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Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County and Venice Theatre are partnering to bring theatre arts education to Robert and Joan Lee Boys & Girls Club members in Venice. The program, called TheatreMatters!, is in its sixth consecutive year. Sixteen members between the ages of 9 and 14 from the Robert and Joan Lee Boys & Girls Club, located at 920 Gulfcoast Boulevard in Venice, will participate in TheatreMatters! this year, in their annual show at VT’s Pinkerton Theatre on April 7, 2018. The performance will feature both the “Leading Players” and beginning classes. The “Leading Players” is the intermediate class for which members must audition. It meets three times per week at Venice Theatre, offering instruction in technical theatre, acting, and musical theatre. The beginning class meets on Thursdays at the Robert and Joan Lee Boys & Girls Club. For more information about the program or performance, contact Michael Stevens, Robert and Joan Lee Boys & Girls Club Director, at 941-485-7050. The TheatreMatters! program is designed to develop students’ individual talents and skills, as well as teach them to work together as a team, increase their problem-solving skills, and improve their presentation and communication skills. Participants learn about performing as well as other aspects of theatre such as lighting, marketing, sets, sound and costumes. This year's musical theatre instructors are Rebecca Holahan and Chris Bott. Kelly Duyn, Venice Theatre’s Assistant Director of Education and Outreach, is teaching acting and technical theatre. TheatreMatters! intern Drew Wolfe is directing this year’s “Leading Player’s” class with mentoring from Kelly Duyn. Their production, A Tribute to the Sixties, involves songs and dances from that time period featuring “Age of Aquarius” as the big finale. The cast includes Makayla Canturk, Addison Scurek, Isabella Whitby, Chloe Lee, and Vance Hartsook. The beginning class production, The Imaginary Friend Support Group, follows a group of imaginary friends discussing their creators and how they don't always get the respect they deserve. The beginning class includes Angelina Sacino, Kenneth Gardner, Aryanna Rose, Gwen Scurek, Christian O’Rourke, Kately Ware, Madalyn Whitby, Stella Sundin, Reagan Martin, Kaydence Van Pelt and Elizza Cook. Last year, the program added a leadership component that celebrates students who have displayed excellence in all aspects of the program. The chosen students have worked as interns for both Venice Theatre classes and TheatreMatters! classes. The interns are active participants, assisting the teachers and staff, as well as acting as role models for the other students. “Our partnership with Venice Theatre exposes children to the theatre arts while improving interpersonal skills including self-confidence and public speaking,” says Bill Sadlo, President/CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County. “If it wasn’t for Venice Theatre, many of these children might not have an opportunity to participate in a theatre program.” Recent studies suggest that children who participate in the arts are more likely to be recognized for academic achievement, participate in math and science fairs, and win awards for writing. Arts education also plays an integral role in enhancing children’s developmental skills including motor skills, language development, decision-making skills, visual learning, creativity, cultural awareness, and overall academic performance. For more information about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County or the Theatre Matters program, visit www.bgcsarasota.com or call 941-366-3911. ABOUT THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SARASOTA COUNTY The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County have played an integral role in the Sarasota County community for more than 48 years, providing daily programs and services to thousands of young people. The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The vision is to provide a world-class Club experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who walks through our doors, with all members on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship, and living a healthy lifestyle. ABOUT VENICE THEATRE Venice Theatre is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to making a dramatic impact on all stages of life. The second-largest of 10,000 community theatres in the United States, it is located at 140 W. Tampa Ave. in Venice, FL. Its MainStage offers seating for 432 patrons and features musicals, plays, concerts and special events. Its Yvonne Pinkerton Theatre seats 90 patrons and is home to the theatre's Stage II Series and Cabaret Festival. In addition to providing entertainment to the community, Venice Theatre offers a wide range of education and outreach programs for children and adults.