Student Spotlight: Olivia Beaumont & Demerick Dunlap

Meet Your Four Counts Co-Presidents

Olivia Beaumont and Demerick Dunlap, both 17, have spent years participating in programs at Dr. Phillips Center’s AdventHealth School of the Arts. After getting their start in Quarter Notes and continuing their training through Four Counts, the two are entering their final year with the ensemble in new roles as co-presidents. Their journey from young performers to student leaders reflects just how much can happen when students have a place to learn, perform and grow.

Through their experiences at AdventHealth School of the Arts, Olivia and Demerick have built lasting friendships, challenged themselves as performers and developed confidence both on and off the stage. Now, they are bringing those experiences with them as they help lead their peers through the Four Counts season. 

Four Counts is an elite performance group for students aged 14–18. The group represents Dr. Phillips Center throughout Central Florida while giving students access to professional training in musical theatre performance, discipline and technique.

Meet Demerick 

For Demerick, the ensemble group has given him a place where he can challenge himself while surrounded by a supportive community. Along the way, his experiences in the performing arts have taught him lessons that extend beyond the stage. “The performing arts have taught me discipline, teamwork, responsibility and how to step outside my comfort zone,” he shares. 

Those lessons have shaped how Demerick approaches performing.

“When I am on stage, I feel like I can fully be myself,” he says. “I love the energy of performing and being able to connect with the audience.” 

As he enters his final season, Demerick hopes to continue developing across all three areas of musical theatre — singing, dancing and acting — with a particular focus on strengthening his voice. He looks forward to becoming a stronger and more confident performer while continuing to grow in his role as a leader.

Meet Olivia

For Olivia, Four Counts has given her a closer look at what goes into becoming a performer. “The group continues to lead me to an even greater appreciation for the performing arts because I get to see everything that goes into preparation, every week,” she shares.

That appreciation extends to the moments she gets to share with her fellow performers. For Olivia, being on stage is both an opportunity to celebrate her hard work and connect with the people who have become an important part of her journey.

“Being on stage is a very electrifying feeling. I feel accomplished any time I get to showcase what I have worked on and it’s even better when I get to experience it with my closest peers.”

This season, Olivia is setting her sights on another area of growth: dance. As she continues to step outside her comfort zone, she is looking forward to building her skills and exploring new styles.

Leading Four Counts Together

As co-presidents, Olivia and Demerick can bring their individual experiences and perspectives together as they lead their peers through the upcoming season. While their journeys through the performing arts have been their own, they share a commitment to continuing to grow as performers and creating a positive experience for the Four Counts ensemble.

As they take on their new roles as co-presidents, Olivia and Demerick are carrying years of experience at Dr. Phillips Center with them and looking forward to seeing where the next chapter takes them.

Learn more about programs offered at AdventHealth School of the Arts or sign up for a class here.