Dr. William H. Jervey, Jr., Offers $1,000,000 Match To Venice Theatre’s Next Act Capital Campaign

Dr. William H. Jervey, Jr., has pledged one million dollars to match community support of Venice Theatre’s Next Act Capital Campaign. The local philanthropist learned of the theatre’s urgent need for space and offered to help the theatre launch its silent phase in August. Venice Theatre purchased its new Arts Education Building (formerly the Hamilton Building) on Friday, Nov. 15, for $1,060,000, enabling it to expand classroom and rehearsal spaces and enhance its educational programs for all ages. The expansion is necessary in order to support the theatre’s mission to make a dramatic impact on all stages of life.   
 
The second-largest community theatre in the nation and celebrating its 70th season, Venice Theatre is the heart of the arts in Sarasota County. The Next Act Capital Campaign is its $2.5M campaign for the expansion and improvement of Venice Theatre’s production and education campus.  

Venice Theatre’s Executive Producing Director Murray Chase says, “New classroom and rehearsal spaces will give our community more chances to explore the power of the arts. By assisting with the purchase of the Arts Education Building and encouraging his fellow Venetians to play their part through naming a studio, stage, or even the Arts Education Building, Dr. Jervey’s gift helps students expand their horizons.”
 
Jervey adds, “As a lover of theatre and all things Venice, I am enormously impressed by the quality of the productions and community support of Venice Theatre. It disturbs me, however, to hear that the Venice Theatre is the ‘second largest community theatre in the United States.’  I say, why not be
Number One?!  Hopefully, the Next Act Capital Campaign will be the first step toward reaching that goal.”
 
In addition to Dr. Jervey’s gift, lead donors have pledged generous gifts to The Next Act, but there are still many naming opportunities available. They range from $25,000 to $1,000,000. “If you support education, the arts, or this theatre, The Next Act offers a space to name in honor of those who have inspired you,” shared Camille Cline, who is running the campaign.

Chase says the theatre is currently receiving proposals from architectural firms for the currently named Arts Education Building and a master plan for the entire three-building campus. Improvements are expected to begin by Fall 2020. Venice Theatre asks the community to help students expand their horizons and to connect to Venice Theatre by playing its part today. Gifts are tax-deductible and donors may visit VeniceTheatre.org/NextAct to make their commitments. Questions about the campaign may be directed to Camille Cline, Deputy Director of Development, at 941-539-8872 or camille@venicetheatre.net