Parent and Guardian Panel
CFCArts strives to create a Parent and Guardian Panel composed of parents and guardians who are diverse in many ways, including but not limited to: location, race/ethnicity, education, socio-economic status, and age/grade level of child/children.
Panel members have the opportunity to…
- Help shape the future of CFCArts youth theatre programs by weighing in on things like show selections, program procedures, extra opportunities, class and camp offerings, and more.
- Make and discuss suggestions for the CFCArts youth theatre programs with fellow parents and guardians, and CFCArts leadership.
- Receive an official CFCArts badge, complimentary tickets to most CFCArts productions, media opportunities, and other perks.
Being a part of the Parent and Guardian Panel involves the following commitments:
- Being an active member of the Parent/Guardian Panel from date of admission (early to mid July) through the end of the following July (roughly one calendar year.)
- Attending bi-monthly meetings (every other month) to lend insight and suggestions regarding CFCArts Youth Theatre programs in a structured way, brainstorm and plan fundraising and promotional events, etc.
- Volunteering to assist with the planning, running, and promotion of all CFCArts Youth Theatre fundraising events. This includes the Annual Summer Celebration (typically in July), at least two Youth Theatre Production front of house volunteer positions per year (one per semester), and at least one Student Advisory Panel-planned and run service project per year (there is typically one each semester).
- Advocating for CFCArts Youth Theatre programs within the Central Florida community and your sphere of influence.
- Having at least one student active in CFCArts Youth Theatre Programs throughout the entire school year, in at least one program per semester.
Meet the Parent/Guardian Advisory Panel
Anette Boughner
Read Bio
Anette is a classically-trained vocalist and theatre enthusiast. Anette is an Assistant State Attorney in the 9th Judicial Circuit, presently in the Osceola office. Currently, Anette is proud to serve as a Soprano 2 section leader in the CFCArts Community Choir. Anette and husband, Randy, have two daughters; Scarlett (8) and Paige (10) who have performed in several Youth Theatre Productions and camps. When she is not driving her kids around all over Florida, the family loves trips to Disney, visiting family in Wisconsin and finding the best Japanese food in town. Anette and her extended family almost always attend the CFCArts Big Band and Orchestra Concerts, and have missed very few Youth Theatre productions. The goal this year is to watch a Narrators and Upbeat show. Say hello anytime, Anette loves talking to anyone as much as Justin!
Shannon Collier
Read Bio
Shannon is excited to be joining the CFCArts Parent and Guardian Panel and is thrilled to be able to contribute to such a welcoming and inclusive community. Her 11 year old has loved being able to explore their love of stories in a new way since joining the youth theatre program a little over a year ago. CFCArts has allowed her child to grow through performing, build strong friendships with castmates, and thrive under the guidance of the theatre’s amazing and supportive staff. Shannon holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from UCF and has built a diverse career that includes work in libraries, universities, and teaching. She currently works as a volunteer and outreach manager, combining her love for building meaningful connections and community engagement. She is looking forward to bringing her experience and passion for the arts to the Parent and Guardian Panel.
Azalia Curras
Read Bio
Azalia is a proud mother of three, small business owner, and lifelong supporter of the arts. Growing up with a love for music and theater, she has always believed in the power of the arts to inspire creativity, build confidence, and bring people together. Today, that passion continues through her oldest son, Jasper, who is actively involved in CFCArts and most recently seen in the stage production of James and the Giant Peach. Azalia’s favorite memory so far has been watching her son develop acting skills and confidence through his experiences at CFCArts. Known for her compassion, dedication, and servant’s heart, Azalia believes the arts have the unique ability to connect people, strengthen communities, provide inclusivity and leave a lasting impact on future generations.
Elaine Evans
Read Bio
Elaine has played upright bass in the Symphony Orchestra since 2014, performing in the pit orchestra for Community Choir, summer theatre productions and now the Youth Theatre. She has two sons, Tristan and Connor, who have been involved with CFCArts Youth Theatre since 2023 & 2024. If you had asked Elaine before this year what her favorite CFCArts memory was, it would’ve been playing with Fall Out Boy, but if you ask her now, it’s playing in the pit for Hadestown: Teen Edition! She can’t wait to one day be in the pit for her boys on stage. The Evans household is excited to see what the CFCArts Youth Theatre team has up their sleeves for this upcoming year and cannot wait to be a part of the magic!
Ashley Furgione
Read Bio
With over 15 years of experience in education, HR, and operations management, Ashley loves being the “behind-the-scenes” force that helps communities thrive. As a certified educator, birth coach, and doula she has dedicated her life to nurturing families and supporting her community from the very beginning.
Her passion for CFCArts is personal. Watching her daughter, Maya, perform as a Baby Guppy in Finding Nemo Jr. and boldly sing out, “this is the place for me,” was the moment Ashley knew her daughter had found her village. Having grown up near NYC attending shows and partaking in school chorus as well as theatre performances, Ashley learned early on that theater has a place for everyone. Now, she is thrilled to join the board, using her unique blend of operational expertise and heart to ensure every child at CFCArts finds the space that lights them up.
Angela Jacobi
Read Bio
Angela has been married for 22 years to her husband, Chris, and they have 2 boys, Carter and Deklan. Deklan is currently serving on the Student Panel. Angela has always loved giving of her time and volunteering for different organizations. Theatre has been a huge part of her life, and CFCArts has been such a positive experience for her family that she wanted to be able to help serve them. She is looking forward to serving on the Parent and Guardian Panel for the next year.
Nikki Ortiz-Tatarka
Read Bio
Nikki Ortiz-Tatarka is thrilled to once again be a part of the Central Florida Community Arts Parent Panel. Nikki is the Theatre Director and Jr. Thespian Troupe Director at Lawton Chiles Middle School in Oviedo, and assistant director of Seminole County Performing Arts Jr. Her education career spans 20 years as an early childhood, elementary grade-level, and arts educator. A lifelong performer, Nikki knows first hand that fostering young artists and their creativity can have a profound and positive impact on children. She is honored to help support CFCArts as both a Youth Theatre parent and a member of the CFCArts Community Choir.
Laurie Seely
Read Bio
Laurie Seely is a former professional opera singer who performed with regional opera companies across the U.S. before spending 11 years as a full-time chorus member with the Lyric Opera of Chicago. After moving to Florida in 2019, she launched her own business as a Transaction Coordinator, helping Florida real estate agents navigate contracts from pending to closing. She still loves being part of exceptional musical communities and now happily sings with Orlando Sings Symphonic Chorus.
Her daughter, Lucy, is homeschooled and dual enrolled at Seminole State College. Lucy joined CFCArts with Hadestown, where she immediately found the talented, collaborative environment she had been searching for. It quickly became her favorite musical theater experience to date, and she looks forward to participating in many more CFCArts productions.
Andrew Thompson
Read Bio
Andrew Thompson is happily better known as “Ella’s dad.” He, his wife, Shannon, and Ella have been blessed to be part of the CFCArts youth theatre family for four years, and Andrew is excited about the opportunity to serve on the Parent and Guardian Panel.
While the Thompson family can usually be found in the audience at just about every CFCArts production, Andrew always leaves the youth theatre shows inspired not only by the students’ talent, but also by the encouragement and camaraderie they show one another. He is grateful for the opportunities CFCArts provides for students to grow artistically, build confidence, and form lasting friendships.
Professionally, Andrew is a shareholder at Zimmerman, Kiser & Sutcliffe in downtown Orlando, where he concentrates his practice in estate planning, estate and trust administration, and probate and trust litigation.