Photo Flash: Orlando REP Reveals Renovated Lobby

When patrons walk into Orlando Repertory Theatre (Orlando REP) they'll find a transformed, imaginative space thanks to a public-private partnership that funded the remodeling of the theatre's main lobby. The Florida Blue Lobby is to be revealed Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at 8 a.m. With work surpassing $300,000, the renovation includes a new custom-designed floor, merchandise carts, a video wall, and eco-friendly, custom LED lighting fixtures. The project was made possible by a leading gift from the Florida Blue Foundation and matched by the Orange County Arts and Cultural Affairs Cultural Facilities program.

"Here at Orlando REP we have spent the past several years investing in our building to ensure it is a welcoming, friendly, and safe space for families and young audiences," says Gene Columbus, Executive Director of Orlando REP. "We want to ensure our young audiences and their families enjoy a consistent experience throughout our facility, and this gift allows us to deliver on our promise to enlighten, entertain, and enrich the lives of our audiences."In the last 10 years, Orlando REP has invested nearly $2.5 million into its facilities and technical equipment.

The Florida Blue Foundation is committed to building healthy, strong communities throughout Florida by working in partnership with nonprofit organizations like Orlando REP to improve education and literacy, arts and culture, community development, and other health and human services.

"Our mission is to help people and communities achieve better health," says Tony Jenkins, Florida Blue Market President of the Central Florida Region. "Engaging and accessible arts and cultural activities are an integral part of a healthy community that enhances the quality of life for its residents."

"Young people's exposure to theatre at a young age - and consistently as they move through their elementary and middle school careers - enables life-long learning, and appreciation for art and culture in their communities," said Brian Avery, Orlando REP Board Chair and CEO of Event Safety Services, LLC. "The arts, in any form, can provide benefits, including better self discipline, increased self-esteem, more hope for the future, reduced truancy, increased motivation, and less interest in high-risk behaviors."

Orlando REP is Florida's only professional theatre for young audiences. It is a place that connects students to literature and theatre, and fills the arts void that exists in many local schools and communities. Orlando REP provides classes, camps, and community programming for young audiences throughout the year.

Photo credit: Jeffrey Scott Zipay, Google Images