On June 23, the Career Connections Center hosted its first-ever arts-focused Career Trek, taking students behind the scenes at two standout nonprofits in Orlando: the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and Orlando Shakes. From touring iconic spaces to networking with professionals, students walked away with new insights on what it takes to build a career in the performing arts and how their degrees can lead to unexpected paths.
Whether you’re studying Theatre (Production or Performance), Psychology, Marketing, or even Information Systems, there’s a place for you in the arts industry.
🎟️ Stop #1: Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Often called the heartbeat of Central Florida, the Dr. Phillips Center is known for its stunning venues (named one of the “11 Most Beautiful Spaces to Host Art” by Architectural Digest) and year-round programming—hosting over 1,100 performances annually. But it’s more than just a performance space. Students discovered how this nonprofit runs like a for-profit organization, partnering with the City of Orlando to expand access to the arts.
We met professionals from a wide range of departments, including:
- People & Culture (HR)
- Corporate Affairs
- Production
- IT
- Marketing
- Programming
- Talent Acquisition
Each professional shared their personal career path—including some unexpected twists! Here are just a few:
- From criminal justice to arts admin: One staffer began as a criminal justice major, interned with a district attorney, and got connected to Dr. Phillips through networking.
- From stage to space design: Another started out acting, then pivoted into technical production and now works on theatre logistics and consulting.
- From Disney dancer to marketing lead: A former performer now helps shape the Center’s messaging and sales strategy.
🎯 Big Takeaways:
- You don’t have to be a performer to thrive in the arts.
- Networking is essential—many staff landed their roles through connections.
- Your major doesn’t define your path. Interests evolve, and that’s okay.
- Strong relationships are at the heart of marketing and sales success.
🎟️ Stop #2: Orlando Shakes
Founded in 1989 by a University of Central Florida (UCF) professor, Orlando Shakes produces classic, contemporary, and children’s theatre—often in partnership with UCF. Some staff even teach at UCF, and MFA actors from the university perform in their shows. With more than 30 seasons and two Pulitzer Prize-winning plays under their belt, the organization runs on detailed planning (some shows are scheduled two years out!).
Students learned about the wide range of behind-the-scenes roles that make the magic happen, including:
- Front of House & Operations
- Fundraising & Audience Development
- Education & Outreach
- Costume & Set Design
- Lighting, Safety, and more
We also heard from Nick Bublitz, Associate Artistic Director at Orlando Shakes and a proud UF alum (MFA in Acting), who has spent over 15 years working in the arts. His advice?
Invest in yourself. Articulate what makes you tick. Reflect inward: What gets you excited about art?” For Nick, it was a love of reading plays—any kind, any genre—that helped shape his path and fuel his work.
🎯 Big Takeaways:
- Network with intention – check in with people, show up to events, and stay present.
- Explore your niche – whether it’s political theatre, comedy, or arts education, find what moves you.
- Volunteer and stay active in arts communities like business chambers and cultural orgs.
- Reflect on what excites you and use that energy to build your story and your brand.
💡 Pro Tip: Stay connected to the field by following organizations like TCG.org and Americans for the Arts.
🎬 Final Thoughts
By the end of the day, students said they felt energized, inspired, and excited about the possibilities their Theatre major or minor could offer. One common reaction? “This was so fun!”
So whether you’re curious about production, marketing, or performance, experiences like this Career Trek are a great way to build your network, discover real career paths, and invest in yourself.
Stay tuned for more Career Treks—and remember to bring your curiosity.
