VenuWorks has been selected by the City of Fort Pierce to manage the historic Sunrise Theatre, a treasured performing arts venue and cultural anchor in downtown Fort Pierce.

VenuWorks is proud to announce that it has been selected by the City of Fort Pierce, Florida, as the new venue management company for the historic Sunrise Theatre, one of the Treasure Coast’s most beloved cultural landmarks.

Located in the heart of downtown Fort Pierce, the Sunrise Theatre is a beautifully restored 1923 performing arts venue featuring an intimate 1,200-seat Mainstage and an accompanying Black Box Theatre. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Sunrise has long served as a cultural anchor for the region, presenting concerts, Broadway touring productions, comedy, dance, opera, community events, educational programs, and special events.

VenuWorks will begin management of the theatre on June 1, 2026, with an initial transitional period running through September 30, 2026. The full contract term begins October 1, 2026, aligning with the City’s fiscal year, and runs through September 30, 2031.

Under the agreement, VenuWorks will oversee day-to-day operations, programming and booking, marketing, ticketing coordination, food and beverage services, financial reporting, staffing, and guest experience initiatives. The City of Fort Pierce will retain full ownership of the venue.

“The City of Fort Pierce looks forward to the partnership with VenuWorks in continuing the operations of the Sunrise Theatre,” said Fort Pierce Mayor Linda Hudson. “For over 100 years, the Sunrise Theatre has been a positive economic driver in our city’s Historic Downtown District. We are beginning a new era of making sure that this historic asset continues to offer quality entertainment not only to residents but also to visitors.”

A key focus of VenuWorks’ management plan will be expanding programming while preserving the Sunrise Theatre’s community-centered mission. The company intends to build on the theatre’s strong foundation by pursuing additional national touring acts, family programming, children’s theatre, Broadway-style entertainment, Latino and urban entertainment, comedy, concerts, private events, community gatherings, local arts programming, banquets, weddings, and special events tailored to the Fort Pierce market.

“VenuWorks is honored to have been selected by the City of Fort Pierce to manage the historic Sunrise Theatre,” said Steve Peters, Founder and CEO of VenuWorks. “This is a treasured venue with a remarkable legacy, and we understand how deeply it is woven into the cultural life and identity of the Fort Pierce community. Our commitment is to honor that history while bringing new energy, expanded programming, operational support, and strong financial stewardship to help the Sunrise Theatre grow its impact.”

VenuWorks brings extensive experience managing historic theatres and performing arts venues across the country, including the Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; the Victory Theatre in Evansville, Indiana; the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, Illinois; the Adler Theatre in Davenport, Iowa; and the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, Illinois.

As VenuWorks celebrates its 30th anniversary year in 2026, this appointment marks another meaningful addition to the company’s growing portfolio of theatres, performing arts centers, arenas, convention centers, sports venues, and civic facilities. VenuWorks remains focused on partnering with municipalities and public owners to operate venues that inspire, entertain, enrich, and create lasting cultural and economic impact.

In preparation for the transition, VenuWorks has launched a search for the Sunrise Theatre’s next Executive Director. Qualified candidates may view the job posting and application details here