Hurricane Ian

October 13, 2022

Hurricane Ian had a devastating impact on several member theaters and colleagues in Florida. Many of them have reached out to provide updates on the condition of their theatres and how we as a community can help.

Below are stories and updates received from members and colleagues along the coast. If you have first-hand knowledge of any AACT individuals or theatres affected by Ian, please send information to [email protected], subject: Ian’s Impact.

Venice Theatre in Venice, Florida, lost their entire mainstage, and must undergo a substantial rebuild to get back on their feet. Venice Theatre is also the location and partner for aactWORLDFEST. For more information on how you can help and donate, visit: venicetheatre.org/donate

The Players Centre, in Sarasota, Florida, suffered damage to their costume shop, losing many pieces. They delayed the opening of their show Little Shop of Horrors, but were able to continue with the show, running October 12 - 16. To learn more about the damage and how you can help, visit theplayers.org/hurricane-ian/  A donation button is located at the top of the page.

Executive Director Mark Fleming from The Cultural Park Theatre, in Cape Coral, Florida, said that while their space received little to no damage, they want to extend the offer of their space to anyone who wasn’t so lucky and would like to mount a production or event that would fit into his theatre’s current schedule. Please email Mark at [email protected] and visit their website at culturalparktheater.com/

Terry Powell from Theatre World Backdrops in Oldster, Florida, expressed gratitude for very little damage to their space and shared their deepest sympathies to those who did suffer damage.

Quiana Clark-Roland
AACT Executive Director