Everything You Need to Know About A Universal Orlando STARS Performance Program

You’ve conquered the Friday night field and blazed through the band festival circuit.  Choir competitions have come and gone.  The spring musical was a smashing success. Now it’s time to take on a Universal Orlando STARS Performance program!

Once the pandemonium of performance season is past, give your talented students an incredible new opportunity to shine as part of a STARS Performance at Universal Orlando™ Resort!

Couple the electrifying experience with the energy and excitement of the parks and you’ll find a STARS Performance hits all the high notes!

About the STARS Performance Programs

Universal Orlando STARS Performance programs showcase student musicians, dancers, and performers in a world-class theme park venue.  They are designed for marching bands, concert bands, choirs, orchestras, jazz ensembles, percussion groups, dancers, and more.

Let’s break it down…

STARS Marching Performances

Universal’s Superstar Pre-Parade opportunity is available year-round. It showcases your talented marching band during a one-mile route lined with cheering guests.

During select November through January dates, your band can also apply to perform in the Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s Pre-Parade. They’ll warm up the holiday crowds for the merriest of marches!

Minimum Ticket Requirement

Minimum of 40 tickets

(Non-Florida groups: multi-day park-to-park admission tickets required and Florida groups: park-to-park admission tickets required)

Application and Selection

• Minimum of 40 performers
• Apply at least 90 days prior to the proposed performance date
• URL or link to group’s performance (approx. 3 minutes in length for each group performing)
• Written script of any material will be spoken during the performance
• Complete list of music titles that will be performed or played during the performance

Wardrobe

Performers must be in uniform or appropriate costume.  However, Universal does NOT recommend wearing full uniforms due to heat. Matching polo shirts, t-shirts, and shorts are permitted during the summer months. Photos of attire must be submitted 90 days prior to performing.

(Please no jeans, recognizable characters/mascots, or attire associated with other theme parks)

Venue

Marching bands will perform up to a one-mile march through Universal Studios Florida. Bands must continue playing throughout the entire marching route.

STARS Stage Performances

Your students will set the tone for CityWalk™ visitors with a high-energy, 30-minute performance on the Lagoon Stage!

Minimum Ticket Requirement

Minimum of 40 tickets

(Non-Florida groups: multi-day park-to-park admission tickets required and Florida groups: park-to-park admission tickets required)

Application and Selection

• Minimum of 40 in the performance group (including non-performers)
• Apply at least 90 days prior to the proposed performance date
• URL or link to group’s performance (approx. 3 minutes in length for each group performing)
• Written script of any material that will be spoken during the performance
• Complete list of music titles that will be performed or played during the performance

Wardrobe

Uniforms are required for every performance and must be approved by Universal 90 days prior to performing.  If it’s too hot for uniforms during the spring and summer months, matching polo shirts, t-shirts, pants, or shorts are acceptable.

Dancers must always wear shoes. Dancing barefoot, in socks, or in dance paws, etc. is not permitted.

(Please no jeans, t-shirts, or attire associated with other theme parks)

STARS Sound Design: Music and the Art of Foley

This is a seriously cool opportunity for students to explore the world of sound design!  They’ll learn what it takes to be a movie musician performing original underscores, creating Foley effects, and choosing sound effects for animated movie scenes.

Sixty-to-ninety-minute workshops align with National Core Arts Standards for composition and music theory, music technology, and ensemble. The program is also NAfME endorsed!

Minimum Ticket Requirement

Minimum of 40 tickets (non-Florida groups: multi-day park-to-park admission tickets required and Florida groups: park-to-park admission tickets required)

Application and Selection

• Minimum of 40 performers
• Apply at least six weeks prior to the proposed workshop date
• Link to a video of your group’s most recent performance (up to 3 minutes)
• Sheet music provided prior to the workshop
• Option to sight-read at director’s discretion

Wardrobe

Uniforms are not required.

Dance is UNIVERSAL!

This is another amazing opportunity for dancers to learn from the pros at Universal! Workshops align with the four artistic processes within the National Core Arts Standards. Choose from:

Master Class (2 hrs) 

Master Classes focus on dance fundamentals, one-to-one feedback, and a choreographed combination in the genre of your choice.

Audition Workshop (2.5 hrs) 

Audition Workshops feature two genres and tips for polishing headshots and resumes. They also include a mock audition to prepare for real-world opportunities.

Minimum Ticket Requirement

Minimum of 40 tickets (non-Florida groups: multi-day park-to-park admission tickets required and Florida groups: park-to-park admission tickets required)

Application and Selection

• Minimum of 20 youth participants (additional fee applies)
• Apply at least six weeks prior to the proposed workshop date
• Link to a video of your group’s most recent performance (up to 3 minutes)

Wardrobe

Uniforms are not required for Dance is UNIVERSAL! Students are required to wear (or bring) appropriate dance attire (i.e. shoes, clothing, etc.)

Appropriate footwear may vary based on genre, but dancers must wear shoes during the workshop.

It’s an ‘Epic’ Time to Visit Universal Orlando™ Resort

While you’re here, be sure to visit Universal’s new Epic Universe – a gateway into five thrilling worlds that exist at the edge of our imaginations. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Ministry of Magic™, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe and Celestial Park are at the center of this immersive and very visceral journey!

Learn More About Epic Universe

Plan Your Universal Orlando STARS Performance with Kaleidoscope Adventures

Kaleidoscope Adventures has been a leader in student performance travel for 30+ years.  The KA pro team will handle everything from start to finish – including online registration, payments, and a built-in option for crowdfunding.

Kaleidoscope makes planning your Universal performance simple, safe, and convenient.

Start Planning Your Performance at Universal Orlando™ Resort