Orlandos Dr. Phillips Center And Full Sail University Offer Real-World Experience To Audio And Production Students

A unique partnership between Orlando’s Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and Full Sail University has been providing students with hands-on training in professional audio, video, lighting, and production — just minutes from the Winter Park campus.

What began in 2017 as an opportunity for Show Production students to work in a professional environment has grown into a multifaceted collaboration that includes everything from acoustic tuning in one of the worlds most sophisticated concert halls to supporting productions featuring major performers like Alan Cumming.

Each month since September 2024, students in Full Sails Audio Measurement Systems course take a field trip to the Dr. Phillips Center’s Steinmetz Hall to apply what theyve learned about acoustic engineering. With its rare N1 acoustic rating, the hall offers a world-class space to conduct reverberation tests and measurements.

“This experience is a rarity in my opinion,” said Full Sail Course Director Michael Stewart, who teaches Systems Tuning and Acoustics. “It is truly a one-of-a-kind educational resource for our students, and we are delighted to have such a wonderful acoustic space in Orlando that Full Sail is permitted to visit regularly and perform these acoustic measurements.”

In February 2025, the partnership took another step forward when Full Sail students and faculty worked behind the scenes of “Alan Cumming: Uncut,” the actor’s solo cabaret show, at Judsons Live, the Dr. Phillips Centers newest intimate venue. Students supported three days of video, lighting, and audio production, and later assisted in filming cut-in segments with Cumming himself.

The collaboration also opens doors to Broadway-level exposure. Dr. Phillips Center Production Manager Troy Mitchell coordinates opportunities for students to observe Broadway load-ins and backstage operations. Recent productions that welcomed student observers include “MAMMA MIA!,” “The Cher Show,” “Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert,” and “Winnies Rock Cauldron Cabaret.”

For many Full Sail students, these immersive experiences have already turned into job opportunities. Some have gone on to work as event technicians, stage crew, and production assistants at the arts center.

As Orlandos performing arts scene continues to grow, the ongoing partnership serves as a valuable launchpad for students preparing for careers in live production and entertainment.