Every Community Should Have a Community Theatre
By Albert & Nancy Faucon, Don’t Touch That Dial! Sponsor
“We’re gonna do it, give us any chance, we’ll take it…we’re gonna make our dreams come true.” Theme from Laverne and Shirley
Community Theatre promotes storytelling which reveals truths about ourselves and our world. We are both entertained and educated in the process by sharing our history, different perspectives, cultures, volunteerism, philanthropy, and friendships.
Having been married for 50 years, we have a long history of community theatre involvement. We have been benefactors for many years of the Ogunquit Playhouse in Ogunquit, Maine, which has a 91-year legacy of producing world-class theatre from the ground up.
Our love of live theater really blossomed when we visited our Aunt Martha Dodge, who lived in New York City. She always insisted we attend some performance even though we were always aghast at the ticket prices. In time, we realized what a real bargain it was to enjoy some amazing shows.
For us, live theater is a way to enjoy and recognize the immense dedication and talent of the producers, actors, and musicians who together create an experience for all to enjoy. Good theater takes us on a journey outside ourselves that can challenge how we think of ourselves and the world around us.
The heartbreak and exuberance of such masterpieces as Les Misérables and Miss Saigon, or the outrageously funny plays like Young Frankenstein or The Producers are examples of good theater. We in the audience get to sit back and enjoy.
Good theater doesn’t just happen. These fine performances have been created by incredible writers, directors, actors, dancers, singers, and musicians. Where does this all start? Many of these talented people got their start early in school plays or perhaps some local theater, like our Education & Community Engagement Department here at Venice Theatre. Fortunately for us, they have been bitten by a bug that not only drives them to endure long hours of rehearsal, but also enjoy the thrill of working as a team backstage and on stage.
We love to travel and have been fortunate to visit many modern and ancient cities. It is always striking to visit places like Rome, Pompeii, Athens, and Ephesus. All these cities have prominent outdoor theaters that can seat thousands of people in beautiful settings. It is a testament to how important live theater was to these civilizations. Can you imagine attending a performance at one of these historic venues in their time?
Today our senses are bombarded with visual media from TV, YouTube, Facebook, etc. Much of this entertainment will soon be created by AI and all in the palm of your hand. Will there be room for live theater? Will our children and grandchildren be able to appreciate the talent and dedication of actors, musicians, and playwrights to assemble as a team and produce a masterpiece that will survive the millennia? We hope so.
That is why we are pleased to sponsor this premiere production of Don’t Touch That Dial!. We believe it is important to support live theater and its dedicated team. We as a community are blessed to have Venice Theatre. It is a treasure we cannot take for granted or ignore in its time of need.
We are now turning our sights to helping Venice Theatre celebrate its 75th Diamond Anniversary Season and the new friendships it will bring. We believe that Venice Theatre is a vibrant and vital part of both Venice and the surrounding communities.
Venice Theatre is still in recovery mode from Hurricane Ian. Its patrons and supporters have answered the call, but we still have a long way to go. We encourage our fellow theatre lovers to make a donation or sponsor a show, like we are. You will help Venice Theatre keep its commitment to being the “Heart of the Arts” in Sarasota County and keeping the “Community” in Community Theatre.
We are looking forward to seeing you all at Venice Theatre’s production of Don’t Touch That Dial!
To find out how you can stand with us, make a donation from your RMD or QCD, or schedule a tour for family and friends, contact camille@venicetheatre.net.