GIVING
Taking Center Stage Ken & Lynn Fromer Story & Photo by Jake Hartvigsen Blame it on the weather. At least that is what Ken and Lynn Fromer say that is what first introduced them to Venice Theatre. Twelve years, a dozen performances for Ken and a successful youth scholarship program later, and Venice Theatre couldn’t be happier.
firsthand, Ken and Lynn avidly support a scholarship program for Venice Theatre’s Youth Summer Camps started in 2005. Each year, the camps attract dozens of area youngsters who attend classes and take part in productions. Many are supported by scholarships from the Fromers.
“It was 2001, and we had just purchased a house in Venice. Lynn went back to New Jersey to pick up her mom, and she left me here alone,” recalls Ken. “This tropical depression hit, and I couldn’t golf, couldn’t go out in my boat, couldn’t do anything. So I opened up the newspaper and saw an ad for Venice Theatre saying they were looking for a few good men. I figured it was a social club, but it turned out to be an audition for the play A Few Good Men. I ended up being cast as the sergeantat-arms, and that’s how it all began.”
According to Ken and Lynn, what makes the scholarship program and the youth summer camps special is the way in which they transform the children involved. “I’ve been an athlete my entire life,” says Ken, “and sports is a great thing. But there are a lot of negative aspects to sports. Theater is just the opposite. It’s all about the positive, and I’ve literally seen these kids bloom as they gain poise, composure, and self-confidence.”
Once bitten by the theater bug, Ken admits that it has been a hard itch to stop. Over the past decade, he has performed in twelve plays at Venice Theatre, starred in eight television commercials and even landed a principal part in an independent film. All of it has come as a surprise to Lynn. She says she never dreamed that her husband, who has spent his professional career in manufacturing and real estate development, would become an actor.
In addition to the youth camps, Ken and Lynn point to Venice Theatre’s community outreach programs as another key reason for their support. Such programs include Troupe in a Trunk, where performers visit area schools, and the Loveland Follies. Now entering its 19th season, the Follies are a partnership between the theatre and the Loveland Center, which provides assistance to adults with developmental disabilities. Each spring, actors from Venice Theatre work with adults from the center to produce a song and dance extravaganza that is open to the community. The shows almost always sell out.
“I was totally astounded when Ken told me what he had done,” she says with a laugh. “I thought, ‘Where did this come from?’ Now, our whole house is covered with playbills, and we can’t walk down the street without seeing posters for upcoming performances.”
“Venice Theatre is so much more than a place that puts on productions. It services the community,” says the couple. “We encourage everyone to come out and see a show. You will be amazed at the quality. But after that, get involved. There are so many ways you can help.”
But the couple’s involvement with Venice Theatre goes far beyond Ken’s time on stage and their support as season ticket holders and volunteers. Struck by what they have experienced
To learn how you can help support Venice Theatre or to purchase tickets to an upcoming show, visit their website at venicestage.com or call (941) 488-1115.
scenesarasota.com
December 2013
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