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Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County and Venice Theatre are partners bringing theatre arts education to Robert and Joan Lee Boys & Girls Club members in Venice. The program, called TheatreMatters!, is in its sixth consecutive year. Over 20 members between the ages of 9 and 14 from the Robert and Joan Lee Boys & Girls Club, located at 920 Gulf Coast Boulevard in Venice, are participating this year. With the new year, the Robert and Joan Lee Boys & Girls Club and Venice Theatre began a new phase of the partnership. The changes implemented serve the identified need to provide more flexibility and opportunities for students, as well as, preserve the sequenced learning needed for performing arts. The TheatreMatters! program is designed to develop students’ individual talents and skills, as well as teach them to work together as a team, build more self-confidence, use their creative voices and develop better communication dynamics. 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. Both the Robert and Joan Lee Boys & Girls Club and Venice Theatre are committed to providing opportunities to students who may not have access to experience theatre arts education elsewhere. Bill Sadlo, President/CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County, said, “The partnership with Venice Theatre exposes children to performance art while improving interpersonal skills, including their self-confidence and public speaking ability. We are thrilled to partner with the Venice Theatre and bring arts education to the youth we serve.” Murray Chase Venice Theatre’s Producing Executive Director, states “This partnership builds youth leaders through the arts, preparing them for the days of the tough decisions. It helps them build the confidence to say ‘yes’ to the right things and ‘no’ to the others.” The program will also encourage children to develop their imagination and creativity skills and learn about 21st century careers in the arts industry. For more information about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County or the Theatre Matters program, visit www.bgcsarasota.com or contact Michael Stevens, Robert and Joan Lee Boys & Girls Club Director, at 941-485-7050. 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. For more information, visit bgcsarasota.com. ABOUT VENICE THEATRE Venice Theatre is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to making a dramatic impact on all stages of life. Now 68 years old, 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.