WHERE THE WORLD PERFORMS
Growing from 9 to 20 venues to welcome 1.5 million guests annually and offer 1,000 free programs each year.
Dr. Phillips Center’s bold, long-term vision is built on more than a decade of demonstrated success. Since opening in 2014, the arts center has welcomed more than 6.2 million guests from all 50 states and 80 countries, generated significant economic benefits for Orange County and the region, and has become one of the nation’s most active performing arts venues. Operating at up to 97% capacity with year-round programming, we're not expanding on speculation—we're meeting proven demand.
Recognized with dual IAVM Venue Excellence Awards and honored by Travel + Leisure as one of "25 New Tourist Attractions Worth Adding to Your Bucket List," Our Master Plan builds on this extraordinary, award-winning success.
Our Master Plan enhances these exceptional experiences—creating more stages for excellence, more intimate spaces, and more opportunities for both internationally acclaimed artists and emerging local talent to share their gifts with our community.
Operating Near Capacity
Proven Impact & Recognition
BUILDING ON OVER A DECADE OF PROVEN SUCCESS
11 Years of Excellence. Ready for More.
From Grammy winners to global icons, the world's most celebrated artists have experienced what makes Dr. Phillips Center extraordinary. Their words validate what our community already knows—we've built something truly special. World-class artists choose to perform here. Industry leaders recognize our operational excellence. National media celebrates our cultural significance.
STEINMETZ HALL - WORLD-RENOWNED ACOUSTICS
"I have performed in The White House, Buckingham Palace, Hollywood Bowl and Carnegie Hall, and I think this is the most beautiful and incredible theater I've ever seen."
— Michael Feinstein, Great American songbook singer and pianist
WALT DISNEY THEATER - LARGER-THAN-LIFE ENTERTAINMENT
“You guys officially have a world-class venue in this town."
- Trey Anastsio, Lead guitarist of Phish, composer, singer-songwriter
ALEXIS & JIM PUGH THEATER – SMALL SPACE – HUGE PRESENCE
"These performances have been of the highest caliber both in terms of profit and production value for me, in large part to the staff that operates the organization as well as the sheer quality of the venue. When I’m at Dr. Phillips Center, I know I’m getting the best there is."
-Chase Padgett, Actor, singer, guitarist and improviser
JUDSON'S LIVE - AN INTIMATE MASTERPIECE
"This club is a model for what a jazz club should be. The whole setup is beautiful: the lighting, the food, how they treat musicians, the sound system, the location—it's perfection."
— Sammy Figueroa, Grammy nominee and legendary studio musician
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN OUR MASTER PLAN
The Master Plan is designed to anticipate future demand, diversify Orange County's tourism economy and enrich the community through arts and culture. Today, that vision is more relevant than ever, and these projects align directly with Orange County's CANVAS Cultural Plan.
By nearly doubling the campus from nine to 20 venues, the Master Plan will create capacity, flexibility and year-round programming opportunities and unlock new economic activity that is not possible within the existing campus.
Investment in Dr. Phillips Center’s Master Plan, both by Orange County Tourist Development Tax, private philanthropy and other public/grant funding can significantly strengthen the ability to attract visitors, host world-class events and generate long-term economic impact for the region.
4 Key Components
MASTER PLAN ECONOMIC IMPACT
20-year Projection for New Venues Only
"Dr. Phillips Center has transformed downtown Orlando into a cultural destination—attracting millions of visitors, supporting local restaurants and businesses, and creating thousands of jobs."
— Tim Giuliani, President & CEO, Orlando Economic Partnership
What's At Stake
Future Vision & Growth
With venues operating year-round at up to 97% capacity, independent economic validation, award-winning operations recognized nationally, and community support from 24,085+ donors, our Master Plan responds to a proven demand with a smart investment that benefits our entire region.
With Master Plan:
- 80% more students served
- 1.5 million guests welcomed annually
- 1,000 free programs each year
- Economic impact multiplied throughout the region
- Orlando positioned as world-class cultural destination
Without Master Plan:
- Continue to turn away students eager to enroll in programs
- Families unable to get tickets to sold-out shows
- Companies and organizations unable to rent needed spaces
- Missing economic opportunities as demand exceeds capacity
- Falling behind competitive cultural destinations
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your Questions Answered
What exactly is the Master Plan?
Dr. Phillips Center's Master Plan will add 11 new venues, growing from 9 to 20 total spaces, plus enhancements to four existing areas. New additions include theaters ranging from 180 to 750 seats, creative and education studios, event spaces, and expanded food services and 1,150 on-site parking spaces. We'll also enhance beloved spaces like the Walt Disney Theater and front-of-house areas.
This Master Plan addresses the incredible demand we've experienced. We currently operate at up to 97% capacity with 910,000 annual attendees (FY 24/25), allowing us to welcome 1.5 million guests annually and offer 1,000 free programs each year with the new plan. The Master Plan directly advances our five-year strategic plan for growing events, education, and arts & wellness.
Why does Dr. Phillips Center need to expand?
We operate at up to 97% capacity with year-round programming 99% of the year. We welcome 910,000 people annually, but we're consistently turning people away—students who want programs, families who want tickets, organizations who want to rent spaces.
An independent Tourism Economics study validates our success: $227.6 million in annual economic impact, 2,483 jobs supported, $13.2 million in state and local taxes generated. Combined with our IAVM Venue Excellence Awards and community recognition as Orlando's Best Theater for 7 consecutive years, Master Plan isn't speculative—it's meeting proven demand and expanding what works.
When will the Master Plan be completed?
The timeline depends on securing Orange County Tourism Development Tax (TDT) funding. TDT Citizen Task Force presentations will occur in July and August, with a final Orange County Board of County Commission decision expected in August 2026. If TDT funding is secured in August 2026, we will provide updates as the timeline becomes clearer.
What new venues and spaces will the Master Plan include?
New Performance Spaces:
- 750-seat theater for world-class performances
- 200-seat black box theater
- 180-seat stage theater
- Flexible performance venue
- 4,000-capacity outdoor auditorium/amphitheater for unique entertainment experiences
- Additional performance venues for diverse programming
New Learning Spaces:
- Creative studios for educational programs
- Engagement studios for community programs and workshops
- Global arts & wellness institue
New Community Spaces:
- Rooftop terrace event space with downtown Orlando views
- Steinmetz Hall and Judson's Live exterior expansion with music listening venue
- Expanded gathering spaces and lobbies
- Scenic shop
Enhanced Services:
- Enhanced food and beverage facilities including cafe and fast casual dining
- Expanded parking to improve accessibility
- Walt Disney Theater improvements
- Upgraded donor spaces
- Enhanced front-of-house experience
- Improved north corridor accessibility
What is Tourism Development Tax (TDT) funding and why are you seeking it?
Tourism Development Tax (TDT) is a tax on hotel stays in Orange County specifically designed to fund tourism infrastructure that attracts visitors and generates economic activity. It's commonly called "bed tax" or "tourist tax."
We're seeking TDT funding because:
- We're a proven tourism driver: Independent Tourism Economics study shows 175,000 visitors travel from outside the region specifically for arts center events
- We generate measurable tourism impact: Visitors spend $73.1 million at off-site businesses including restaurants, hotels and retail outlets
- We deliver TDT returns: We generate $13.2 million annually in state and local taxes, including significant hotel tax revenue
- TDT is designed for projects like this: Tourism infrastructure that attracts visitors, extends stays, and generates economic activity
Our Master Plan grows proven tourism success, making it an ideal TDT investment.
If you get TDT funding, will you still need private donations?
Absolutely—now more than ever! TDT funding and private philanthropy play complementary but distinct roles:
TDT Funding (Public Investment):
- Builds the physical infrastructure: venues, parking, technical systems
- Funds tourism-related capital improvements
- Creates the stages and spaces
Private Philanthropy (Your Investment):
- Brings venues to life with programming and performances
- Funds the 1,000 free programs annually
- Supports educational initiatives and community access ($471,000 in scholarships have been awarded to date)
- Endows operations to ensure sustainability
- Creates the mission-driven impact that changes lives
Think of it this way: TDT builds the theater; your donations fund the performance that fills it. Public investment creates the infrastructure; private philanthropy funds the heart and soul of what we do. Master Plan creates new opportunities for philanthropic impact, not fewer.
How do we know the Master Plan will generate the economic impact you're claiming?
We commissioned an independent study by Tourism Economics, a subsidiary of Oxford Economics, using rigorous IMPLAN economic modeling. This isn't us making claims—it's a credible third-party validating our impact.
Current Proven Impact (FY 2024/2025):
- $227.6 million total economic impact
- 2,483 jobs supported
- $70.8 million in Labor Income
- $13.2 million in state and local taxes
- $73.1 million in off-site visitor spending
- $471,000 in scholarships have been awarded to date
The Methodology: Tourism Economics tracked actual operational spending ($66.3 million) and visitor spending ($73.1 million), then used industry-standard economic modeling to calculate multiplier effects throughout the economy.
Master Plan Projection: With capacity expanding from 910,000 to 1.5 million guests, annually, the economic impact will grow proportionally. This is conservative modeling based on 10 years of proven, award-winning performance.
How will the Master Plan make the arts more accessible?
Master Plan prioritizes accessibility in multiple ways:
Financial Accessibility:
- 1,000 free programs annually ensuring cost is never a barrier
- Continued scholarship opportunities (we've already awarded $251,500+ through Applause Awards)
- Free outdoor amphitheater performances
Geographic Accessibility:
- Expanded parking for easier access
- Improved north corridor connectivity
- Programming that reaches all Orange County districts
Educational Accessibility:
- 80% increase in students served
- New creative and engagement studios designed for hands-on learning
- Dedicated spaces for students from all backgrounds
Programming Accessibility:
- 20 venues means more variety—something for everyone
- Outdoor amphitheater provides casual, welcoming entry point
- Enhanced food service and gathering spaces create comfortable, inclusive environment
