Theatre South Playhouse celebrating 15 years

Theatre South Playhouse is celebrating 15 years in the community in 2024.

Founded in 2009, Hillary Brook started Theatre South Orlando with a philosophy that when students are inspired by working with diverse, professional artists, anything is possible.

The theater became a nonprofit under the new name Theater South Playhouse in 2016.

That same year, a new space in the Marketplace at Dr. Phillips was opened, and the new stage was named The Antoinette David Theater, dedicated to the organization's former founding board member, beloved parent and supporter, the late Antoinette David.

Theatre South is the only stand alone theater in the Dr. Phillips area. The theater has been affectionately nicknamed, “the little theater around the corner.” 

The theater has become a safe place for young people to learn their craft and for local artists to share their gifts while providing a place of mutual respect for the community.

Theatre South now not only hosts just a professional theater, but also an academic conservatory and a community center for kids, teens and adults to learn their craft. 

In 2023 alone, the theater awarded 32 student internships, hosted more than 30 teaching artists, had 22 conservatory students, welcomed more than 5,000 patrons and families, and awarded $14,500 in youth scholarships. 

The nonprofit also hosted 10 full productions, including the likes of the popular "Matilda the Musical."

This year, the theater already has announced a few upcoming shows, including "Ride the Cyclone," for the 2024 Mainstage Season, which will premiere in March.

As prices and rent continue to rise, the theater is asking the community for support to continue to produce engaging and thought provoking theatre, as well as provide a safe space for actors of all ages to train, learn, grow and feel accepted for years to come. 

"To be transparent with you, our rent is currently over $10,000 per month and is about to rise again by 5%," Brook said. "In addition to rent and staffing, we are in major need of some long overdue upgrades to our space, lighting and sound equipment. We want our spaces to not only be a safe workable theater environment, but to also have the ability to bring in some new set pieces and abilities for special effects that we have not been able to afford previously."

Those who wish to donate to help the nonprofit, click here.

To learn more about Theatre South Playhouse, click here.