was severely damaged by Hurricane Ian on September 28, 2022. The storm’s high winds and rain caused catastrophic structural failure, including the total collapse of the back wall and the 30-year-old fly tower of its main stage, the Jervey Theatre.
As of January 2026, the theater is still in need of raising around $5 million more of the $25 million needed for the restoration and expansion project.
The Venice Theatre, one of the nation’s largest community theatres, announced a $1,000,000 match challenge with retired business leader Dr. William Gill and former educator Sara Gill, to support the rebuild of its Jervey Theatre. This $1,000,000 challenge to our community will advance the $25M Next Act Capital Campaign and will launch this beloved community theatre into a brighter future with the matching support from everyone through May 2026. The Gills’ match is facilitating the naming of the Orchestra Room in the Jervey Theatre in the main Venice Theatre Building at 140 Tampa Ave. W. in beautiful, historic downtown Venice, when it reopens in its 77th Season, after being devastated three years ago by Hurricane Ian.
“We decided to give this gift because I love seeing and hearing good performances and enjoying them immensely,” shared Bill Gill.“We’re both involved in music and theatre,” said Sara Gill. “We’ve been here since 1988 and our son went to Venice High School, where he graduated in 1992. I volunteered teaching students with Special Needs at Venice High School as well. We have enjoyed decades of exceptional arts programs in this community, and the theatre has been a significant part of that.”
“I am so excited on so many levels. This gift enables us to do everything we need to do in that Orchestra Room the right way,” said Venice Theatre Resident Music Director Michelle Kasanofsky. “I am looking forward to reaching out to all my former students, friends, and band directors who want to give the students this news to participate with and support us.”
Kristofer Geddie, Executive Director, with Dr. William Gill and Sara Gill.
“To know that we have that financial support, after having to produce shows in this guerrilla-like way through the pandemic and after Hurricane Ian, gives us a huge opportunity and brings a sigh of relief,” shared Resident Sound Designer Nate Blaweiss. “I’m excited to have some influence over how that system is set up and that we won’t be walking into a big empty room. We can have some prep time.”
“This gift means the world to me. Since 1973, this theatre has been retrofitted or in some kind of renovation. This is the first time we have a space being designed and built to do its particular job,” said Executive Director Kristofer Geddie. “And it’s thrilling to know that the sound team will have the opportunity to plan for the next 20 to 30 years and know that our audiences will hear completely curated and designed sound. And to know the Gills’ name will be on our new Orchestra Room means a lot to me.”
The Gills’ matching challenge, among other recent funding, brings the campaign goal to below the $5M needed to open the Jervey Theatre in the 77th Season. To join Bill and Sara in helping to Save Venice Theatre, donors may contact Camille Cline at Camille@venicetheatre.net or 941-539-8872.
Kristofer Geddie, Executive Director, with Dr. William Gill and Sara Gill.
