Art Beat - WUCF

Tracy Turnblad and friends dance their way through a tale of racial intergration on the Osceola Center for the Arts stage this spring. We meet the director, choreographer and one of the dancers from the musical favorite "Hairspray" in this episode of ArtBeat, hosted by Ann Kenda with production assistance from Matt Immerman. Also, the Melon Patch Players talk about their staging of "The Odd Couple" and why they chose to set it in 1985.

Three couples experience pregnancy and parenting in very different ways in the Winter Park Playhouse's production of "Baby." We meet the director and actors in this special episode of ArtBeat, hosted by Ann Kenda with production assistance from Matt Immerman.

E.B. White's classic children's tale of an unlikely friendship comes to life on Orlando Shakespeare Theater's stage this spring. In this special episode of ArtBeat, we meet the actors who play Charlotte and Wilbur and find out why their story still touches hearts 60 years after its first publication. ArtBeat is hosted by Ann Kenda with production assistant from Matt Immerman.

STELLLAAA! We take a look at Theatre Downtown's production of Tennesse Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire" in this epsiode of ArtBeat, hosted by Ann Kenda with production assistance from Matt Immerman, and featuring commentary from Director Frank Hilgenberg and Rachel Comeau as Stella Kowalski.

Robert Hill presents a new spin on Swan Lake in Orlando Ballet's production of "Swans: Black and White." Hear from Hill, as well as the principle dancers, in this special episode of ArtBeat, hosted by Ann Kenda with production assistance from Matt Immerman.

Jazz artists, professors, students and fans are coming together at the University of Central Florida's Nicholson School of Communication for the fifth annual UCF Orlando Jazz Festival March 23 - 24. A look behind the scenes in this episode of ArtBeat, with commentary from Jazz favorite Mike LeDonne and UCF's Director of Jazz Studies Jeff Rupert. ArtBeat is hosted by Ann Kenda with production assistance from Matt Immerman.

ArtBeat celebrates the silver screen's spies and secret agents with a look at the Orlando Philharmonic's "Bond & Beyond" concert, a musical tribute to James Bond, Austin Powers, Inspector Clouseau and other favorites. Also, an update on the University of Central Florida's planned Performing Arts Center with remarks from Jeffrey Kimpton of the Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan, the first speaker in a new lecture series supporting the project. ArtBeat is hosted by Ann Kenda with production assistance from Matt Immerman.

Six soldiers killed in the line of the duty stand up in their graves and refuse to be buried, in Theatre UCF's production of "Bury The Dead," Irwin Shaw's anti-war play of the 1930's. Meet the director and two actors in this episode of ArtBeat, hosted by Ann Kenda with production assistance from Matt Immerman.

A UCF Professor who created a documentary about Jazz great Sam Rivers remembers what it was like to film the artist at work, in this episode of ArtBeat. Also, Jazz Harpist Park Stickney talks about his upcoming concert in Orlando. ArtBeat is hosted by Ann Kenda with production assistance from Matt Immerman.

The Orlando Shakespeare Theater has opened a winter production of the classic comedy turned tragedy "Romeo and Juliet." Meet Director Thomas Ouellette, Michael Raver as Romeo and Stella Heath as Juliet in this special episode of ArtBeat, hosted by Ann Kenda with production assistance from Matt Immerman.

The Orange County Regional History Center has opened "Beyond Baseball: The Life of Roberto Clemente Walker (1934-1972)." Former Pittsburgh Pirate Steve Blass, Baseball Historian Peter Nason and Curator of Education Paul Wenglowsky provide insight on Clemente's life, baseball career and humanitarian works in this special episode of ArtBeat, hosted by Ann Kenda with production assistance from Matt Immerman.

Theater UCF has opened "The Last Night of Ballyhoo," Alfred Uhry's play about a family struggling with identity issues in upper-class Atlanta in December 1939. The director and actors talk about their roles in this episode of ArtBeat, hosted by Ann Kenda and edited by Matt Immerman.

As Jazz On The Beach enters its 29th year on WUCF, we celebrate with a look behind the scenes of Jack Simpson's popular show. This special episode of ArtBeat is hosted by Ann Kenda and edited by Matt Immerman.

Reaction is pouring in to a University of Central Florida film class documentary exploring the Johns Committee era of the 1950's, when gays and lesbians were believed to be targeted for dismissal from Florida's public university system. Previously on ArtBeat, we brought you the story of how the film class developed the project. This week, we see how gay rights groups, students, historians and others reacted to the documentary's initial screenings. ArtBeat is hosted by Ann Kenda and edited by Matt Immerman.

Actor Michael Kevin Baldwin has just a few minutes to change costumes and personalities as he portrays a dozen citizens of Tuna, Texas in Orlando Shakespeare Theater's production of "A Tuna Christmas." This special two-part series is hosted by Ann Kenda and edited by Matt Immerman.

The Orlando Shakespeare Theater, in partnership with UCF, is celebrating the holiday season with the light-hearted comedy "A Tuna Christmas," set in the mythical town of Tuna, Texas. We hear from the stars of the show in this special two-part series hosted by Ann Kenda and edited by Matt Immerman.

Outdoor ice skating under the Central Florida sun? It doesn't sound possible, but UCF is making it work, as part of its popular "Light Up UCF" holiday celebration. Find out how on ArtBeat, hosted by Ann Kenda and edited by Matt Immerman.

What are the hottest Halloween costumes of 2011? Find out on ArtBeat! Hosted by Ann Kenda and edited by Matt Immerman, this special episode of ArtBeat explores the big business of Halloween costumes.

A look at the popular Light Up UCF event at the University of Central Florida. The 50 day celebration of the holidays runs from Veterans Day to New Years Day and offers ice skating, movies and more. Hosted by Ann Kenda and edited by Matt Immerman.

A documentary film class at the University of Central Florida is taking a new look at a long-buried episode of Florida history. The Johns Committee of the 1950's was accused of targeting gays and lesbians in the state's public university system. A look at this controversial era in state history on ArtBeat, hosted by Ann Kenda and edited by Matt Immerman.

The historic town of Deland expects big crowds this weekend for the Fall Festival of the Arts. Hosted by Ann Kenda and edited by Matt Immerman, this episode of ArtBeat also looks at the economic impact of the Festival on local businesses.

The Florida Fallen Hero Quilt Project honors the service and the sacrifice of the more than 300 Floridians who have died in service to their country in Iraq and Afghanistan since Sept. 11, 2011. Quilters talk about the project in this special Veterans Day episode of ArtBeat, hosted by Ann Kenda and edited by Matt Immerman.

Art professors at the University of Central Florida are showing off their work in painting, sculpture, photography, digital media and other mediums at their annual Faculty Art Show. Hosted by Ann Kenda and edited by Matt Immerman.

One of the most important figures in Central Florida's arts scene resigns. We'll have a conversation with Margot Knight, president and CEO of United Arts, about her decision to leave the organization to take on a new role in California.

The mid-century history of three African-American communities in Florida. We talk with Crealdé Executive Director Peter Schreyer about a photograph exhibition at the Hannibal Square Heritage Center.

The season ahead at the Orlando Repertory Theatre, plus the organization's partnership with UCF. A conversation with Artistic Director Jeffrey Revels.

The latest in our series of interviews previewing the upcoming season in the arts - a conversation with Christopher Niess from Theatre UCF.

The controversial play, Spring Awakening, comes to Orlando. We chat with the Artistic Director of the Greater Orlando Actors Theatre, and the UCF student playing the role of Hanschen in the production.

The third in our series of season previews. A conversation with Melissa Mason from the Orlando Shakespeare Theater in partnership with UCF.

The second in our series of interviews previewing the upcoming season at some of Orlando's top arts organizations. We chat with Christopher Wilkins, Music Director at the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.

The first in our series looking ahead at the 2011-2012 season in the arts. We chat with the Orlando Ballet's Artistic Director Robert Hill.

Presenting Central Florida history using new media. This week we chat with the Director of the UCF Riches Project.

Turning paintings into movies - a conversation with Central Florida artist Carl Knickerbocker about his unusual journey from canvas to film. 

Students delve into the high-energy world of theatrical farce. We chat with Christopher Niess from the UCF Conservatory Theater about Love, Sex and the IRS.

A historian's view of the Cuban Revolution. How a new book by a UCF professor aims to further understanding of politics and life on the island.

One of the world's leading New Contemporary artists, Derek Gores, talks about his internationally recognized collage work, and new exhibit on now in Orlando.

Taking art beyond the arts establishment - a conversation with Orlando artist, Lindsey Rukkus, whose efforts to get her work accepted led her to open her own gallery.

Five public school teachers from Florida are selected to attend a month long artists' retreat as part of new program. We chat with Winter Park High School's Melissa Pranke on being chosen for the new residency.

A conversation with Peter Telep - author and UCF instructor - about "Against All Enemies", his new book with Tom Clancy.

Sanford is fast becoming a local arts hub. Listen to our chat with two women who have been instrumental in putting Sanford on the arts map.

The Orlando Fringe celebrates its 20th anniversary. Check out our a conversation with Fringe producer Beth Marshall about how the event has changed and what's planned for the future.

Building community through song. We take a look at Winter Garden's Garden Community Choir and its important role in bringing people together.

Building up to the Orlando Fringe, we talk with Michael Marinaccio, Director of the upcoming Fringe production "Suckers: A freaky little musical."

The best in photography from around the world goes on show as SNAP returns to Orlando for a second year. We talk with SNAP producer Patrick Kahn about this year's emphasis on all things surreal.

Art as it happens - a chat with Debbie Komanski from the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens. We talk about the annual Winter Park Paint Out and painting en plein air.

Check out Steve's full length ArtBeat interview with Cornell Smith, one of the original Florida Highwaymen.

UCF Associate Professor of English Terry Ann Thaxton reveals the story of her life of abuse, cruelty and love among Florida's pines and Palmettos. Plus, we hear from Cornell Smith - one of the original Florida Highwaymen - whose work is appearing at the Hannibal Square Heritage Center.

The Festival of Orchestras calls it quits after 27 years. We explore the future of classical music in Central Florida with Louis Supowitz, the chairman of the Board of Directors for the Festival.

A brand new space for the performing arts throws opens its doors in downtown Orlando. The Abbey promises to be an affordable option for small, local arts groups. We chat with the President of the Florida Theatrical Association about the new venue.

The UCF-Orlando Jazz Festival and the UCF Opera Scholarship Festival both bring high-profile names in music to Central Florida. We chat with the UCF professors behind both events.

The UCF Women's Research Center hosts an exhibition of artwork centered on the Barbie doll. Cheryl Cabrera's exhibit “The Subject of Devotion” explores whether Barbie is just a doll, or a harmful influence on young girls who are already conscious about their looks.