Art Beat - WUCF

Previews of two summer comedies that open on Thursday, 6/4: Snack at Orlando Shakespeare Theatre - it's a production of PB&J Theatre Factory; and Greater Tuna at UCF, with faculty member Mark Brotherton and guest artist David Moore. Both shows run through June 14.

Budgets cuts forced the suspension of the UCF Opera Program, led by voice professor Thomas Potter. Students in the program, however, decided to organize their own fundraising events and that effort prompted Frank Barber and the University Club of Winter Park, to donate $5,000 to restore the program.

Last March, students in the UCF Flute Ensemble, directed by Dr. Nora Lee Garcia-Velazquez, traveled to Guatemala to perform several concerts. Coming up June 22, Dr. Garcia-Velazquez and some of her students will lead the International Summer Flute Institute, open to middle and high school students. To avoid a late fee, register by May 30.

Guest host Mike Vonderbrink reports on Digital U, a program sponsored by UCF where young people are trained in creative writing, digital technology, visual and performing arts, and other means of expressing unique and personal perspectives about themselves and their community.

Page 15 is a literary arts program that helps Orlando school children with reading and creative writing. The non-profit is always in need of volunteers and donations, especiallyof school supplies.

The city of Sanford has been welcoming artists over the past few years. Jeanine Taylor Folk Art, Gallery on First and Riverhouse Pottery and Art Center are just a few of the many galleries that moved to the historic downtown. The Historic Sanford Welcome Center hosts two monthly social events - Alive After 5 on the 2nd Thursday (the next is June 11) and 4th Fridays Celebrating the Arts, which is tonight, May 22 from 6-9pm. UCF students can get in for half-price. The events feature food and entertainment; this segment features May's musical group, the Possum Pickers.

UCF theatre alum Michelle Knight has been touring with broadway's The Jersey Boys for two years. She talks about her professional career and how UCF prepared her for it. Broadway Across America presents The Jersey Boys through Sunday, May 24. For ticket information, call 800-982-2787.

A preview of a busy arts weekend - the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center is having an Open House, Saturday, 5/16 from 10am-4pm. The Broadway Boys headline the final weekend of the Orlando Cabaret Festival - tickets are limited, so call 407-297-8788. The Orlando Chorale presents John Rutter's Requiem, Sunday, 5/18 at 3pm; and the Orlando Concert Band also performs Sunday at 3 at First Baptist Church of Orlando. Details on these and other evenets is online at RedChairProject.com