Next to Normal featuring Resident Artists
Dr. Phillips Center's Resident Artist Program Brings Rising Talent to Next to Normal
Six emerging performers selected from nearly 800 national auditions will take the stage in a fully professional production of Next to Normal, August 6–9
Orlando, FL – Each summer, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts recruits top emerging performers through the prestigious Unified Professional Theatre Auditions in Memphis, TN and the Southeastern Theatre Conference. Out of roughly 800 auditions, just six are selected as Resident Artists interns, a 10-week program for early-career artists with teaching experience or a strong interest in arts education.
Resident Artist interns contribute to Dr. Phillips Center’s summer camps and performances as teaching artists, choreographers, stage managers and more. Under the mentorship of Broadway-level professionals, they gain real-world experience that culminates in a fully professional production, this year being the Tony Award® and Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical Next to Normal.
"Many of these young artists started their theatre journey by attending camps and workshops at the arts center. Now they're on the other side of that table, helping build up the next generation of artists — while, at the same time, receiving mentorship from Broadway professionals themselves,” said Ryan Simpson, Director of Education at Dr. Phillips Center. “It's a lot of collaboration, all building up to showcase an immense amount of talent."
Directing Next to Normal is Broadway veteran Michael Jablonski, a current faculty member with University of Central Florida’s musical theatre program. Broadway veteran Kim Sava stars as Diana Goodman alongside a cast of Orlando-based creatives and performers with national and regional credits.
"While Directing BFA students and professional artists together on Next to Normal we are creating a powerful mentorship experience where learning, growth and artistry happen side by side,” said Michael Jablonski, director of Next to Normal. “These young artists are given the opportunity to work alongside Broadway artists, giving them a firsthand look at the industry, while curating an experience of artistic growth. It is a gift to see these young artists growing through the process as they work side by side with industry professionals."
The resident Artist program has become a pathway for performers who previously participated in Dr. Phillips Center’s AdventHealth School of the Arts programs, including the Applause Awards. Alumni have gone on to national tours and Broadway roles, including Lucas Babcock in Hamilton, Sierra Fermin in SIX, Miguel Gil in Kimberly Akimbo and Lost Boys and Jayna Glynn in Kinky Boots.
Next to Normal follows Diana Goodman and her family as they navigate the challenges of bipolar disorder, grief and healing. As each member of the family searches for stability, the show offers a raw and honest portrayal of resilience and the impact of mental illness while a dynamic, contemporary rock score by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey sets the scene.
To purchase tickets, visit drphillipscenter.org.