Venice Theatre — Attraction in Venice

We just left the Venice Theatre because their masking policy has changed to "highly recommended" only! This, in the midst of a pandemic with two surging variants, including Omicron proving to be seven (7) times more transmissible than any previous variant!

We had tickets to "A Christmas Carol" and approximately half of the patrons wore NO masks, including many, many children! We literally felt as though our health was being threatened. If is highly unfair for any organization to change safety protocols AFTER tickets are purchased AND NOT offer a refund to those who already paid for their tickets; they changed their policy from requiring the wearing of masks to making it an option. When we purchased our tickets, the confirmation email clearly stated, "Due to the number of unvaccinated performers, mask-wearing is required by all patrons while in the auditorium, before and during the performance." That policy is the ONLY reason we purchased our tickets.

We would not spend another dollar at the Venice Theatre; there is no excuse for unprofessional procedures and poor management by threatening the health and safety of...

I don't know who redesigned this theater but come on. I'm not an especially big person and the seats are so tight and uncomfortable that I will really have to think twice about coming back. We've seen countless shows here and enjoyed most of them. Urinetown hasn't even started and my neck and back hurt. Forget about leg room. You're not supposed to be crammed into little seats at the theater. If you have to, charge an extra $5.00 and get rid of some these seats so people can spread out and enjoy the show. HORRIBLE! *You'll notice I've upgraded my review to four stars. The manager of the theater is a wonderful lady who assured me the theater was not re-done, so maybe the seats we were in are tighter than the rows where we usually sit. My point being, when I explained the problem I was having with the seats, the manager had no problem with us moving to the empty handicapped seating. She knows about providing excellent customer service. And the play we saw, Urinetown...

The absolute unrivaled premier theatre in the Suncoast Region (and beyond!) From the production quality to the passion of the staff and volunteers that radiates on the stage every single production. Venice Theatre is a very special place with so much to offer, from large-scale mainstage musicals, to hard-hitting dramas, to youth programming providing our youth with exceptional role models and an amazing platform where they express themselves and learn valuable life skills through stage skills, to their community involvement and outreach, even hosting this year’s acclaimed AACT World Fest. There is a reason everyone wants to be a part of this magical place. Don’t miss the opportunity to check out some of their offerings, it’s an understatement to say they have something...