Welcome

 As part of their Sounds of the World Series of events, The Winter Park Playhouse has teamed up with Barbara Chandler Productions to present -Blues and Southern Soul - Thursday October 2 at 7:00 pm. This event will feature professional vocalist Tonya Phillips Staples with Robert Bradley accompanying on piano. The evening will be FREE of charge and held at the Winter Park Public Library in their Edyth Bush theatre at 1052 W Morse Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32789.  Doors open for seating at 6:00 p.m. with the performance beginning promptly at 7:00 p.m.  

A departure from the traditional monthly Spotlight Cabaret Series at The Playhouse, the Sounds of the World Series is part of the theatre’s community outreach and celebrates different cultures, heritages and music styles.

 By teaming up with Barbara Chandler Productions, this series shines a spotlight on the diverse and unique talent in the Central Florida community.

Sounds of the World is sponsored in part by Orange County Government through the Arts and Cultural Affairs program, the Winter Park Community Redevelopment Agency, Division of Arts & Culture and United Arts of Central Florida.  The Winter Park Library is donating their Edyth Bush Theatre to help make the performances accessible to all.

Tonya Phillips Staples daughter of the late Reverend John P. Phillips and Doris Phillips, is a native of Winter Park, Florida. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Stetson University and along with English, sings in Italian, French, Spanish, and German. Accolades include first place excellence awards for both AKA Academy and the Orlando Opera Guild competitions. Tonya is also a former Miss Black Orlando. 

As a musical theatre performer and featured vocalist who is well versed in jazz, R&B, soul, gospel and many other genres, Tonya has toured nationally and internationally. Her credits include The Color Purple, Once on the Island, and the national tour of Beehive: The 60's Musical and the original cast of 8-Track: The Sounds of the '70s where she also served as choreographer. 

Tonya is currently the director and choreographer for Joyful! A Celebration of the Season at Disney's EPCOT. She is a featured vocalist for Universal Studios and Walt Disney World and Disney Springs among others. She is an actress, arranger, songwriter, vocal instructor, voice over artist, praise & worship leader and motivational speaker.  In Blues and Southern Soul, Tonya pays tribute to these unique types of music and their origins.   

"We are thrilled to have Tonya treat the audience to an evening full of music and dance that will touch the soul and teach the origins of blues and southern soul music masterfully!" confirms Barbara Chandler.  

General Admission tickets are free of charge. Doors open at 6:00p.m. for a 7:00p.m. show.  

We are excited to offer the "Retrieval & Retreat" workshop series. All workshops are FREE and open to ages 18 and older. 

Workshop Series:

Meet & Greet: Winter Park Community Center 

August 23, 2025 

Workshop #1 - Ancestral Archives as Creative Inspiration 

Thu Sep 4 | 6:30-8:30 pm | Community Room I Winter Park Library

Workshop #2 – Create Space: Residency & Retreat Opportunities 

Thu Sep 11 | 6:30-8:30 pm | Edyth Busch Center I Winter Park Library

Workshop #3 – Who Are You: Crafting the Artist Statement 

Thu Sep 18 | 6:30-8:30 pm | Community Room I Winter Park Library

Workshop #4 – The Application as Engagement and Networking 

Thu Sep 25 I 6:30-8:30 pm I Edyth Busch Center I Winter Park Library

 Summer Edition of reFRAME; reFRAME is a hub for Photographers & Enthusiasts of lens based Artists!   Meet local Photographers and the motivation and technique behind their work. FREE and open to the public! 

@ Bellows Photo Lab Orlando

images by: Tony Ramzey

On Display until April 30th, 2025

Experience a profound journey through history with Land & Lineage, an exhibition presented by TRACES 365 

This showcase honors historically Black communities: 

Community of Royal, the African American Museum of DeLand, the Harry & Harriette V. Moore Museum, and The Mary Harrell Black Heritage Museum. 

Complementing these historical narratives, artwork from local artists Stephenie Black Grant, Jaison Radcliff, and Dafeney Josue adds a creative and contemporary perspective.

On display until April 30th 2025 

Orange County Public Library 

101 E Central Blvd. 

Thursday June 12th, 2025 

In honor of Black Music Appreciation Month, The Winter Park Playhouse has teamed up again with Barbara Chandler Productions to present a special cabaret!  

 Spirituals, Jazz and Opera will feature the vocal talents of Mark Wright-Ahern. This is a one-hour cabaret style event. All tickets are general seating and include a drink choice from the bar. 

Saturday March 29th, 2025 

TRACES 365:  Explore Sanford 

Join community members and explore historic landmarks in Georgetown and Downtown Sanford; Discover artistic murals while supporting Black owned businesses and more. 

See Ya In Sanford!

Thursday March 6th, 2025 

In celebration of Women's History Month

Mzuri Moyo Aimbaye will delight audiences with an evening of jazz, standards and Broadway as she pays tribute to the women legends of song including Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Ross, Whitney Houston and more!

Sunday February 23, 2025

F.R.A.M.E. seeks to celebrate and elevate the art of photography by providing a platform for both established and emerging photographers to share their work with a diverse audience. 

Join us for a one-day pop-up event at the Polasek Museum with local Photographers.

Sunday January 19th, 2025  

Barbara Chandler, Hannibal Square Winter Park Community Historian 

"Explore Hannibal Square" is a guided walking tour which shares the history of Winter Park Westside African American community.