Student Spotlight: Carlos Toledo

Meet Carlos Toledo! At 14 years old, he is a passionate performer currently making waves at the AdventHealth School of the Arts with the Four Counts. As an enthusiastic singer, dancer, and actor, Carlos is exploring his talents through the myriad of opportunities available at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

For Carlos, the benefits of these programs and shows are twofold. The programs allow him to grow as an artist and provides a sense of community and belonging amongst his fellow performers. Carlos reflects that his favorite show was the pre-professional production of Elf the Musical, as he "felt more connected, and even more inspired to continue theater because of the environment everyone in the cast created for me."

The supportive and positive environment of the AdventHealth School of the Arts has allowed Carlos the freedom to develop his skills and find fulfillment in his life. He is thrilled to take advantage of the vast array of workshops available and expand his skill set.

One standout moment for Carlos was the Martin Luther King parade, where the Dr. Phillips Center parade unit performed exciting choreography from Tina: The Tina Turner Musical throughout the streets of downtown Orlando. He and his peers had the chance to learn the dance from a Broadway actor and, as Carlos said, “brighten people’s day” as they traveled down the parade route.

Carlos has found the perfect outlet for his passions, as the performing arts programs align with his interests in singing, acting, and dancing. He continues to expand his horizons by attending a variety of musicals at the arts center, including beloved productions such as The Prom, Frozen, and Chicago, as well as the arts center’s Youth Theater production of Frozen Jr.

What's truly admirable about Carlos is his unwavering commitment to honing his craft, as well as his appreciation for the community and support that the School of the Arts provides. He appreciates the fact that he can be his authentic self among his peers, and he credits the performing arts for inspiring him to embrace who he truly is.

Carlos expresses the value he places on these programs, stating, “I don’t feel as if I have to change myself to be the expectation of what others want but I can always just be authentic about who I am. And I am proud that the performing arts have helped me get to that point of acceptance, and inspired me about who I am.”

We can't wait to see what shows Carlos will be involved in next and are thrilled to witness his continued growth as an artist!

To learn more about the Dr. Phillips Center and AdventHealth partnership, visit wellnessandarts.com.