Pictured: VT's youngest students strike a pose before their summer camp showcase. Provided photo.

What are people saying about their children's experiences at Venice Theatre? Donna Cox and Catherine Lebouteiller recently wrote this note of appreciation to the theatre staff, "A big thank you for putting together a fun-centered, action-packed, theater camp full of new learning experiences for our kiddos! Our children (and grandchildren) are coming home every day bubbling over with enthusiasm and chatter about the songs, dance, or acting they've done. Last night, they sang for us, and then did an impromptu 'park bench' improv, using our piano bench! It is clear that you have provided them with a rich introduction to theater. We have two very, very happy children who get to breathe, relax and explore new areas of interest with your able guidance." For students of all ages looking for new learning experiences, Venice Theatre will hold an Education Open House on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the theatre's main lobby located at 140 Tampa Ave. W. in downtown Venice. The Education and Community Engagement Department and teaching team will explain the different class offerings, share information about scholarships, and assist families with registration. However, students do not have to wait for the open house to sign up for fall classes. Registration is already open at VeniceTheatre.org/education. Those interested in auditioning for shows are encouraged to register now for the Musical Theatre Audition Workshops led by Director, Choreographer, and Lead Instructor Brad Wages on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. More details are available on the website or by calling 941-484-4033. Many more classes are available for children, teens and adults. They typically run four to eight weeks. For those unable to commit to a whole semester, there are a variety of one or two-day workshops as well as a series of drop-in improv comedy classes with St. Pete-based improv pro, Spencer Cross. In addition to Wages and Cross, instructors include Director of Education and Community Engagement Sandy Davisson, Assistant Director of Education and Community Engagement Kelly Duyn, Arts Integration Specialist and Home School Program Director Tarah Hart, Artistic Director Benny Sato Ambush, Technical Director John Andzulis, Preston Boyd, Rebecca Holahan, Scott Keys, and Vanessa Russo. New students are welcomed to explore beginning, intermediate, advanced, and specialty classes at the downtown Venice campus and in Downtown Wellen Park at Solis Hall located at 19745 Wellen Pk Blvd, Venice, FL 34293. Again, registration and more information is available by phone at 941-486-8679 and online at VeniceTheatre.org/education.

Pictured: VT's youngest students strike a pose before their summer camp showcase. Provided photo.