Venice Theatre – Leading Community Theater with Diverse Program in Venice

The original venue opened in the former Kentucky Military Institute building in 1950. A new facility opened in 1973, followed by a major expansion in 1999 adding balconies, classrooms, and tech facilities. Today, it houses two stages: the 432-seat MainStage (Jervey Theatre) and the 90-seat Pinkerton Theatre, both equipped with professional-grade infrastructure.

Programming & Community

• Annual Season: 10–12 shows including Broadway hits like “The Addams Family” and “The Sound of Music”, dramas, comedies, and family productions.
• International Festival: The biennial aactWORLDFEST hosts global theater troupes.
• Education & Outreach: Classes and camps, school shows, teen improv, Silver Foxes senior troupe, and technical apprenticeships.

Highlights & Facilities

• Scale: Third-largest community theater in the U.S. by audience reach.
• Apprenticeship Program: Technical training for youth and aspiring professionals since the late 1990s.
• Recovery: The MainStage was damaged by Hurricane Ian in 2022; performances now held at Raymond Center and Pinkerton Theatre.
• Infrastructure: Two theaters, classrooms, costume and prop shops, lounges, and lobby concessions.