Premiere Performance Group 'Docs & Dellas' Forms at Dr. Phillips Center

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts announces the formation of a new educational initiative: the formation of a premiere performance group entitled Docs & Dellas.

The performing troupe is comprised of an exceptional group of 12- to 19-year olds, representing Dr. Phillips Center on the stages within the arts center, and also throughout the Central Florida community. The group is named for Dr. Phillip Phillips and his wife, Della, who were committed to the arts in Central Florida.

Under the direction of Dr. Phillips Center's Dana Brazil, senior director of education, and the musical direction of Tim Hanes, they perfect their performance skills in acting, singing and dancing throughout the season, performing at events, gatherings, meetings, conventions, parties or the like.

An audition-based selection process took place this summer for the group's roster of talent that will perform through June 2018. Cast members rehearse once a week in addition to scheduled performances that provide valuable experience in a diverse selection of venues. Additionally, five industry professionals working in the New York City Broadway community and specializing in performance and technique will conduct workshops in Orlando for this premiere performance group including choreographing and staging numbers for the season.

"Musical theatre and performance is quickly showing itself as a center of excellence for the education department at the arts center," says Kathy Ramsberger, president and CEO of Dr. Phillips Center. "There is so much talent in this community, and we are committed to provide professional education and exposure for these emerging, talented performers. As importantly, we will have the opportunity to provide performance opportunities to further develop their talents.

"I am continually inspired by the drive and work ethic of the young performers that develop their skill at the Dr. Phillips Center Florida Hospital School of the Arts," says Dana Brazil. "There is nothing more thrilling to me than providing the tools to an artist to discover their own brand and to collaborate with others in our community that share the same dreams. We're creating the space to keep presenting shows in both traditional and unexpected environments, and we're lucky to have the remarkable talent in Orlando and Central Florida."

2017 - 2018 Docs & Dellas Company Members:

Katerina Anamisis, St. James Cathedral School

Lyssi Antrim, Lake Mary High School

Aaron Banos, University High School

Sigourney Barnickel-Watson, Dr. Phillips High School

Jackson Boisvert, Dr. Phillips high School

Bryanna Buker, Hagerty High School

Henry Cartaya, Dr. Phillips High School

Macy Kramer, Howard Middle School

Bella Crider, Montverde Academy

Annabelle Davlov, Davenport School for the Arts

Sofia Deler, Boone High School

Tristan Flournoy, Florida Virtual School

Brady Foley, FLVS Honors Virtual School

Grace Gustino, West Orange High School

Brooke Herrera, FLVS Honors Virtual School

Joshua Houvouras, Lake Mary High School

Sarah Isola, Saint Mary Magdalen

Dalton Joseph, Trinity Preparatory School

Alec Lacher, Dr. Phillips High School

Anna Lehman, Smith Preparatory Academy

Ava Madara, Dr. Phillips High School

Abigail Marotta, West Orange High School

Scarlet Martinez, Cypress Creek High School

Sam Marzella, Windermere High School

Kennedy Mason, Lake Highland Preparatory School

Natalie Mastali, Celebration K-8 School

Erin McQueeney, University High School

Meghan McQueeney, University High School

Shina Mitchell, Dr. Phillips High School

Simi Moorjani, Blankner K-8 School

Brendan Morris, Lake Nona High School

Anyae Reed, Winter Park High School

Laela Rodriguez, Lake Minneola High School

Taylor Rotz, Bishop Moore Catholic High School

Brooklyn Schwetje, Windermere High School

Alex Sheffield, Windermere Preparatory School

Stuart Sheffield, Windermere Preparatory School

Brett Shelton, Lake Minneola High School

Anastasia Sims-Chin, Winter Park High School

Chaney Thornton, Lake Highland Preparatory School

Andre Torres, Dr. Phillips High School

Gabriela Torres, Dr. Phillips High School

Vangeli Tsompanidis, Hagerty High School

Madelynn Washburn, Seminole High School

Zachary Williams, Apopka High School

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization operating the state-of-the-art performing arts center in downtown Orlando, Florida. With its opening in November 2014, the performing arts center launched its vision of Arts for Every Life by being a gathering place for creativity and discovery; a vibrant urban destination where artists, audiences and students come to experience, explore and learn. The two-block community destination features the 2,700-seat Walt Disney Theater, 300-seat Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater, Seneff Arts Plaza, Dr. Phillips Center Florida Hospital School of the Arts, the DeVos Family Room, and other event rental spaces. Future expansion includes Steinmetz Hall, a 1,700-seat acoustical theater, along with rehearsal, classroom, office space and commercial development spaces. Dr. Phillips Center is a private non-profit collaborating with the City of Orlando, Orange County, the City of Winter Park, the State of Florida and generous donors.

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