Start at the Beginning
Building a Legacy of Art and Education at Venice Theatre
By Patty Fjetland and Linda Newton
The Torch Bearers Sponsors
“I have struggled so long to inaugurate a Little Theatre Movement in this community, that I have intuitively anticipated the occurrence of some obstacle to thwart me; so that, when the telephone bell rang…I said to myself, before I even took down the receiver ‘… Something has happened that is going to put my sincerity in this movement to the test. And I must remember, as Mr. Lincoln said at Gettysburg, ‘It is better that we should perish, than that those ideals for which we struggle should perish.’” ~ Mrs. Pampinelli inThe Torch Bearers
As long-time season ticket holders, Show Sponsors, and President Club members at Venice Theatre, we are excited to be part of its 75th Diamond Anniversary Season. We have watched our town and theatre grow over the years. And we were so sad when Hurricane Ian set back Venice Theatre’s phenomenal return after the pandemic with the destruction of the Jervey Theatre. It’s amazing that the temporary theatre was built so quickly to keep the shows going.
A Beaufort, South Carolina transplant, I (Linda) came to Venice to visit my sister in the late ’70s, fell in love with it, and moved to Venice in 1988. I was invited to many productions by friends and became a season ticket holder upon retirement. I felt the talent was amazing, especially for a small town (Venice was an even smaller town in the ’70s).
I (Patty) came to Venice to visit friends in the late ’90s. My friends sold me on Venice and I became a snowbird in 2000. I became a season ticket holder the very first year I came to Venice. I love theater and, not being spontaneous, I didn’t want to miss a production because I might procrastinate. I had enjoyed theatre in Milwaukee. I was shocked at the low price of the tickets and great quality of productions compared to a city. I simply didn’t expect the exceptional talent.
We were married in 2021 and VT is an important part of our social life. We attend plays with several of our friends, some who we introduced to VT. We also attend many of the various concerts offered by the theatre and were happy to see the new slate announced recently. We look forward to the day when the “obstacle” of the hurricane’s damage is finally overcome and we may again attend productions and concerts in the gorgeous new Jervey Theatre.
We continue our support because the Theatre is not only good entertainment, but it is such a great addition to our community—not just bringing dollars into Venice, but educating students, creating volunteer opportunities, and giving us a venue for artistic talent. We sponsor shows like The Torch Bearers to help in a little way to make theatre available or more affordable to many who are less fortunate than we are. We’re excited to sponsor a new production of Venice Theatre’s very first show in 1950, The Torch Bearers, of which Patty saw a production in Wisconsin. It’s especially important because it ties our past to our present and creates a memory that will last well into Venice Theatre’s future.
Whenever anyone asks about Venice, VT is one the first highlights of our town that we mention. It is such a gem. We want other people to have the chance to fall in love with it the way we did. And if they are able to sponsor a production or a concert, then we hope they will. We are glad the name was changed from Venice Little Theatre. We feel people would expect very amateur productions, which is far from the impressive quality productions we enjoy at Venice Theatre. We have come a long way.
To sponsor a concert for $2,575 this 75th Diamond Season, a show for $5,075, or support the theatre in any way, contact Camille Cline on VT’s Advancement Team at camille@venicetheatre.net.