Sad news came late last month as the Maitland Academy of Performing Arts ended operations on March 18. Formerly known as Starving Artists Studios, MAPA was founded in 2011 by Tim Evanicki, providing acting, dance and music lessons to area students. But their recent relocation to a 22,000-square-foot space (we reported on the fundraiser in October 2014) in Altamonte Springs ran aground; their farewell letter stated, "The associated loss of students since the move ha[s] proven to be too much of a financial hardship." MAPA is searching for a new home and will refund prepaid tuition fees; call 407-370-4909 for more information.
The Dr. Phillips Center's education program – rechristened the Dr. Phillips Center Florida Hospital School of Arts & Wellness – has released the schedule for its first summer of intensive seminars in dance, jazz music, vocal performance, musical theater and even magic. There's a Broadway seminar for adults, but otherwise the sessions are for kids between 7 and 19. Classes run June 16 through Aug. 7, and registration is $275-$425 per week before May 15; visit drphillipscenter.org/arts-education for more.
Gen Y Productions and director Kenny Howard hold auditions at the Mezz April 7-8 for Annie Baker's play The Flick, to be performed in June and July at the Dr. Phillips Center's Pugh Theater. The show, which is set in a decaying movie theater, will be one of the first locally produced plays presented in the new arts center.
Mad Cow's Cabaret Festival returns April 24 for its 13th year, with a Black & White Bash fundraiser at Kres Chophouse April 26. Headlining opening weekend: the return of the Broadway Boys featuring Jesse Nager, a standout in last month's Motown: the Musical tour. See orlandocabaret.com for tickets.
NOW PLAYING Metamorphoses, through April 12 at Valencia East ... The Philadelphia Story, through April 13 at Mad Cow ... Joe's NYC Bar, through April 19 at St. Matthew's Tavern ... Bad Dog, through May 3 at Orlando Shakes.
UPCOMING Jesus Christ Superstar, April 10-May 3 at Bay Street ... Orlando Fringe Festival Locals Preview, April 13 at Orlando Shakes ... The Women, April 16-May 3 at the Princess Theater ... Putting It Together, April 16-May 9 at Winter Park Playhouse.
