WELCOME TO KUUMBA!

​Our Kuumba program is a vibrant initiative dedicated to celebrating and uplifting Black creativity in all its forms. Named after the Swahili word for “creativity,” Kuumba provides a supportive space where Black artists, creators, and performers can explore, develop, and showcase their talents.
This program offers a range of resources, including:
  • Mentorship from established industry professionals
  • Workshops to refine skills across various artistic disciplines
  • Networking opportunities that connect emerging talent with influential figures in the entertainment industry
Through Kuumba, we also hold regular events that highlight the rich diversity of Black culture and artistry, from visual arts and music to theater and film. These events not only provide artists with invaluable exposure but also foster community engagement and celebration of cultural heritage. Additionally, Kuumba emphasizes social impact by addressing barriers that Black creatives face in accessing resources, providing a platform to amplify their voices and stories. By investing in the growth and visibility of Black talent, Kuumba aims to reshape the narrative within the entertainment landscape, ensuring that diverse voices are represented, respected, and celebrated.

BLACK CREATIVITY IN ACTION

5 REASONS TO SPONSOR KUUMBA

  1. Empower Black Creatives: Sponsorship supports the development of Black artists, helping them share their unique voices and stories.
  2. Advance DEI: Align with diversity, equity, and inclusion by supporting a program that fosters representation in entertainment.
  3. Enhance Community Impact: Show your commitment to social change and attract socially conscious audiences.
  4. Expand Your Reach: Gain exposure to diverse, engaged audiences at Kuumba events and showcases.
  5. Unique Branding: Enjoy tailored brand placement and promotion through Kuumba’s marketing channels.

THE PROGRAM

AUDITION WORKSHOPS
Kuumba audition workshops provide participants with one-on-one sessions to refine their audition material under the guidance of industry professionals. Each workshop is scheduled individually on designated dates, offering dedicated time for each participant. At the end of the session, participants’ auditions will be professionally filmed and shared with local and regional casting professionals, directors, and potential employers. Only selected participants will advance to the final showcase.
APPRENTICESHIP SESSION
For those interested in behind-the-scenes roles, Kuumba offers an apprenticeship session covering areas like Casting, Producing & Directing, Creative Development, Theatre Administration, and Music Directing. Led by industry experts, this session includes presentations and a Q&A on skill-building and career development in these fields.
SHOWCASE
Kuumba culminates in a one-night talent showcase, featuring selected audition workshop participants alongside invited artists, performing groups, and partner organizations. This showcase celebrates diverse talent and offers a prime opportunity for networking and professional exposure.

KUUMBA THE CFEA TALENT SHOWCASE


​CFEA's KUUMBA TALENT SHOWCASE!

KUUMBA, meaning "creativity" in Swahili, is Central Florida Entertainment Advocacy's highly anticipated talent development workshop and showcase, now in its third year. Our mission is clear: to amplify the presence of Black talent within our region. The talent in Central Florida is rich and abundant! We want to give these artists a chance to share their artistry with YOU! Join us at the new Fringe ArtSpace downtown and enjoy an evening of creativity, art and community. The Kuumba Showcase is on October 27th. Tickets are $10.00.

KUUMBA, Audition Workshop & Talent Showcase
Presented by CFEA
​DATES
Audition Workshop Dates: Wednesday October 23 - Friday October 25*

Talent Showcase: Sunday October 27

 *NOTE: Work session participants will be scheduled individual appointments on ONE of the work sessions dates based on participants availability.

AUDITION WORKSHOPS

Participants of the KUUMBA audition workshops will bring in their own audition material to work on with leading industry professionals. All audition workshops will be scheduled as individual appointments, taking place on ONE of the designated audition workshop dates. Dates and times for each of the audition workshops are listed below:

​Wednesday, October 23rd: 11am-4pm

Thursday, October 24th: 6pm-10pm

Friday, October 25th: 1pm-6pm

​The KUMMBA team will professionally film the participant's audition material at the end of their designated audition workshop appointment. The filmed material will then be distributed to participating local and regional casting professionals, directors, and other employers. (For a list of previous participating companies and agents, please visit www.CFEAnow.org). Work session participants will be notified of advancement no later than Monday, October 14th. (NOTE: Not all applications will be advanced to participate in the showcase.) Audition workshops will take place at Fringe ArtSpace in Orlando, FL.

​APPRENTICESHIP SESSION

Participants interested in learning more about creative, administrative, and other "behind the table" roles (Casting, Producing & Directing, Creative Development/Theatre Admin, and Music Directing) may choose to sign up to attend the apprenticeship session on Thursday October 24th from 2pm-5pm. At this session industry leaders from a variety of fields will host a informative session and Q&A about their respective fields, their career journey, and share the different paths that lead to a career behind the table.

SHOWCASE

CFEA will also produce a one-night talent showcase on Sunday October 27th at Fringe ArtSpace. The talent line up for the showcase will include select work session participants, as well as other invited artists, performing groups, and organizations.

CFEA ARTIST SHOWCASE

JULY 2020
Central Florida Artists join together to raise awareness for equity and justice in the entertainment industry and raise funds for artists and entertainers in need! Enjoy the show!

CFEA ARTIST RELIEF
The CFEA Artist Relief Fund is our way of helping this community achieve justice and wholeness. These are tough, unprecedented times. If you, or someone you know in the Arts and Entertainment industry is in need, we are here to help.

CFEA SPOTLIGHT
05/13/2021
CFEA's Roberta Emerson talks with Lavon Bracy Davis (Sr. Director of Community Programming at the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center) about the headway she is making for artists and arts organizations of color in the Central Florida community. These 2 phenomenal women have a great deal of insight for the future of arts and entertainment in our area. Be sure to tune in, take notes and chime in! We've got work to do!
04/15/2021
 The CFEA Talent Development and Casting Relations Team holds a candid discussion about the necessary evolution of casting processes and personnel in Central Florida. Stephen Gelpi, Theme Park Casting Director and Joshian Morales, Co-Owner of Kelsay Morales Casting are available to answer your questions and guide our community to a more equitable casting experience.
10/29/2020
JOYCE ARBUCIAS talks with CFEA about her journey to help diversify the Orlando Fringe Fest, as well as how Entertainment Gig company owners in our region are navigating the demands for equity and change. CFEA’s Felichia Chivaughn engages in another candid discussion about the victories and challenges post forum.
10/17/2020
CFEA talks with Artistic Director, Joseph Walsh, about his journey to create a more equitable and diverse experience at The Garden Theatre in Winter Garden. Joseph joins CFEA’s Meka King to discuss the challenges and victories he's faced, personally and professionally, since the CFEA Forum.
8/10/2020
Hosts Meka King and Felichia Chivaughn discuss the Central Florida Entertainment Advocacy Forum and what's NEXT for the Arts and Entertainment Community. The mantra that "This is not a Moment, it's a MOVEMENT," has taken new life for the industry in our region. CFEA's Organizers discuss wins, outline next steps and reveal some exciting things on the horizon.

CFEA FORUMS
7/25/2021
7/26/2021
You don't want to miss this important evaluation of our community 365 DAYS LATER! A year ago we gathered and started a journey towards a more equitable arts and entertainment industry in Central Florida. It was emotional, it was troubling, it was inspirational and it was hopeful. It was a powerful moment that created a movement. Now the Intermission Is Over and we are on to ACT TWO! But this is FAR from over. WHERE ARE WE NOW? DAY 1 of the forum is for BLACK INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS. We're gonna have a family meeting to discuss FAMILY BUSINESS! It's time to get real about what we've walked back into and lay out our next goals and strategies. DAY 2 is for ALLIES And Black Industry Professionals. The conversations are still hard, but we have to have them. What have we accomplished, what do we still need to do better, how have we helped, where have we missed it, what else can we learn? So Join Us...Cuz IT AIN'T OVER!!! Click the link to REGISTER TODAY! Spread the word...because we are now and will always be STRONGER TOGETHER!
7/21/2020
7/22/2020
7/23/2020
Day 1: A safe space for Black Industry Professionals to share their experiences with racism, gain resources for self-care, and identify the tools of unlearning the effects of systematic oppression. This session was for BLACK INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS ONLY.
**If you are a Black Industry Professional and would like access to Day 1, please click the link below to request access.**
Day 2: A space to center the experiences of black industry professionals, while challenging white allies to bear witness and reflect on what it means to dismantle implicit bias as it relates to institutional, structural, interpersonal and internalized racism.

DAY 2 and DAY 3 are two parts of a whole experience.
Day 3: A space where we began examining accountability within the Central Florida Entertainment Industry - rooted in its history of individual and systemic racism. We took steps towards realizing the dream of an anti-racist theatrical/entertainment landscape, 

​DAY 2 and DAY 3 are intended as two parts of a whole experience.