Pen Pals was written by Claire Derriennic and Meg Lowey in Spain and further developed in partnership with the Jeanette M. Gould Traveling Theater. The current version of the play was created to be performed bedside for hospital patients. Pen Pals debuted in the U.S. with UCF students in the Theatre for Young Audiences and Communities course in Spring 2026.
UCF Celebrates the Arts 2026
March 30-April 12, 2026 | arts.ucf.edu/celebrates
Experience the innovative spirit of UCF through creative presentations that push the boundaries of traditional art forms.
Year-round on the UCF campus, students are immersed in the technology, theory, design, performance, and practical application required for them to be the next generation of creative leaders. Every spring, they converge at Dr. Phillips Center for a two-week cultural extravaganza, allowing our community to enjoy performances, exhibitions, presentations and interactive experiences. With a focus on accessibility, affordability, partnership, and diverse offerings, UCF Celebrates the Arts 2026, running March 30-April 12, is a unique opportunity to experience the creative side of UCF.
]]>“Death of an Author” is a student-written comedy from University of Central Florida’s only student developmental theatre organization, Project Spotlight. The play follows Oliver Fingershorn, a pretentious, struggling author and his longtime friends: whimsical nerd, Daisy Shore; analytical, future politician, Parker Gilroy; and shrewd, quirky publicist, Alexis Johnson. After investigative journalists Chelsea Quinn and Harper Fried pick up the story that Fingershorn is dead, the group ends up faking his death for the success of his book. High jinks ensue throughout this hilarious romp, as themes of feminism, friendship and the media’s impact on society are explored. As the story grips the internet’s attention, our characters have to judge where their priorities lie and what they want for their futures. Experience a fun night of new theatre, written by Shira Garber and directed by Maddy Poston.
Founded in 2004, Project Spotlight is the only student developmental theatre organization on the UCF campus. This student-run organization is dedicated to giving UCF students of all programs a chance to take part in productions and to develop new works through One Act Festivals, Ten Minute Play Competitions, and participation in UCF Celebrates the Arts.
UCF Celebrates the Arts 2026
March 30-April 12, 2026 | arts.ucf.edu/celebrates
Experience the innovative spirit of UCF through creative presentations that push the boundaries of traditional art forms.
Year-round on the UCF campus, students are immersed in the technology, theory, design, performance, and practical application required for them to be the next generation of creative leaders. Every spring, they converge at Dr. Phillips Center for a two-week cultural extravaganza, allowing our community to enjoy performances, exhibitions, presentations and interactive experiences. With a focus on accessibility, affordability, partnership, and diverse offerings, UCF Celebrates the Arts 2026, running March 30-April 12, is a unique opportunity to experience the creative side of UCF.
]]>Discover the heartbeat of Korean culture in an unforgettable evening of rhythm, energy, and community!
“Arirang” (Ari means beautiful and rang is love) is Korea’s most beloved traditional folk song—a timeless melody passed down for centuries that captures deep emotions of love, longing, separation, and hope. Often called Korea’s unofficial anthem, it has united generations through its haunting beauty and has even been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Think of it as the Korean equivalent of a soul-stirring ballad that tugs at the heartstrings, much like “Amazing Grace” or “Danny Boy” in Western traditions.
Join the UCF Korean Culture Club for the Korean Arirang Festival, part of UCF Celebrates the Arts, as they bring this rich heritage to life at Dr. Phillips Center. Experience a dynamic showcase featuring:
Whether you’re a K-pop fan, curious about global traditions, or just looking for an inspiring night out, this free event promises rhythm that will move you, performances that will dazzle, and a warm sense of community you won’t want to miss.
Come immerse yourself in the colorful world of Korean artistry—no prior knowledge needed, just an open heart and a willingness to be entertained!
Hosted by UCF’s Korean Program and Korean Culture Club (a Registered Student Organization).
See you there!
UCF Celebrates the Arts 2026
March 30-April 12, 2026 | arts.ucf.edu/celebrates
Experience the innovative spirit of UCF through creative presentations that push the boundaries of traditional art forms.
Year-round on the UCF campus, students are immersed in the technology, theory, design, performance, and practical application required for them to be the next generation of creative leaders. Every spring, they converge at Dr. Phillips Center for a two-week cultural extravaganza, allowing our community to enjoy performances, exhibitions, presentations and interactive experiences. With a focus on accessibility, affordability, partnership, and diverse offerings, UCF Celebrates the Arts 2026, running March 30-April 12, is a unique opportunity to experience the creative side of UCF.
]]>Orlando Shakes, in partnership with UCF, presents its funny, fast-paced production of What the Constitution Means to Me as an enhanced staged reading. The emotions run deep in this politely confrontational hit that took Broadway by storm in 2019. Follow playwright Heidi Schreck’s whirlwind journey through the complexities of American democracy, gender equality and the evolving interpretation of the United States Constitution.
The reading will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A, including UCF Professor of History John Sacher and community members to be announced.
This production contains mentions of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and discussions of abortion and its stigmatization.
UCF Celebrates the Arts 2026
March 30-April 12, 2026 | arts.ucf.edu/celebrates
Experience the innovative spirit of UCF through creative presentations that push the boundaries of traditional art forms.
Year-round on the UCF campus, students are immersed in the technology, theory, design, performance, and practical application required for them to be the next generation of creative leaders. Every spring, they converge at Dr. Phillips Center for a two-week cultural extravaganza, allowing our community to enjoy performances, exhibitions, presentations and interactive experiences. With a focus on accessibility, affordability, partnership, and diverse offerings, UCF Celebrates the Arts 2026, running March 30-April 12, is a unique opportunity to experience the creative side of UCF.
]]>Yo! Ho! Ho! is written by Jennifer Adams-Carrasquilllo.
Presented in partnership with Orlando Family Stage.
UCF Celebrates the Arts 2026
March 30-April 12, 2026 | arts.ucf.edu/celebrates
Experience the innovative spirit of UCF through creative presentations that push the boundaries of traditional art forms.
Year-round on the UCF campus, students are immersed in the technology, theory, design, performance, and practical application required for them to be the next generation of creative leaders. Every spring, they converge at Dr. Phillips Center for a two-week cultural extravaganza, allowing our community to enjoy performances, exhibitions, presentations and interactive experiences. With a focus on accessibility, affordability, partnership, and diverse offerings, UCF Celebrates the Arts 2026, running March 30-April 12, is a unique opportunity to experience the creative side of UCF.
]]>Building on last year’s explorations of artificial intelligence’s creative potential within the performing arts, this performance combines satire, drama, improvisation, and multimedia to create an original work. Much has changed in the world of AI since last year’s event, so professors and students have continued to navigate the evolving and complex relationships between artificial intelligence and humans.
The core story of the performance follows a human moving through a progression of AI loops, with scenes derived from real news stories and fictional scenarios. Audience participation is encouraged! Patrons may be asked to provide suggestions for an AI improv comedy scene, ask questions during an AI press conference, or ponder the differences between AI and human-created content.
Be sure to stay for an engaging discussion with faculty and student artists immediately following the show.
UCF Celebrates the Arts 2026
March 30-April 12, 2026 | arts.ucf.edu/celebrates
Experience the innovative spirit of UCF through creative presentations that push the boundaries of traditional art forms.
Year-round on the UCF campus, students are immersed in the technology, theory, design, performance, and practical application required for them to be the next generation of creative leaders. Every spring, they converge at Dr. Phillips Center for a two-week cultural extravaganza, allowing our community to enjoy performances, exhibitions, presentations and interactive experiences. With a focus on accessibility, affordability, partnership, and diverse offerings, UCF Celebrates the Arts 2026, running March 30-April 12, is a unique opportunity to experience the creative side of UCF.
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