Classes

LEARNING IS A PROCESS; IT NEVER ENDS.

Such is the approach for Venice Theatre’s education programs. We offer a “no shortcuts,” high-quality theatre training program with top-notch, caring instructors. Whether you’re in kindergarten or a lifelong learner looking to brush up on your theatre history, auditioning skills, or try your hand at improv, Venice Theatre is ready to make a dramatic impact on your life. When the theatre had to close due to Covid-19, our Education & Outreach Department didn’t miss a beat. Director Sandy Davisson and her team transitioned to virtual classes, staying connected with our local students and reaching new ones as far away as Scotland. Class offerings vary from semester to semester but will always include acting classes for all ages and experience levels, musical theatre, and behind-the-scenes specialty classes for those who are interested in what goes on backstage. You can also sign up for one and two-day workshops in case a longer commitment doesn’t work for your schedule. Our most recent semester offered a total of 27 different online and in-person classes for every age group including auditioning, playwriting, directing, and more.

STUDENTS REHEARSING FOR THE SPRING CLASS SHOWCASE

MEET JULIE

JULIE KULIN, DISENCHANTED, 2019

Julie Kulin has been volunteering, taking classes and performing with Venice Theatre since she moved to Florida from Erie, Pennsylvania over five years ago. In fall 2021 she added directing to her resume as Assistant Director of Almost, Maine. When Covid-19 hit, Julie stayed involved with the theatre by taking virtual classes with us each semester - cold reading for auditions, acting, directing, performance art, playwriting. When we were ready to start in-person classes this summer, we could count on Julie to be there. We asked her what kept her coming back to virtual and in-person classes and she explained, “I really enjoy the people. It is such a positive experience for me. The teachers are very encouraging as well as the rest of the class. I feel supported and free to grow as an artist in an environment that is so welcoming. I also have made some new and wonderful friends through my Venice Theatre classes. I am so thankful for them.” Julie’s favorite hobby is performing. You’ve seen her on our Pinkerton Stage in Blood Brothers and Disenchanted. Her turns as Pocahontas and Princess Badroulbadour were stand-outs. One of the biggest challenges for her due to the Covid pandemic was losing the chance to perform. Julie says, “But because of the innovation of the education department here at Venice, the zoom classes helped to keep me going during a hard time of isolation and loneliness. These classes kept me going during such an uncertain time, and gave me goals to work on as an artist as well as giving me something to look forward to every week.”

Check out the latest schedule of in-person and virtual classes and register at VeniceTheatre.org/education or call 941.486.8679