The Winter Park Playhouse secures its permanent home on Orange Avenue after 23 years!

It's been a long time coming, but The Winter Park Playhouse can now call Orange Avenue home following approval of TDT Grant Funding.

Good news for Central Florida's arts scene and great news for The Winter Park Playhouse, as finally, The Winter Park Playhouse has secured its long-term home in Winter Park after the City of Winter Park has purchased the building that has been home to the theatre for 23 years, thanks to funds from the Orange County Tourism Development Tax (TDT).

On Tuesday September 23, 2025 the City of Winter Park formally purchased 711 N. Orange Avenue Winter Park. The purchase ensures the long term survival of The Winter Park Playhouse,

Heather Alexander, the co-founder and Executive Director of The Winter Park Playhouse is more than happy with the outcome, "We are elated and want to thank the Orange County Mayor and Commissioners, Orange County ARC and TDC, the City of Winter Park Mayor and Commissioners, City and County staff, our donors and every person that helped make this dream become a reality!" She continued, "The Playhouse Board and staff are deeply grateful for this opportunity to continue to entertain, uplift and inspire residents and visitors for years to come!”

In addition to allowing the city to purchase the building, the TDT grant funding allows for an extensive renovation of the theatre building which will increase seating capacity by 50% and provide an elevated experience for patrons.

While construction is going on, The Winter Park Playhouse will continue to perform its 2025-2026 Season, including Mainstage Musicals and Spotlight Cabarets at the close-by Orlando Shakes, located at 812 E. Rollins Street Orlando.  

Check out the latest theater and performing arts news from throughout Central Florida. Orlando features an endless choice of entertainment on the stage each day, with an impressive choice of venues, including Dr Phillips Center, The Ren, Orlando Family Stage, Winter Park Playhouse, Theater West End, and more.

Founded in 2002, The Winter Park Playhouse is a 501(c)(3) professional musical theatre producing and developing year-round professional musical theatre programming, in-house and out in the community.

Located blocks away from beautiful downtown Winter Park and minutes from downtown Orlando, The Playhouse is known for its outstanding entertainment, welcoming atmosphere and exceptional service. The intimacy of the 123-seat theatre engages patrons in a unique up-close-and-personal theatrical experience.

Affiliated with Actors' Equity Association, the professional union of actors and stage managers, the Playhouse maintains high artistic standards and proudly employs professional actors, musicians and technicians.

The dynamic year-round programming includes:

• THE MAINSTAGE SERIES:

  A year-round series of unique musicals, new or rarely produced in the region, all featuring professional actors, musicians and technicians.

• THE SPOTLIGHT CABARET SERIES:

  A year-round series of new cabaret premiers which showcase a different professional singer in a 55-minute "New York" style cabaret each month.

• THE FLORIDA FESTIVAL OF NEW MUSICALS:

  An international festival, the only one in Florida and one of two in the Southeastern Region, that fosters the development of new musicals and the artistic growth of writers and composers. This 4-day event showcases six brand new, never-before-produced musical works.

• SPECIAL EVENTS SERIES:

  A quarterly series of special 90-minute musical events which feature a variety of professional singers and musicians.

• REACH (Relevant Educational Arts for CHildren):

  A community outreach program which engages children in quality musical theatre experiences at under-served day nurseries, Title I schools, libraries and community centers.

• SHARE (Senior Health through ARts Enrichment):

  A community outreach program that brings uplifting, professional musical performances to homebound seniors in life-long care communities.

For more details: https://www.winterparkplayhouse.org

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