Celebrating Achievement, Service, and a Lasting Legacy
On May 21, 2026, the Venice Institute for Performing Arts (VIPA) gathered for a truly special afternoon—one dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of our student apprentices, recognizing the unwavering commitment of our volunteers, and honoring an extraordinary leader whose vision continues to shape lives throughout our community.
At the heart of the evening was a tribute to Bonnie B. Hartley, Ph.D., a founder of VIPA and the visionary force behind the creation of the VIPA High School Apprenticeship Program. From the very beginning, Bonnie believed in the transformative power of the performing arts—not only as a means of artistic expression, but as a pathway for personal growth, leadership, and lifelong success.
Her vision extended far beyond the stage. Bonnie understood that students could gain invaluable life skills through hands-on experiences in theater production, technical operations, customer service, and event management. Thanks to her leadership, scores of students have developed critical skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, communication, adaptability, time management, and leadership—skills that continue to serve them long after they leave the theater.
Although Bonnie was unable to attend the celebration due to travel commitments, her impact was evident throughout the afternoon. Every production, every student success story, and every opportunity created through VIPA reflects her dedication and belief in young people.
To honor her remarkable legacy, VIPA proudly announced the creation of the Bonnie B. Hartley, Ph.D. Apprentice Scholarship. This new scholarship will support future generations of apprentices as they pursue educational and career opportunities after graduation, ensuring that Bonnie’s commitment to empowering students continues for years to come.
A Program That Changes Lives
The VIPA Apprenticeship Program continues to grow each year, a testament to its success and impact. What began with just nine apprentices has expanded to 17 students this season, with more than 40 applicants competing for available positions.
The program mirrors a professional hiring process, requiring students to submit an application, teacher recommendation, resume, cover letter, and participate in an interview. Once selected, apprentices receive extensive training through masterclasses led by VIPA staff and industry professionals before applying their skills in real-world settings throughout the performance season.
Students learn every aspect of theater operations—from lighting, sound, stage setup, and rigging to front-of-house management, box office operations, hospitality, marketing, and audio-visual production. With the addition of VIPA’s LED wall technology this season, apprentices have also gained valuable experience creating graphics, producing digital content, photographing events, and managing live multimedia presentations.
While many students pursue careers outside the arts, the program equips them with highly transferable skills such as customer service, professionalism, composure, leadership, adaptability and effective communication, which will benefit them in any profession.
Most importantly, they become part of something bigger—a family.
Honoring the Class
of 2026
This year, 17 apprentices successfully completed the program, including:
- 8 Juniors
- 4 First-Year Seniors
- 5 Second-Year Seniors
Throughout the season, these students demonstrated remarkable dedication, professionalism, and enthusiasm. They worked long hours, embraced new challenges, supported one another, and helped deliver exceptional experiences for audiences throughout the year.
VIPA is incredibly proud of each apprentice and grateful for the energy, creativity, and passion they brought to every event.
Celebrating Our Scholarship Recipients
As part of the afternoon’s celebration, VIPA awarded three graduating seniors with $1,000 scholarships to support their educational and career goals.
Siena
Siena’s favorite production of the season was The Wildflowers: Tom Petty Tribute. She fondly recalls being amazed by the band’s collection of guitars and basses and dancing along in the spotlight booth throughout the performance.
Ella
For Ella, the greatest gift of the apprenticeship program was the relationships she built with fellow apprentices, staff, volunteers, and patrons.
From sharing stories during dinner breaks to embarking on what she affectionately calls “VPAC Safaris” during technical shifts, Ella treasures the memories and connections she made over the past two years.
This fall, she will begin pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre through the Eckerd College and Circle in the Square Theatre School 2+2 Program. Her journey will take her from St. Petersburg to London and ultimately New York City, where she hopes to fulfill her dream of performing on Broadway.
Seger
Seger reflected on the leadership opportunities she received this season as one of the most meaningful aspects of her apprenticeship experience. Stepping into a lead role and mentoring fellow apprentices helped her strengthen both her leadership and team-building skills.
Her favorite memory? Enjoying complementary snow cones during the Jimmy Buffett tribute show.
Following graduation, Seger will attend Ohio University to study Environmental Science and Sustainability. She hopes to build a career with the U.S. National Park Service as a National Park Recreation Officer.
Thank You to Our Volunteers
The afternoon also provided an opportunity to recognize VIPA’s incredible volunteers, whose generosity, dedication, and support make every performance possible.
Whether welcoming guests, assisting patrons, supporting front-of-house operations, or helping create memorable experiences for audiences, our volunteers embody the spirit of community that defines VIPA.
Their contributions are invaluable, and we are deeply grateful for everything they do.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s apprentices, honor the service of our volunteers, and recognize the extraordinary legacy of Bonnie B. Hartley, we are reminded of the true mission of VIPA: creating opportunities, inspiring growth, and enriching lives through the performing arts.
To our apprentices, volunteers, families, and supporters—thank you for being part of this journey.
And to Bonnie, thank you for the vision that made it all possible.
