theater
  • The Theater
  • Meet Our Staff

If you’re planning a trip to our theater, you are in for a treat. This beautiful building has been in the community for over 30 years and in that time has undergone a few upgrades. Brenda Lee, Mickey Rooney, Gene Watson and Stephen King are just a few of the big names to hit our stage. Originally planned to be a 418-seat facility, The Theater can now seat a total of 500 people and includes 12 wheelchair accessible spaces. With a slightly pitched seating area, every location has an excellent sightline to the stage. There is not a bad seat in the house!

The Theater houses all types of shows and events all year long ranging from musicians, comedians, authors, inspirational speakers, religious and conference-style events. Throughout the year, The Cultural Center produces a variety of shows including the monthly Dinner Theater Series, The Charlotte County Big Band and the Charlotte County Concert Band. Did you know the theater is also available for rental? Call, email or schedule an appointment with the theater manager for information about renting the theater.

We have been lucky enough, through the Giving Partner Donation Challenge, to upgrade the sound system and go digital! The new computerized Yamaha sound board allows us to get a clearer, more vibrant sound than in the past. There are also 10 hearing impaired devices that fit comfortably over one ear, so everyone can enjoy the show without missing a thing. Just bring photo ID and we will be glad to loan one out to you during the show.

The lighting system will soon be getting an upgrade, too! You can anticipate more colors and other stage effects in the coming season. We can’t wait to show you all the tricks up our sleeve!
To view our upcoming shows, check the "Theater Upcoming Shows" page or stop by the Box Office to pick up a calendar and talk to our friendly volunteers. They'll be glad to find the right show that fits your musical appetite.

If you have any questions, you can email the theater staff at [email protected].
The entire Cultural Center, including the theater, is a non-profit organization.


Our mission is to enhance the educational, recreational, physical and mental well-being of the citizens of Charlotte County and beyond.

Patty Tooker - Theater Manager

Patty is fairly new to the staff, hired as the Theater Manager in April of 2012. She is a native of Port Charlotte, Florida and absolutely loves living by the water. She started on her theater degree in 2006 at the University of West Georgia, minoring in anthropology. For the last 7 years, Patty has been working in the music and theater industry by running sound, lights and managing stages. She feels it’s important to know your business from behind the scenes to in front of the scenes in order to gain a good appreciation for what you do. As a special treat, you will occasionally see her in the tech booth as a sound engineer or controlling the lights. Stop by the box office anytime during the week to learn about the theater or purchase tickets for upcoming shows. She or one of the excellent volunteers will be happy to help you select a show that you are sure to enjoy.

Richie Jasinski - Sound Engineer

The Cultural Center Theater is lucky to have a sound man on staff with as much experience as Richie. He has been in the audio business for over 35 years touring, recording and working locally at shows such as the Punta Gorda Block Party and CountryFest. Certified as a recording engineer in Ohio, he really has an ear for detail. He consulted and installed the system for the Theater about 10 years ago and decided he liked us so much that he joined our staff in 2006. Richie is an avid Goldwing rider and loves to be outdoors. If you like what you hear after the show, stop by the tech booth and give him a big thank you. He makes this job look a lot easier than it is.

Jim Jones - Technical Director

Jim Jones has over 50 years of experience in theater from spotlight to L.D. to stagehand to sound man- he’s done it all! Jim is a native of Indiana where he worked at the Indianapolis Convention Center, the Lucas Stadium (home of the Colts) and the Indiana State Fair. After working just about everywhere in Indiana, he retired to Punta Gorda, Florida in 2004. He is involved in many local groups such as the Charlotte Harbor Parrot Club and is a former “Ponce” of the Royal Order of the Ponce De Leon Conquistadors. Jim started at the theater 5 years ago and has been a wonderful asset to the staff ever since. He is married to Lynda, who joined us as the House Manager this past season. All of the beautiful lights at every show are designed and set-up by Jim. Make sure to tell him hello after a show! He would be the one in the Indianapolis Colts attire.  

Lynda Jones - House Manager

Lynda has the most difficult job at the Theater- taking care of all the last minute details and coordination the night of the show. Though she is new to the Cultural Center Theater, she is no stranger to the business. Helping her husband Jim with numerous technical duties throughout the years has given her a very colorful background in the world of performing arts. (Interesting fact: all of their children took up a career in some type of art form.) Lynda moved to Florida in 2004 only to be welcomed by the hurricane that changed Charlotte County forever. Despite the unwelcoming greeting, she still lives here in Punta Gorda and is involved with many of the local groups such as the Charlotte Harbor Parrot Club and the Royal Order of the Ponce De Leon Conquistadors. We are so grateful to have this dynamic duo! Their professionalism and experience adds an element of class to our Theater.

Roger Meunier - Spotlight Operator

What do we say about Roger? He has been at the Theater longer than anyone else currently on staff. He gives his time in numerous areas around the Cultural Center and was recently nominated as the Volunteer of the Month for May. Roger is a native of Rhode Island and retired to Florida with his wife Mary who handles the ticket sales for the Charlotte Players here at the Cultural Center Box Office. He is a former beer salesman and U.S. Navy Veteran. His Theater credits do not only include spotlight operator and sound man, Roger has also been in the spotlight as Lt. Cable in South Pacific. He lends his beautiful singing voice not only to the Cultural Center, but at many nursing homes and assisted living facilities around Charlotte County. His love for music and theater make him a perfect fit to our staff. The only other thing we can say about Roger is his heart is about as big as his smile.

 






Box Office Hours:

Monday - Friday
9am-4pm

Saturday
10am-2pm

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