Over 1,500 tickets sold for Loveland Center student performances

Students from the Loveland Center (LovelandCenter.org), a nonprofit that provides educational programs and vocational training for individuals with developmental disabilities, performed the original musical, The Unbroken Circle - A Tribute to the Grand Ole Opry, with over 1,500 tickets sold.

Last week, attendees were treated to a two-hour show filled with performances portrayed by country stars like Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley and Taylor Swift as well as Grand Ole Opry pioneers like Hank Williams, Dolly Parton, Minnie Pearl and Patsy Cline through songs, skits, line dances, comedic performances and more.

Under the direction of Venice Theatre’s Rebecca Holahan, the nonprofit and the community theatre partnered together for the 21st performance of the Loveland Follies. The full-scale performances took place at Venice Theatre’s MainStage on Thursday, June 2 through Sunday, June 5, which was seen by a sold-out crowd.

Approximately 30 Loveland Center students participated in the theatre arts partnership with Venice Theatre, 10 participants with disabilities from the community and 30 volunteers contributed to the production.

“We are so thankful for our partnership with the Venice Theatre,” said Daniela Koci, president of the Loveland Center. “For 21 years, we have collaborated, and under the direction of their professional staff and with the help of community volunteers, our students have experienced this tremendous opportunity to grow and learn through theatre study.”

Together, Loveland Center and Venice Theatre provide adults with developmental disabilities the chance to meet, train and rehearse, culminating in an annual full-scale production on Venice Theatre’s MainStage.

About Loveland Center

Established in 1962, the Loveland Center strives to help adults with developmental disabilities live their lives to the fullest. The nonprofit was founded by a group of parents who sought to provide a productive and safe place for adults with developmental disabilities. Loveland Center provides educational programs and vocational training for individuals with developmental disabilities. For more information, visit www.LovelandCenter.org or call 941.493.0016.

About Venice Theatre

Venice Theatre’s mission is making a dramatic impact on all stages of life. The second largest out of 10,000 community theatres in the United States, its MainStage offers seating for 432 patrons and features musicals, plays, concerts and special events. Its Yvonne Pinkerton Theatre seats 90 patrons and is home to the theatre’s “Generations”, Stage II and Cabaret Series. In addition to providing entertainment to the community, Venice Theatre has a wide range of education and outreach programs for children and adults. For more information, visit www.VeniceStage.com or call 941.488.1115.