Stage 55 - CFCArts

About Stage 55

Central Florida Community Arts’ Stage 55 program (formerly known as the Narrators) is a non-auditioned acting program for older adults (55+) designed to foster cognitive health and positive aging through participation in theatre arts. Each rehearsal is two hours long and begins with vocal warm-ups and senior-friendly improv and theatre games intended to boost confidence, camaraderie, and creative expression. The majority of rehearsal time is spent preparing for an upcoming performance using either improv or scripted material.

During the off-season, Stage 55 members gather and write material for future seasons. Throughout the year, Stage 55 also offers drop-in improv workshops.

Accessibility and inclusivity lie at the heart of the CFCArts mission. Stage 55 tailors the performance content to support each individual’s unique capabilities centering on their personal, social, and artistic growth.

Please email stage55@cfcarts.com, and our team will reach out to you to help get you started.

Special Thanks for Support From

Fall 2026 Stage 55 Improv

For adults of all ages!

Drop-In Workshops: September 3, 10, 17, 24, October 1, 8
Time: Thursdays from 10:30 p.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Hiawassee Branch Library (7391 W Colonial Dr. Orlando, FL 32818)

Please email stage55@cfcarts.com with any questions.

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Registration

Registration for Fall 2026 Stage 55 Improv is open to adults of all ages. Please fill out the registration form or email stage55@cfcarts.com with any questions.

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About the Workshop

Learn the art of theatrical improvisation with professional improviser Anthony Francis. Play fun and surprising characters and learn how to go from nothing to something interesting in seconds. There is no pressure to be funny or clever. This is a great class for beginners and those with improv experience. Learn how to create interesting characters and scenes quickly. You will learn a little bit of everything. Two person scenes, The Harold Format, and even an improvised musical!

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Meet the Instructor

Anthony Francis is a veteran improviser who has been teaching and delighting audiences since 2012. His unique style of comedy and approachable teaching style has earned him a reputation as a thought leader in the improv community and all around nice guy.

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Dues

Fall 2026 Stage 55 Improv from August through October 2026 is free. Just register at the link above!

Please email stage55@cfcarts.com with any questions.

This workshop is free thanks in part to the City of Orlando's Community Investment Grant, supporting programming for older adults.

Fall 2026 Stage 55 – Pumpkins & Punchlines

Season Kickoff: Friday, August 21, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Rehearsals: Fridays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Location: First Congregational Church (225 S Interlachen Ave. Winter Park)

Performance:
Pumpkins & Punchlines
October 31 and November 1 at 3 p.m.
St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church (1600 S Orlando Ave, Winter Park)

Please email stage55@cfcarts.com with any questions.

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Registration

Registration for Fall 2026 Stage 55 is currently closed to give our members and staff time to prepare for the performance. If you are interested in joining the Stage 55, please email stage55@cfcarts.com with any questions.

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Performance

Halloween is a time for mystery and surprises, and Pumpkins and Punchlines delivers both. The perfect Halloween treat, this unique show combines fast-paced improvisational comedy with authentic old-time radio mysteries for an afternoon of laughs, thrills, and spooky fun.

Our Stage 55 actors have been sharpening their improv skills and are ready to put them to the test with audience prompts and unexpected challenges. Audience members will also have the chance to solve 5-minute mysteries originally performed on the radio in the late 1940s.

Come dressed for the season and enjoy an afternoon of suspense, comedy, and classic radio-style storytelling.

Tech Rehearsals:
Friday, October 23, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Thursday, October 29, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Friday, October 30, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Performances:
Saturday, October 31, at 3 p.m.
Sunday, November 1, at 3 p.m.
St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church (1600 S Orlando Ave, Winter Park)

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Dues

Dues will be for scripts, rehearsals, community performances, and performances of Pumpkins & Punchlines from August through November 2026. Please see pricing below:

Regular Season Dues: $75

Payment links are included in the registration form! Financial assistance and payment plans are also available. Please email narrators@cfcarts.com with any questions.

Membership Dues at CFCArts help to cover the expenses that the organization incurs throughout the rehearsal process of each season. Therefore, each member is asked to pay the Membership Dues regardless of the member’s availability to perform at the conclusion of the season.

Members that need to withdraw mid-season will owe a percentage of the Membership Dues to the organization before being eligible to rehearse for a future season.

Membership Dues Payment Calendar:

Total of $20 Due By August 21, 2026
Total of $40 Due By September 11, 2026
Total of $60 Due By October 2, 2026
Total of $75 (100%) Due by October 23, 2026

Please see the Member Hub for more details or email us at stage55@cfcarts.com with any questions or concerns meeting these deadlines.

Hear from a Stage 55 Member!

Meet Chris, a vibrant older adult and care partner to her husband Jerry, whose story in the Stage 55 – then known as Narrators – program reflects the power of community, inclusion, and creativity. Through Stage 55, Chris and Jerry have found the tools and support they need to stay active and connected to each other and their passions as artists.

Watch Chris and Jerry’s journey and see how programs like Stage 55 provide life-changing opportunities for people of all ages. Donate today to help us continue offering inclusive arts programs that make a difference. Interested in joining us? Register for the next season of Stage 55 above and become part of this amazing community.