The late 20th century marked a pivotal turning point. As Orlando’s population and cultural infrastructure expanded, there emerged a need for a theatre dedicated specifically to young audiences. In the early 1980s, local leaders and theatre educators recognized that children’s engagement with the arts required not just sporadic programming but a permanent, professional institution that could provide high-quality productions and educational programming.
In 1985, Orlando REP was officially incorporated as a professional theatre organization. This formalization allowed the theatre to apply for grants, hire professional staff, and develop structured educational programs. Early productions featured adaptations of classic children’s literature and family-friendly musicals, ensuring that performances were both entertaining and enriching.
The theatre’s mission centered on creating experiences that nurture imagination, build empathy, and inspire lifelong engagement with the arts. From its inception as a professional theatre for young audiences, Orlando REP distinguished itself from other local companies by offering consistently professional productions, rather than volunteer-driven or sporadic performances.
Establishing a Permanent Home
Initially, Orlando REP performed in temporary venues throughout Orlando, from school auditoriums to community centers. While these spaces allowed the theatre to grow its audience, they limited technical capabilities and the scope of productions. By the early 1990s, Orlando REP acquired a permanent home in Loch Haven Cultural Park, Orlando’s hub for arts and culture. This strategic location placed the theatre near the Orlando Museum of Art, the Mennello Museum of American Art, and other cultural institutions, creating a synergistic environment for arts education and community engagement.
The permanent facility enabled Orlando REP to expand its stage design, lighting, and technical capabilities. The theatre introduced a proscenium stage, a black-box experimental space, and classrooms for educational programs. Having dedicated rehearsal areas and performance venues allowed the company to run multiple programs simultaneously, including mainstage productions, educational workshops, and summer camps shutdown123