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This small, but growing, company presents four major productions annually, including a version of The Nutcracker , choreographed by company artistic director, Fernando Bujones. Smaller shows are held on community stages, but the major productions are at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre.

Broadway fans love this place, with songs by Rodgers & Hammerstein, George M. Cohan, and other legends. It’s no rival to the London or New York stages, but it’s a good show. A varied menu feeds the parts the songs can’t reach.

This respected company has been producing opera since 1979. The season (Nov–Apr) is not long – four main shows for three dates each at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center – but the quality of productions is high, with principle singers brought in from around the country and with music from the Orlando Phil. Smaller shows are also on offer at the Dr. Phillips Center. Ticket prices are very reasonable.

Orlando’s resident orchestra boasts more than 80 conservatory-trained musicians. Venues vary, and include the Phil’s home at Symphony Square, Leu Gardens (for outdoor concerts), and even SeaWorld. Its best-known showcase is the “Phil at Carr”, an eight-concert series (Sep–May) at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center, with guest artists in both classical and pop concerts.

Founded as the Orlando Little Theatre in 1926, the Repertoire has grown into Orlando’s version of a Broadway theater. It has three stages and puts on classic and contemporary plays alike. The year-round schedule is packed with high quality shows, but until renovations are complete, most are being staged at the University of Central Florida.

This nationally recognized theater company has been performing the Bard’s works since 1989. Their productions can be seen in three different Orlando locations. The company is best known for the annual spring festival at Lake Eola Park, though it mounts high-quality performances all year.

Kissimmee’s home of high culture offers a theater, art gallery, and special events. The Osceola Center for the Arts (OCFTA) has an engagingly diverse schedule, eagerly offering a little bit of everything, from Broadway to Barbershop, storytelling to sculptures.

Apart from its clubs, this spot also boasts a freewheeling street party with DJs, food kiosks, entertainment, open-air bars, and few restrictions about drinking in public (use plastic cups). Fireworks round off the fun.

Located in Downtown Disney, Pleasure Island, this club features music from the 1950s to the 1990s. The three-story rock ‘n roll mecca also has performances by live bands as well as DJs, and can squeeze in more than 400 people.