Van Wezel Reaches Out With Its Total Access Program

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall launch of its new Total Access community outreach program on Tuesday evening and was a huge success!

The family orientation began with dinner on the bay in the Grand Foyer of the Van Wezel. Guests were welcomed by Loreda Williams, General Manager/Box Office Manager of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. An explanation of the program was conducted by Karen Dove, founder of the program and the grant, and a backstage tour from Robert Warren, Director of Education and Community Engagement.

The program is designed to introduce working families to theatre. Family members must make a 1 year commitment and apply for the program through one of the sponsoring organizations. Karen Dove, Resource Development Officer of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, sums up the program: "The Family commitment requires them to volunteer once at the Van Wezel and once with their sponsoring organization, to attend a minimum of 4 performances as a family, complete a series of surveys throughout the program and attend the Orientation meeting and backstage tour. Families are provided with dinner and show tickets, and a voucher is provided for transportation, if needed."

The project is funded through a local grant of $15,000 from the Cordelia Lee Beattie Foundation and funding from the Rotary Club of Sarasota Bay. Additional funding is being sought to expand the program. At present there are 8 participating families. Supporting community partners include Bealls Department Stores, Michaels on East, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County, Trinity Youth and Family Outreach and the Dream Teens program.

For further information regarding the program please contact Karen Dove or Robert Warren at (941) 955-7676.