FLORIDA THEATRICAL ASSOCIATION HISTORY

Florida Theatrical Association (FTA) is the non-profit presenter of Broadway in Orlando, Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Founded in 1989, FTA’s mission is to educate and develop new theatre audiences, while encouraging and preserving the presentation of touring Broadway theatre. As of 2023, FTA has donated more than $2 million in scholarships and grants to arts organizations throughout the state of Florida.

Some of the most important work FTA does throughout the year involves youth outreach and education programs, which are a crucial part of expanding and supporting new audiences in the Florida arts community. Grants and scholarships awarded by FTA have funded some of the most necessary youth arts initiatives throughout the state of Florida including: Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts’ education and youth outreach programs, as well as funding the theatre’s Applause Awards; Broward Center for the Performing Arts’ Education Center; Teen Fringe (part of the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival); the Summer Program for Youth at Orlando Repertory Theatre; numerous Youth Programs at Orlando Shakes; Youth Camp at the King Center in Melbourne; and The Hollywood Arts & Culture Center camps.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

To thrive in our mission of cultivating and developing new theatre audiences, Florida Theatrical Association (FTA) is committed to actively seeking diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout both our workplace and our community.

We recognize when all in a community feel supported, safe, and valued, it creates innovative, equitable, and diverse organizations and communities.

As a company, we have a moral and societal responsibility to be leaders in promoting and emphasizing talent and voices who are consistently marginalized.

FTA, an organization built on the Foundation of Togetherness and Acceptance, celebrates and partners with BIPOC, Hispanic, API, LGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities in Florida to create, promote, and champion original talent and storytelling.

We encourage creative work by supporting those students who are traditionally underrepresented. We offer scholarship opportunities that are open to all students wishing to further their learning in theatrical arts.

In order to foster a more inclusive and dynamic world for artists and audiences, FTA recognizes DEI work is ongoing and the organization must remain flexible and adaptable to the needs of our community.