Audra Miller: Performance Venues Around Kissimmee

Audra Miller

At just 8 years old, Audra Miller was singing Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” as her karaoke song. This Erie, Pennsylvania native began her cover song career strong, because just a few years later she became the lead vocalist for First to Eleven, a YouTube cover band that re-imagines beloved songs. On YouTube, First to Eleven has amassed over 1.5 million subscribers and published over 350 videos since they joined in 2015. Audra also formed another project with First to Eleven guitarist, Matt Yost, and drummer, Sam Gilman called Concrete Castles, with their second record releasing in the summer of 2023.

Osceola Arts Community Theater 

Osceola Arts Main Theater 

Like many artists, musicians, and actors, Audra began her artistic journey at a young age with local community theater in her hometown. Show host Jen Bonner brought Audra to Kissimmee's own community theater program, Osceola Arts, where she had the chance to explore her own roots.  

In the Main Theater, which seats 235 patrons, Osceola Arts produces magnificent shows, Broadway-style musicals, and plays all year long. At the time of Audra’s visit, the venue had just removed its ornate staging for its production of the family-favorite murder mystery Clue.  

In addition to the impressive lineup of shows at Osceola Arts, each season culminates with their annual Lip Sync Battle, a fundraising event supporting arts and art programming throughout Osceola County, and a local favorite! 

Osceola Arts Black Box Theater & Classes 

Alongside their main theater, the Osceola Arts 90-seat black box theater features scheduled shows all year long. The configurable space, along with other classroom space on the premises allow the organization to offer many learning opportunities to the community. For example, their youth and teen programming includes classes designed to explore creativity in multiple interesting disciplines such as sewing, creative writing, photography and fine art, with no experience required. Their adult classes allow aspiring artists of all ages to hone their skills or learn something new, such as drawing, painting, pottery, and more. 

For kids 7-14, Osceola Arts offers theater camps and art camps during the summer months at three locations: Osceola Arts, Poinciana, and Lake Nona. Youth performers age 5-17 also have the opportunity to join the Young Actors Company where they’ll work with professionals to learn theater techniques and build confidence in their skills. 

Osceola Arts Gallery & Art Exhibits 

Each month in their three galleries, Osceola Arts rotates new pieces from solo artists and group collectives, so visitors can always experience something new. Admission to the art galleries is always free and open to the public. 

My favorite part of the trip was seeing all the amazing opportunities in Kissimmee for people to do what they love. As a musician, I would’ve been so excited to have all the arts programs that are located there!

— Audra Miller 

Reminiscing at Disney Springs 

Early in the planning phase, The Kissimmee Experience writers discovered Audra’s fond childhood memories of listening to musical performances at the various stage areas of Disney Springs. As a young musician herself, watching live professionals in such a magical venue provided great inspiration for her own future career.  

There are several locations throughout Disney Springs where guests can enjoy open-air entertainment such as acoustic guitar and cover bands between shopping and activities. Patrons can also enjoy live music at several of the dining establishments such as Paradiso 37 and House of Blues. 

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts 

Every vocal artist dreams of taking the stage at a regional performing arts center as beautiful as Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. The crew filmed Audra’s final interview in the Alexis and Jim Pugh Theater, a 294-seat space as vibrant as Audra’s final performance of the episode. An impressive 1,200 square feet of the ceiling showcases a composite of 32 stunning art pieces by artist Tom McGrath that is a showstopper unto itself.  

Be sure to check out the other spaces in the building, such as their largest space, the Walt Disney Theater, and the genius Steinmets Hall, one of the most acoustically perfect spaces in the world. 

The coolest part of the trip was seeing the inside of the Dr. Phillip’s Center. Wicked was also there and it was insane to be filming and singing in the same building as a national Broadway tour!

— Audra Miller 

Explore Live Performance Venues 

Audra’s whirlwind trip covered just a few of the many live performance options in the Kissimmee area. Check out other places to catch a music show such as Promenade at Sunset Walk, Hard Rock Cafe at Universal CityWalk, or Old Town Kissimmee.  

I absolutely will come back to Kissimmee. I’d love to bring my friends and family to Dr. Phillips and show them all the activities there for the arts!

— Audra Miller