Osceola Arts—a staple since 1960 when it was known as the Footlight Theatre Guild—is located just off U.S. 192 (East Irlo Bronson Highway) in Kissimmee and is fronted by a pleasant circular driveway surrounded by trees.
The main building—which contains a 235-seat mainstage theater and 90-seat black box theater—introduces itself to patrons who know where to look. But when a car wash billboard went up across the street, visibility was hindered for casual passers-by who hadn’t yet visited the complex.
That was an annoyance and could have been tolerated. But the organization had also simply outgrown the space and decided that it was finally time for a major renovation.
“Even during COVID-19, we were bursting at the seams,” says Jeremiah Krivinchuk, chief operation officer at Osceola Arts. “We’ve had waitlists and have had to turn people away. We want to maximize our capacity for artists and the community to engage.”
Planned renovations include additional seating and increased capacity for parking. “It’ll be safer for everyone,” says Heather Kahoun, director of marketing. “There’ll be no more need to park on side streets. We’ll also remove the gate from the pond out front and put in a walking path.”
Sustainability is also key, which will mean electric vehicle charging stations in the parking lot, hand dryers in the bathrooms and greater use of recyclable material. In addition, there’ll be a dedicated space for the Young Actors Company.
Administrative offices will be moved and dressing rooms will be installed along with a costume shop and concession areas. There are future plans for a new building to house offices, additional classrooms and even a performance space for the community.
Osceola Arts has been closed since August and will remain closed until the renovations are complete—hopefully by December. In the interim, art exhibitions will remain on view in satellite galleries at various community locations including library branches and Kissimmee City Hall.
The ARTisNOW mural program, which Osceola Arts administers for the county, will continue expanding public art by adorning commercial buildings in the downtown districts of Kissimmee and St. Cloud. And, although the popular Broadway Main Stage Series is “on intermission,” season-ticket holders will be guaranteed seat preference when the theater reopens.
Both Kahoun and Krivinchuk are thrilled about the journey toward a new Osceola Arts. “In a time where the arts are being questioned and cut at federal and state levels, we’re proud to have put ourselves in a position where we can do these renovations and create even more space for artists,” says Krivinchuk.
Osceola Arts is located at 2411 East Irlo Bronson Highway, Kissimmee. To learn more about off-site events, opening dates or to donate, visit osceolaarts.org/our-renovation. You can also follow the renovation’s progress on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
