ramsberger said. “And at the end of the study, it was proven that (the arts) mattered. That was a big thing, because arts centers had never partnered this way. It kind of validated our instinct.”

Community Impacts

As impressive and expansive as Dr. Phillips Center has become, with the additions of Steinmetz Hall and Judson’s Live, the ever-expanding schedule requires additional space. “We’ve reached our capacity,” Ramsberger said.

Dr. Phillips Center is one of 24 local entities requesting funds from the Orange County Tourist Development Tax. An application submitted last week for $750 million would aid the development of a master plan that Ramsberger says would include the following:

• A 3,000-4,000-seat outdoor amphitheater
• A 750-seat indoor theater to accommodate long-running stage productions
• Creative and education studios
• A scenic shop and additional production and administrative space
• 1,150 on-site parking spaces
• 200-seat black box theater
• 180-seat stage theater
• 800-seat banquet & event space with food & beverage amenities
• 400-person flex performance venue
• Additional enhancements are planned for the Walt Disney Theater, Donors’ Room, lobby, entrance, and north corridor. And Ramsberger hopes to advance an idea based on Klyde Warren Park in Dallas.

The 5.2-acre urban park was built over the recessed Woodall Rodgers Freeway. The privately-funded, non-profit-operated venue bridges the downtown and arts districts with a town square-style environment hosting free community events.

“The idea is to do 1,000 free events a year that we would raise the funds for and deliver,” she said of the space, planned for the Frontyard and Seneff Arts Plaza by the corner of Orange Avenue and South Street. “And that's everything from afternoon Zumba classes to story time for kids.”

Choosing Optimism

The aspirations and additions have always been part of the arts center plan and an essential part of advancing the “Arts For Every Life” mission. Ramsberger looks forward to meeting the upcoming challenges with the same outlook that overcame the early development challenges; “Choose optimism.”

“There's got to be some calculation, and you have to measure your risk the best you can,” she said. “But if you can get people in line behind the idea, I think great things can be achieved.”

Stay tuned to The Orlando Real Youtube Channel for Ken Pozek’s full interview with Kathy Ramsberger, posting soon.

Read more at The Orlando Real.