STAGE
PRESENCE

By Jenny Starr Perez

Photography by Maria Galli
Styled by Jhon Santos

STYLE STEALS THE SPOTLIGHT AT THE ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY.

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CULTURAL
SPARK

AS IT CELEBRATES A REMARKABLE 19 SEASONS, THE ARSHT CENTER CONTINUES TO BE WHERE TALENT SHINES IN EXCITING AND UNEXPECTED WAYS.
As the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County celebrates its 19th season, it symbolizes Miami’s cultural evolution. Nestled in the city’s urban heart, the Arsht Center has become more than just a performance venue—it’s a gathering space for Miami’s diverse community, where global and local artistic talent comes to life. Since opening its doors, the Arsht has redefined Miami’s art scene, bringing a world-class selection of performances to an ever-growing audience, and serving as a catalyst for the city’s cultural transformation.

This season, the Arsht Center promises to deliver its most vibrant lineup yet featuring a mix of Broadway blockbusters and intimate performances. Some of the standout productions include this season’s Broadway in Miami opener, “Some Like It Hot,” the Tony Award-winning musical that will make its Florida debut in December.

Another standout is “The Great Yes, The Great No”, a visually stunning and thought-provoking theatrical experience conceived and directed by renowned South African artist William Kentridge, premiering December 5 at the height of Miami Art Week. “This season is about curating magical experiences for Miami that can’t be found anywhere else,” says Suzette Espinosa Fuentes, Vice President of Communications for the Arsht Center.

“The Arsht’s 19th season is going to be incredibly diverse, enriching and entertaining,” says Arsht Center President and CEO Johann Zietsman. “We have assembled performers from the worlds of theater, dance, classical music, opera, jazz, and elsewhere. Some of these artists will cross oceans and continents to reach us, and others will come from right here in Miami.”

“This season is about curating magical experiences for Miami that can’t be found anywhere else.”

But beyond its impressive lineup of shows and performers, the Arsht Center is dedicated to making the arts accessible to everyone. One of its most innovative initiatives is the Apprentice Program, launched in 2018 and now recognized as Florida’s first federally registered theater apprenticeship program. The three-year, fully paid program provides aspiring theater professionals, particularly from underrepresented communities, with hands-on training in technical production, from lighting design to stage management. The goal? To create a more diverse workforce behind the scenes of the performing arts industry.

Espinosa-Fuentes notes the importance of the program: “The apprentice program is about inclusivity and resilience. We’re not just teaching a trade; we’re creating pathways for individuals from diverse backgrounds to build sustainable careers in the arts.” Apprentices not only gain invaluable experience by working on real productions, but they also receive practical life skills training, including financial management and resume building, ensuring they are well-equipped for a career in the industry. At the end of the program, participants have accumulated enough professional hours to apply for membership in the stagehand union, which opens doors to jobs across the country.

This focus on education and community engagement is a signature component of the Arsht Center’s overall programming, with a series of initiatives designed to connect with Miami’s rich, multicultural population. For example, the “Live on the Plaza” series showcases local Miami artists throughout the year. Featuring performances that range from hip-hop and jazz to Caribbean and bluegrass music, the series invites audiences to experience the city’s artistic diversity in a casual, open-air setting.
“It’s like a festival under the stars, where Miami’s creative spirit comes alive,” explains Espinosa. This reimagined series, which runs from October through May, aims to highlight the best of Miami’s musical talent while offering a relaxed, community-centered atmosphere.

Additionally, the Arsht Center is committed to introducing young audiences to the arts. Programs like Learning Through the Arts give tens of thousands of Miami-Dade County students the opportunity to attend free performances throughout the year. One of the signature events is “The Busy Bees Great Adventure,” a musical created for elementary school students that focuses on environmental conservation through the eyes of time-traveling, hip-hop-performing bees. These performances not only entertain but educate, encouraging Miami’s youngest residents to become more engaged citizens and stewards of their environment.
The Arsht Center’s Apprentice Program empowers young talents to hone their craft, gain invaluable experience, and contribute to Miami’s vibrant cultural scene. Here, four dedicated apprentices are pictured: Sydney Green, Camron Nelson, Eveul EVO Exil, and Vanelix Nicole Villamizar.
“As Miami’s cultural pulse, the Arsht presents impactful, educational opportunities for Miami-Dade County students all year around. Our annual community-oriented events such as Heritage Fest, CommuniTea and Art + Mind Day will offer ways for everyone to connect with the arts and with each other,” says Zietsman.

For older students, the Arsht Center offers “I Am Me,” a mental health-focused theatrical production designed specifically for high schoolers. Created by local artists, the play addresses the complexities of teenage life, covering issues such as identity, peer pressure, and self-esteem, to destigmatize mental health conversations. “It’s about connecting with students on their level and helping them find healthy ways to express their emotions,” says Espinosa.

As it steps into its 19th season, the Arsht Center will continue fostering creativity and community through its innovative programming. Whether through blockbuster Broadway shows, performances by local artists and playwrights, or transformative education initiatives, the Arsht’s mission is clear: to connect people through the power of the arts, providing a space where art and community meet and where the future of Miami’s creative landscape is shaped one performance at a time.

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