08/30/2020
He will be sorely missed! 🙏
It is with profound sadness that we share this news: Venice Theatre’s Artistic Director, Allan Kollar, died Saturday morning, after a tough, six-month fight with cancer.
Allan worked full-time for Venice Theatre for 22 years. He was integral in raising the theatre’s stature in our community, as well as nationally and internationally. He was hired by and worked closely with Producing Executive Director Murray Chase for those 22 years. Murray outlined in a letter to the theatre’s board of directors just a few projects for which Allan was both the creator and the driving force:
Modernizing and computerizing the box office
Establishing the bar as a licensed business
Establishing and growing the concert season
Establishing and growing the annual Cabaret festival
Establishing and growing the annual NYC trip
Establishing and nurturing the sister theatre/mentor program with Artists Collaborative Theatre in Kentucky.
Allan also oversaw the growth of the theatre's volunteer force, the programming for the volunteer parties, the establishment and growth of the acting intern program, and the growth and management of the production staff.
Most importantly he will be remembered for the heart and soul he brought to his work and friendships in the theatre community. Hundreds if not thousands of actors worked under his leadership as a director. He taught, he encouraged, he listened, he made people laugh, and he always put on a good show. In addition to being an accomplished director he was an award winning actor, both dramatic and comedic, who was a delight to work with and watch on stage.
Murray says, “Allan was one of the funniest, most passionate, most enthusiastic people I've ever met...and one of the most talented. He was like a brother.”
Our hearts are with Allan’s wife Kim and son Charlie during this difficult time.
