It Only Takes a Spark
TRANSFORMING VENICE THEATRE THROUGH PHILANTHROPY
By Redenta and Steve Picazio, Syncopation Sponsors
“I am on fire! I think of all those
who came before me…all those
hopefuls who’ve walked through
that door with ideas pounding in
their heads!”
~ Henry Ribolow in Syncopation
Who would not like a play featuring romance, dance, music, and a nostalgic look back at the early 20th century? We have been married for 61 years and were thrilled at the opportunity to sponsor a production about partners with big dreams.
We have been fans of live theatre since our teenage years. As a child, I (Redenta) was taken to live theater by my mom. Our Connecticut summer stock and NYC trips were so memorable. When Steve and I were in NYC as college freshmen, we saw Broadway plays. And this love of the theater has continued all our lives, with regular trips from Florida to NYC to see shows…until the pandemic changed that.
Our decision to move to Florida found us choosing the Sarasota area in 1983 because of all the Ringling, the Asolo, and the city had to offer! When we discovered the jewel that was The Venice Little Theatre, that was just a great surprise. We were so happy to find a theater doing such good work close to home. We enjoyed the productions so much and it became a place we always brought our visitors. Everyone loves evenings there. We became season ticket holders to Venice Little Theatre, Asolo, and Florida Studio Theater.
When Venice Theatre re-imagined its Box Office during the pandemic, we offered to support its renovation. We thought that the future of the theatre depended on the financial support of those of us living here and enjoying all the benefits we derive from being entertained all season long. The theatre is also so important to the many young and young at heart who benefit from the education services the theatre provides to the entire community.
Upon restoration of the Jervey Theatre, a walk-in customer to The Picazio Family Business Lounge will be greeted by a sales associate, who will help with seat selections and sell tickets via tablet. The revenue center of the business lounge is critical to the theatre’s mission and we are delighted that students and families will be able to choose and register for classes and donors may sponsor shows like Syncopation and support the theatre there as well. And, of course, it’s lovely that the Allan Kollar Bar, named for the theatre’s late beloved Artistic Director, is part of the lounge too. It was nice to learn that the lounge is serving as the temporary space for the Presidents Club, open an hour before any Pinkerton Theatre performance, for patrons who donate $1,000 or more per season, and featuring wine, beer, soft drinks, water, and conviviality.
Our wonderful Venice would lose part of its charm without the presence of Venice Theatre, and the education and outreach is so very important. As the theatre continues this restoration amid its anniversary celebrations, we invite the community to spark joy and join in celebrating its recovery and growth.
For more information about Venice Theatre and to stay updated on upcoming events, please visit venicetheatre.org or contact Camille Cline at camille@venicetheatre.net.