About Us
Mission
The mission of the Winter Springs Performing Arts Foundation, Inc. is to provide access, training, and education to students of all ages in all aspects of the performing arts and to serve the Central Florida community as a stage for cultural enrichment through artistic exhibitions and theatrical performances.
Getting better every day
From our initial summer and fall programs launched in 2006, we are working to continually expand the breadth and depth of the programs we offer, as well as the resources and facilities we are able to provide to our community.
About Us
Mission and Vision
Who we are: We are a non-profit organization with a mission to provide kids with a safe and fun environment to explore all aspects of the performing arts on a variety of levels.
What we do: We provide much needed programs for young people to experience performance based opportunities including theatre, music, set design, and costume design. We offer great experiences for students looking for fun recreational performing activities, as well as those with serious industry specific aspirations.
What we believe: We believe that every young person should have the opportunity to experience the performing arts from all angles and have the opportunity to pursue that experience as far as they can dream. Even the smallest, simplest exposure to the performing arts provides key benefits for young people as they grow and interact with their community. Numerous research studies have proven that performing arts programs provide wide ranging benefits for students, both in terms of overall academic achievement, social development, and valuable skills that can be applied to endeavors they pursue in grade school, college and into their adult lives.
Why local is better: We are a local 501(c)3 non-profit company operated by people that live here and have our own kids and loved-ones enrolled in our programs. We are not a franchise diverting your dollars to anywhere else. We exist exclusively to serve the local community. Our programs are custom-created based on the unique needs of local schools and other community participants.
Getting better every day
From our initial summer and fall programs launched in 2006, we are working to continually expand the breadth and depth of the programs we offer, as well as the resources and facilities we are able to provide to our community.
Meet Our Staff
Shanda is a mother of three who has enjoyed many different aspects of theatre for as long as she can remember. Watching children grow through the stage and all it has to offer is a very rewarding experience. She opened Winter Springs Performing Arts in February of 2006 with 30 students and now has the pleasure of watching over 100 students within WSPA’s programs grow and learn. It’s not all about acting and singing. It’s about confidence, teamwork, respect, dedication and a love of the arts.
Amy Sullivan discovered her love for the arts at age 5, and grew up studying ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, modern, and contemporary with the Cheser Valley Dance Academy in Pennsylvania, as well as performing on violin, viola, cello, and piano with the Reading Symphony Youth Orchestra, and PMEA District and Regional Orchestras. She entered the world of theatre in high school and continued in college, receiving her B.A.H. in Music (piano & vocal performance, music history) and History at Rollins College, while minoring in Dance and performing in, choreographing, and producing productions with the Department of Theatre and Dance.
As a performer, Amy has been seen around Central Florida, featuring in productions such as White Christmas, Clue Onstage, A Halloween Carol, Godspell, and many more. As a director, she has had the privilege of directing, choreographing, and/or music directing shows including Newsies, Anastasia, Matilda the Musical, Willy Wonka, and more.
Post graduation, Amy became a high school theatre teacher, and brings 7 years of teaching experience, Thespian sponsorship, and directing experience to WSPA. She also currently teaches Theatre, English, and Physics at the International Community School.
Paul50 in a short time has gone from promotional videos for Sprint/Nextel to becoming the host of the “The Comic Improv” at the “Why Not Lounge”. Where he not only hosted but also had his own Stand Up set as well as performing Improv. As an Improvisor, he is a graduate from Sak University where he completed all Sak Improv levels and has performed at the SAK stage in Orlando. Paul50 has also performed at the Improv Festival with the group Hot McMartney, performed in acting roles with Orlando New Improv Kids, and has even done some T.V. spots on late night comedy shows. Outside of Orlando he has been a part of Monkey Butler Improv group in Denver Colorado among other improv groups. He brings a taste of emotional acting combined with humor for a special blend of entertainment. For over 2 years Paul50 has also been teaching acting and comedy to students ranging from ages 5 to 78. He is also a Personal Development teacher and speaker which give all of his classes a “real life” application the lessons. Whether you experience him as a performer or as a teacher, Paul50 will definitely make you laugh, think, and leave you feeling great about life.
Meet Our Staff
Shanda is a mother of three who has enjoyed many different aspects of theatre for as long as she can remember. Watching children grow through the stage and all it has to offer is a very rewarding experience. She opened Winter Springs Performing Arts in February of 2006 with 30 students and now has the pleasure of watching over 100 students within WSPA’s programs grow and learn. It’s not all about acting and singing. It’s about confidence, teamwork, respect, dedication and a love of the arts.
Paul50 in a short time has gone from promotional videos for Sprint/Nextel to becoming the host of the “The Comic Improv” at the “Why Not Lounge”. Where he not only hosted but also had his own Stand Up set as well as performing Improv. As an Improvisor, he is a graduate from Sak University where he completed all Sak Improv levels and has performed at the SAK stage in Orlando. Paul50 has also performed at the Improv Festival with the group Hot McMartney, performed in acting roles with Orlando New Improv Kids, and has even done some T.V. spots on late night comedy shows. Outside of Orlando he has been a part of Monkey Butler Improv group in Denver Colorado among other improv groups. He brings a taste of emotional acting combined with humor for a special blend of entertainment. For over 2 years Paul50 has also been teaching acting and comedy to students ranging from ages 5 to 78. He is also a Personal Development teacher and speaker which give all of his classes a “real life” application the lessons. Whether you experience him as a performer or as a teacher, Paul50 will definitely make you laugh, think, and leave you feeling great about life.