theatre children on stage
Naples is best known for its beautiful beaches, great weather, and endless opportunities to explore nature via a wide array of outdoor activities, but did you know that Naples has been keeping a secret? It’s also a great theatre town. Surprised? It’s true. Opportunities for great theatrical performances (and education) abound in this town and there is something for every age and interest. If you’d like to get your kids involved in the theatre, there are opportunities for that too. With the 2013-2014 performance and education season about to begin, take a look at what Naples has to offer your family.
The Naples Players started in the early 1950’s, when Naples was a sleepy little gulf coast town. The tiny theatre troupe began with just a $35 for its first set and staged its performances out of what is now known as Gulfview Middle School, the site of Naples High School in the early 1950’s. Today, the Naples Players stage more than 220 performances a year at the Sugden Community theatre and are well known for a KidzAct, a children’s program that reaches over 600 children per year. Not only can Neapolitans see great performance, families can also register children for acting classes and performances.
www.naplesplayers.org • Sugden Community Theatre, 701 5th Ave. S, Naples, 34102
The Naples Ballet provides dancers of all ages with performance opportunities and offers free professional dance instruction through scholarship funding while serving as a training ground for local dancers possibly seeking professional careers in dance or related fields. Classes are offered for children age 4 and up as well as for adults through a wide range of dance disciplines including Pointe, Variations, Pas de Deux, Character, Floor barre and Modern. Performances are held twice per year and showcase local dancers enrolled in their programs. Performances are held at the Gulf Coast High School auditorium as well as at Sugden Community Theatre.
www.naplesacademyofballet.com • 1005 5th Avenue North, Naples, 34102
Gulfshore Playhouse is a local, professional theatre company which provides a full season of performances along with educational opportunities for local children. Entering its 7th season, the company performs at a 200 seat theatre located at the Norris Center in downtown Naples. Educational offerings for kids from PreK through high school students include ART SMART, a program which teaches content curriculum through the lively art of theatre during the school day, STAR (Student Theatre Artist in Residence) after-school theatre classes and Theatre Summer Camps. There are also opportunities for adults to take classes taught by professional actors and members of the Gulfshore Playhouse creative team.
www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org • Norris Center, 755 8th Avenue South, Naples 34102
Opera Naples, entering its 7th season, is a professional regional opera company which has held performances at venues throughout Naples and has recently developed a partnership with Artis-Naples (formerly known as The Philharmonic Center for the Arts), holding its first performance at the Frances Pew Hayes Hall in 2012. Opera Naples also offers various education programs, including summer programs, for young artists aged 7 and up, offering scholarships to deserving young artists.
www.operanaples.org • Offices: 2408 Linwood Avenue, Naples 34112
Artis – Naples (formerly known as The Philharmonic Center for the Arts) began as a small orchestra in 1983 and, over the course of 30 years, has developed into a performance and exhibition complex hosting more than 300 concerts, performances, exhibitions and educational events each year. Working with both internationally renowned and local artists, Artis-Naples offers something for everyone. Offering fun events for families, such as free community days, the organization also hosts affordable fee-based programs for everyone from school children to adults and is a favorite field trip spot for local schools.
artisnaples.org • 5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard, Naples 34108
The Marco Players is the only community theatre troupe located on Marco Island. Entering its 39th year, the Marco Players offer excellent local theatrical performances and educational opportunities, including a children’s education program and children’s theatre. The intimate venue makes everyone feel part of the performance. Whether you live on Marco Island or not, the Marco Players are worth a look.
themarcoplayers.com • 1055 North Collier Boulevard, Marco Town Center, Marco Island 34146
TheatreZone is a professional regional theatre company which prides itself on attracting world-renowned actors and directors to bring the “Lost Treasures of Broadway” to Southwest Florida audiences. Entering its 9th season, the company performs at the G&L Theatre, a 250 seat theatre on the campus of The Community School of Naples. TheatreZone is linked to the drama program at the Community School of Naples and does conduct auditions in search of local talent.
www.theatrezone-florida.com
Performance Location: G & L Theatre, 13275 Livingston Rd., Naples, 34109