Tourist Development Tax Investment Helps Raise the Curtain on New Winter Park Playhouse

The Winter Park Playhouse recently celebrated the opening of its newly renovated theater, marking a major milestone for the nonprofit organization and demonstrating how Orange County Tourist Development Tax investments can strengthen local arts, culture and economic activity.

The renovated theater gives the Playhouse a permanent home while expanding its ability to welcome audiences, support local artists and provide year-round musical theater programming. The project was made possible in part through an Orange County arts and cultural grant funded by Tourist Development Tax revenues.

“The arts are essential to the livability of any community, and in Orange County they also serve as a significant economic driver,” said Vicki Landon, administrator of Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs. “By attracting cultural visitors who stay longer and spend more, these investments strengthen our local economy while enriching the quality of life for residents.”

Orange County’s nonprofit arts and cultural sector supports nearly 5,000 jobs and generates approximately $265 million in direct economic activity each year. Cultural visitors tend to stay longer and spend more than other travelers, supporting local hotels, restaurants, shops and other businesses while strengthening the local economy.

For the Winter Park Playhouse, the County’s support provided more than an opportunity to improve its building. It helped secure the organization’s future.

When the property’s private owners announced plans to sell the building in 2023, the Playhouse faced the possibility of losing the theater it had occupied for 22 years.

“This TDT grant award was truly a lifeline, providing long-term stability and the promise of a vibrant future for our nonprofit professional musical theater,” said Executive Director Heather Alexander. “Now we can serve more residents and visitors and invest in artistically excellent programming instead of high rent.”

The expanded venue includes 48 additional seats, a larger stage, an elevated band loft, upgraded lighting and sound systems, and expanded backstage and dressing-room areas. A new performance space will also enhance the Playhouse’s monthly Spotlight Cabaret Series.

The improvements will allow the organization to serve thousands more patrons each year. Before the renovation, performances frequently sold out, forcing the theater to turn guests away.

Alexander said the new facility will also help the Playhouse expand educational programs, outreach initiatives and partnerships serving children, seniors, veterans and underserved residents.

Orange County has directed a portion of Tourist Development Tax revenue to arts and cultural grants since 2002. The program began with four organizations receiving a combined $500,000 and has grown to more than $31 million supporting more than 40 organizations. Many awards require matching funds, allowing County investments to attract additional private support.

“These investments have helped arts and cultural organizations produce thousands of exhibitions, concerts, performances and festivals over the past decades,” said Landon. “They’ve helped shape the vibrant arts community that exists today.”

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