Being a Producer
Spanning the Seasons in Support of Our Beloved Theatre
By Jean Trammell, Board President of Venice Theatre and Trustee of the Ehrhart Family Foundation, 75th Diamond Anniversary Producing Sponsor
“Devote yourself, as we have done, to thought” ~ Armande in Molière’s The Learned Ladies
Part of the responsibility of a community theatre is to offer a varied slate of productions every year. In the case of Venice Theatre, one of our motivations when selecting each season’s offerings is Education. Over the decades of my association with the theatre, I have observed and participated in selections that seek to expand the mind and share the past with the next generation.
I adore shows for families because young people don’t seem to have the same opportunities in school as I did to read scripts of bygone eras. Yet the language is so rich, the experience simply cannot be missed. It all builds upon the languages of prior generations. We must understand each era’s usages and peculiar nuances to fully appreciate productions written in the past. I am particularly excited about Molière’s The Learned Ladies because it exemplifies my favorite era.
The Ehrhart Foundation is also a Producing Sponsor because we wish to support all aspects of theatre-making and stagecraft. When I directed plays here at the theatre, I would love to see how other directors approached various works. I am glad to see stories return from past decades as we celebrate this momentous anniversary. I am quite certain the theatre’s founders never dreamed that this is where Venice Theatre would be when they started it in 1950, with all its splendid programs and the best artistic staff anywhere. It’s my hope that we rise to new heights and do not lose the artistic quality as we struggle to bring our main Jervey Theatre back. I am grateful for our community’s support but hope it sees us through to completion.
As we look ahead to our 76th Season, we look forward to seeing the Jervey Theatre move closer to completion, so we may stage yesterday’s and today’s productions for the next 75 years.
For more information about Venice Theatre’s Have-a-Seat Campaign to raise the bulk of the $5,000,000 needed to complete Phase III (432 seats at $7,500 per seat), becoming a Sponsor and joining the Presidents Club, and to stay updated on programs and construction at Venice Theatre, please visit VeniceTheatre.org or contact Camille Cline at 941.867.8607 or camille@venicetheatre.net.