Venice Theatre

Sandy Davisson

Sandy is Venice Theatre’s Director of Education and Outreach. She received an MFA in Theatre History and Criticism from State University of New York and an MFA in Directing at FAU. Although she has taught pre-K through adult, she has enjoyed the grade 2 through 5 students the past couple of years. She finds great joy in watching the students grow in confidence and communication as they move through the classes at VT.

Candace Artim

Candace is the Assistant Director of Venice Theatre’s Education and Outreach Department. She is administrator for all of the theatre classes and teaches students in grades 6-8, teens and adults. She holds a B.A. in theatre from the University of South Florida. Candace began teaching acting in 2001 at Booker High’s Center for the Performing Arts. Her expertise lies within bringing the character to life through the actor. Candace’s favorite quote as it pertains to acting is: “find the character in yourself and find yourself in the character.”

Brad Wages

An award-winning actor, director and choreographer, Brad's work has been seen across the United States and Canada. Brad served as assistant director to Broadway directors Fran Soeder and Joe Layton. He has been seen in a number of national theatre tours and national commercials including Valvoline Oil, Coca-Cola and Hershey's. He has had the honor of performing for various United States Presidents as well as England's Royal Family. Although his professional career has taken him many places, he is thrilled to call Venice Theatre “home” and to have the privilege of guiding the next generation of young actors to the stage.

Ron Myroup

Staff teacher Ron Myroup is a former professional child actor. This gives him a unique advantage in teaching your children. As Venice Theatre’s playwright-in-residence, Ron writes short skits and plays for our showcases tailored to your child’s needs. He holds degrees in Communication, Literature and World History. He has directed The Hobbit and The Outsiders, and also wrote and directed The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and The Flying Dutchman.

Gladys Varga

Gladys is a master story teller. She graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a BA in English Literature and Library Science. In 1995, Gladys’ passion and profession for story telling expanded to include creative drama and teaching programs. She has been a teaching artist for Arts Councils in Hillsborough, Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte counties, as well as for the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs.

Becky Holahan

Becky is tickled to be back teaching a creative drama class. She is the director of the Loveland Follies, an actor and choreographer. She loves being involved with the Education Department.

Murray Chase

Award-winning director and actor, Murray’s experience includes directing, acting, and designing in community, academic, and professional theatre since 1975. He holds a B.F.A. from the University of Mississippi and an M.F.A. from University of Louisville.

Jason Brenner - Music Instructor

Jason attended Berklee and The Boston Conservatory. A public schoolteacher for eight years in his early 20s, he learned the importance of arts education. As a music director for more than 20 years, he has directed 150 different productions. Jason is also a private voice and piano teacher, and teaches lessons at Venice Theatre.

Amy Blake

A tap dancer with the Silver Foxes, Amy has been a fixture at VeniceTheatre for many years. She has been involved with Troupe in theTrunk for several years to bring the experience of live theatre to pre-school and elementary students. She has been an assistant instructor for several classes.

Duwain Hunt

Originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan, Duwain has a strong background in theatre management at some of the largest arts organizations in the country. Duwain is also a teacher, with a steadfast commitment to arts education. He was awarded the American Alliance for Theatre and Education's special recognition award for his work in developing the new Comstock Community Auditorium and bringing theatre professionals and secondary students together in the teaching and learning of the theatre arts through the Theatre Technology Apprenticeship Program (TTAP) which he founded in 1992. The TTAP was designated a national model by the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training in 1995.