Venice Theatre Raises Over $20 Million to Restore Hurricane-Damaged Jervey Theatre

The community theater aims to reopen the main stage for its 77th season in 2026.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Venice Theatre has already raised over 80% of its $25 million goal to restore the hurricane-damaged Jervey Theatre main stage. The theater is targeting a 2026 reopening for the 77th season, with a focus on roof work and interior finishing. Even during the construction, performances have continued in other spaces on the Venice Theatre campus.

Why it matters

As Florida's largest community theater, the restoration of the Jervey Theatre main stage is crucial for Venice Theatre to continue serving the local community with live performances. The theater's resilience in the face of hurricane damage demonstrates the importance of the arts and culture sector in the region.

The details

After the 2022 hurricane, Venice Theatre launched its 'Next Act' campaign to raise $25 million to bring the Jervey Theatre main stage back to life. The theater has already raised over $20 million, leaving about $5 million left to go. Key milestones include hitting the 'topping out' ceremony in October 2025, where the last steel beam was installed. Even with the ongoing construction, Venice Theatre has continued performances in its black-box theater and other spaces around the campus.

  • The 'Next Act' campaign was launched after the 2022 hurricane damage.
  • In October 2025, Venice Theatre hit the 'topping out' milestone, with the last steel beam installed.
  • Venice Theatre is targeting the 2026 season, its 77th, for the Jervey Theatre main stage to reopen.

The players

Venice Theatre

Florida's largest community theater, known for its resilience in the face of hurricane damage and commitment to serving the local community with live performances.

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What’s next

The theater is working to complete the remaining $5 million in fundraising for the 'Next Act' campaign by May 2026, with a goal of reopening the Jervey Theatre main stage for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The restoration of the Jervey Theatre main stage at Venice Theatre demonstrates the importance of community arts organizations and their ability to bounce back from natural disasters. The theater's perseverance in continuing performances and fundraising efforts during the construction process is a testament to its dedication to the local community.