4 minute read
Remembering Allan Kollar
REMEMBERING
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“Allan Kollar was one of the funniest, most passionate, most enthusiastic people I’ve ever met...and one of the most talented. He was like a brother.” ~ Venice Theatre Producing Executive Director, Murray Chase “The Georgia-born actor and director always had a distinct Southern charm combined with a sense of rebelliousness and mischievousness. … When he was directing, you could count on experiencing a sense of adventure. And when he was on stage … you always knew that he was going to take good care of whatever character he played.” ~ Jay Handelman, The Herald-Tribune
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On Aug. 29, 2020 the Venice Theatre family suffered a huge loss. Our Artistic Director Allan Kollar battled cancer for six months before dying at the age of only 56. Because he was ill during the time of Covid, not many of us were able to spend time with him in his last months except for participating in a few drive-by parades past his house where he came out on the front lawn and - true-toform - entertained us. Allan missed the chance to see the theatre re-open after the pandemic; and now that we are producing again, things aren’t the same without his strong, quick-witted, passionate and compassionate presence. We’ll have no more curtain speeches that begin with “Hi, I’m Allan. Everybody say Hi Allan!” and end with, “In case of an emergency, proceed calmly to the nearest exit and I’ll meet you at Bogeys.” Hired by Producing Executive Director Murray Chase, Allan worked full-time at Venice Theatre for 22 years. He was integral in raising the theatre’s stature in our community, as well as nationally and internationally. Allan was the creator and driving force behind many innovative projects including: • Modernizing and computerizing the box office • Establishing the bar as a licensed business • Establishing and growing the concert season • Establishing and growing the annual cabaret festival • Establishing and growing the annual NYC trip • Establishing and nurturing the sister theatre/mentor program with Artists Collaborative Theatre in Kentucky. Using his exceptional ability to work well with all types of people, Allan oversaw the growth of the theatre’s volunteer force, the programming for the volunteer parties, the establishment and growth of the acting intern program, and the growth and management of the production staff. He is remembered for the heart and soul he brought to his work. He is remembered by the friendships he cultivated in the theatre community. He is remembered by hundreds of actors who worked under his mentorship. He taught, he encouraged, he listened, he made us laugh, and he always put on a good show. In addition to being an accomplished director he was an award winning actor, both dramatic and comedic, who was a delight to work with and watch on stage. About acting with Allan, Murray says, “He had the fastest mind I ever knew. You could throw any curveball at him and he would handle it with ease. But you never knew what he would throw back at you.”
MURRAY CHASE AND ALLAN KOLLAR IN GREATER TUNA, 2006
On July 27, 2021 - what would have been his 57th birthday - over 200 people gathered in the Jervey Theatre to celebrate Allan’s extraordinary life. Even more joined us online. Allan’s wife Kim graciously welcomed everyone to the theatre, cried a little, and laughed a lot more as she told a hilarious story or two. Allan’s brother, Eric, Reverend Evan Farrar, and Murray Chase shared remembrances. Video greetings were shown from George Grove of the Folk Legacy Trio and Stephanie Richards’ team from the Artists Collaborative Theatre in KY where Allan spent many summers as a mentor. A group of singers shared a beautiful rendition of “Walk with Me” from The Full Monty, one of Allan’s favorite musicals. The celebration closed with Kristofer Geddie and Brad Wages leading the crowd in a rousing rendition of the “Time Warp” from another favorite musical - The Rocky Horror Show. A reception followed at Sharky’s On the Pier with food generously donated by owner and friend of the theatre, Mike Pachota. Dozens of friends, colleagues and family members reminisced in the perfect Florida weather until after the sun went down over the Gulf. It was hard to say goodbye.
