Around Town | Kristofer Geddie

By Tom Reese | Photos by Nancy Guth | December 2024

For this suave and cool man, the arts are part of his DNA.  He lives to celebrate and honor creative expression and delights in bringing audiences performances of the highest quality. He oversees one our most beloved community theaters and in doing so, Kristofer Geddie hopes you will celebrate and enjoy all aspects of its many offerings and feel the love, passion and joy he and his team put into everything they do.

Last year, you were named Executive Director of Venice Theatre after spending nearly 15 years with the company. What did that promotion mean to you at the time, and how have things changed for you this past year?

Then as now, I am honored to have the privilege of working at Venice Theatre. It has been an essential part of Venice for 75 years and to be a part of its incredible legacy has been a dream come true. When I came to Venice over a decade ago, I had plans to do graduate work in arts administration, but never thought I would do that while in Venice. Being able to pursue my master’s degree while still working full time is something I never could have accomplished without the support of then Executive Director, Murray Chase, the board of directors, the staff, and the community of Venice. A pandemic and Hurricane Ian had major effects and caused some bumps in the road, but the resilience and support of this community drives me forward through these changes. (Note: In 2022, Hurricane Ian destroyed the roof and flooded the space of Venice Theatre resulting in a multi-million-dollar project). 

Before becoming Executive Director, you served as Director of Diversity. As a person of color in a prominent leadership role at the second largest community theater in the nation, what does that mean to you, the industry, and your community?

I truly stand on the shoulders of giants. I grew up in the same farming community where my great grandfather was born a slave. Even then, the arts were a part of my family. My parents made a home on that farmland and shared the arts with my sisters and me. I have never known a time in my life without theater—it was essential to my wellbeing, and still is, BUT as a child, I rarely saw people who looked like me on stage. I wanted to see that change and understand the “why” of it all. Being able to step into an administrative role in theater gives me the chance to shine a light on all stories and to include everybody in our national storytelling. The significance of my position is not lost on me, and I humbly carry it with me daily. Being one of the few people of color in local arts administration means there is hope for others who look like me—it says it’s possible.

Before joining Venice Theatre as a performer in 2010, you were a company manager and principal singer for Jean Ann Ryan Productions on the Norwegian Cruise Line. What was it like being out on the waters as an artist?

Sailing around the world was a dream come true. I got to perform and travel as a job; it’s still mind boggling. Learning to work and live with folks from around the globe, with so many different cultures is a reward that benefits me daily. Working on a floating city mirrors so many environments and has allowed me to remain calm in most any situation. I’m very fortunate to have so many connections around the world and I wouldn’t change it at all!

You have extensive experience in the industry and have credits that include Ragtime, Twelfth Night, Race, Intimate Apparel, and Falsettos, among others. Do you have a favorite performance or role from your time on stage?

Ragtime brought me to Venice, so it will always remain close to my heart. The message and story are timeless. Jesus Christ Superstar is my favorite musical and I’ve done it so many times, it’s like a favorite sweater. Judas, who I’ve played most often, is a complex character and misunderstood in my eyes, so the joy in finding the connection with an audience is my favorite type of thrill.

Before getting promoted to your current role, you worked alongside the previous Executive Director, Murray Chase. What have you learned from him over the years?

Murray is still a major part of Venice Theatre. He is, of course, a great mentor for me.  One of the biggest things I’ve learned from him is to take things one step at a time and take the time needed for a thoughtful answer. I watched Murray lead the organization since my arrival in 2010 and watched the theater grow under his leadership. 

Thankfully Hurricanes Helene and Milton did not damage Venice Theatre. How did you prepare this year, and what does the timeline look like for the reconstruction of your main stage after the damage caused by Hurricane Ian two years ago?

As of now we’re happily looking in the rearview mirror of the 2024 hurricane season, which means we can get back to work on the restoration of the theater. Funds are still being raised and we’re looking forward to completion. We don’t have a guaranteed date yet, but we’re looking at some time in our 76th season to finish this $25 million project. We are happily accepting funds and have raised about 40% of what is needed.

When you are not busy working at Venice Theatre, what do you like to do with your free time, and what are your favorite parts about living in the Sarasota region? 

In my “free time,” I love to cook, color in coloring books, and explore the cuisine of our cultural coast. I wish there was more time for pleasure travel or to visit the area theme parks. I love roller coasters and get to them when I can. I stayed here because of the sun, the beaches, and the tranquility. I must remind myself to slow down and take it all in.

Venice Theatre offers an array of shows including musicals, drama, comedy, variety and concerts. It offers classes, apprenticeships, and scholarships, and through several inspirational programs, and engages with the community on a powerful level.  

For information on Venice Theatre’s season and programs, please visit venicetheatre.org.To purchase show tickets, please call 941.488.1115. Venice Theatre is located at 140 Tampa Ave. West.