UCF Celebrates the Arts

Sunday, March 15, 2026, 12:00 p.m. • Steinmetz Hall

National Young Composers Challenge 2026

The top young composers in the country converge in Orlando to hear their winning compositions performed by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro Christopher Wilkins. The National Young Composers Challenge Composium is part concert, part masterclass, part competition, and guaranteed to be thrilling from start to finish.

March 31 – April 1, 2026 • Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater

Knight to Shine 2026

The spotlight is on the graduating musical theatre students as they take the stage for an evening of cabaret-style performances. Enjoy songs from contemporary musical theatre, popular music and even a few surprises!

Tuesday, March 31, 2026, 7:30 p.m. • Steinmetz Hall

Dancing Beyond the Stars

This high-energy dance showcase features original choreography from students, alumni, faculty and guest artists — highlighting the creative legacy of UCF’s dance minor program.

Thursday, April 2, 2026, 7:00 p.m. • DeVos Family Room

Architecture Showcase & Awards 2026

Join us for an inspiring evening celebrating the next generation of architectural talent!

Saturday, April 4, 2026 • Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater

UCF Opera: A Double Bill of Fun

UCF Opera presents A Double Bill of Fun—two charming chamber operas performed in English, each brimming with theatrical flair, vocal brilliance and clever storytelling. Join us as UCF Opera performs Mozart’s The Impresario followed by John Duke’s Captain Lovelock.

Saturday, April 4, 2026, 5:00 p.m. • Della Phillips Grand Lobby

Creative Clash 2026

Talented artists armed with only markers go head-to-head in a fast-paced battle to create striking large-format artwork -- live and on the clock.

Saturday, April 4, 2026, 7:00 p.m. • DeVos Family Room

Graphic Design Showcase

A showcase of graduating seniors from UCF’s School of Visual Arts and Design’s Graphic Design track.

Monday, April 6, 2026, 7:30 p.m. • Steinmetz Hall

UCF Percussion Ensemble featuring Sympatico Percussion Group

Experience an electrifying evening as the UCF Percussion Ensemble and special guests the Sympatico Percussion Group fill the hall with the full power and artistry of percussion music.

Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 10:00 a.m. • DeVos Family Room

Pen Pals: Theatre for the Very Young

When best friends Squiggle and Square move away from each other, they must find creative ways to keep communicating! Told through clowning, puppetry and music, Pen Pals is a 30-minute interactive play designed for 5 to 10-year-olds.

Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 11:00 a.m. • Steinmetz Hall

Exceptional Knights

The UCF Concert Band's “A Day at the Parks” concert offers an inclusive, sensory-friendly experience for all, including the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and neurodivergent communities.

Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 7:30 p.m. • DeVos Family Room

Music and the Brain featuring the Pegasus String Quartet

Music and the Brain is an immersive event that brings together live chamber music by the Pegasus String Quartet and insights from leading scientists. As part of UCF’s Music and the Brain Research Study, audience members will have the option to participate in a non-invasive clinical trial. Guests are welcome to attend the performance without participating in the study.

Thursday, April 9, 2026, 7:00 p.m. • Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater

UCF New Music Ensemble presents Zodiac

Experience Zodiac, a stunning new evening-length work by the UCF Composition Studio, performed by the UCF New Music Ensemble. Inspired by Steve Reich's minimalist masterpiece Music for 18 Musicians, this ambitious piece unfolds in a dramatic arc, featuring 12 movements that represent the zodiac signs. Scored for a unique percussion sextet (two vibraphones, two marimbas, and two drum sets), Zodiac is a rhythmic and captivating journey through time and sound. Witness the birth of a new musical masterpiece!

April 9 – April 12, 2026 • Walt Disney Theater

Legally Blonde

Join Elle Woods, sorority sister turned Harvard Law student, on a musical journey to defy expectations. Presented as part of UCF Celebrates the Arts 2026 at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

Friday, April 10, 2026, 7:00 p.m. • Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater

Orlando Shakes: What the Constitution Means to Me

Follow playwright Heidi Schreck’s journey through the complexities of American democracy, gender equality, and the evolving interpretation of the United States Constitution! Originally produced by Orlando Shakes in partnership with UCF,What the Constitution Means to Me will be performed at UCF Celebrates the Arts for the first time.

Saturday, April 11, 2026, 2:00 p.m. • Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater

Animation Showcase

Enjoy a series of award-winning animated short films created by students from UCF SVAD’s nationally ranked Emerging Media programs.

Sunday, April 12, 2026, 3:00 p.m. • DeVos Family Room

The Human-in-the-Loop: An A.I. Adventure

Join UCF students and faculty for an interactive performance exploring the cross-sections of human experience and artificial intelligence.