Last month, Oviedo’s Performing Arts department performed their annual winter Lion Showcase for Oviedo. The show opened on Dec. 12 and held one more performance the following night, Dec. 13.

“It’s, you know, something special that doesn’t happen very often at many schools,
so being able to work together and to create this new culture creates this positive impact on students’ lives,” said Zachary Chowning, Director of Bands at Oviedo.

Something unique that the 2025 Showcase introduced, as opposed to prior shows, was the introduction of the theater program. “Mooning” and “You’re The One That I Want,” two pieces from “Grease,” the fall musical, were performed at the Lion Showcase.

“Theater should work together with dance, choir, color guard, and band. 
I’m surprised there wasn’t more of that in the past, and I’m so glad they’re open to it now,” said James Brendlinger, the most recent addition to the school’s performing arts team, becoming the Director of Theater at the start of the current school year.

The performance is entirely held by the students in the performing arts programs, which includes band, color guard, choir, drama and dance.

“Showcase pushed me to my limits in terms of time management and quick decision making,” said Adrian Font, saxophonist for the band in the production. 

The Lion Showcase has been a biannual tradition at the school for several years, but the current performing arts team feels it is better than ever.

“This is by far my favorite Showcase,” Chowning said. “I think this was very successful and the talent this year across the board from all programs in this department was just phenomenal.”

This being said, Showcase can take a toll on its organizers, because it is such a large and elaborate production. Over 40 acts were performed each night. 

“I did not realize how demanding this week would be. So, just kind of trying to figure out the logistics of that,” Brendlinger said.

Though teachers help organize the shows, students have the unique opportunity to create performances that they are passionate about.

“We give the tools as teachers, and they [performing arts students] kind of take off with it and make it into their own thing,” said Chowning.

The theater program will present their “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” musical this month, and the band and color guard will perform another Lion Showcase in April.