Story

To begin with, let us define what the specificity of amateur theaters is. To get through to professional snobs without connections or outstanding acting skills is impossible. And some still want to shine on stage.

For such people, amateur troupes are created, in which the demands are more democratic and there is more creative freedom. Here not only amateur actors are welcome, but also directors, costume designers, lighting agents and even cashiers.

Amateur theaters often go for experiments, they easily take on modern drama and are not afraid to provoke. The main thing that is inherent in such a theater is intimacy. You need to love your business endlessly to endure so many difficulties. So "amateur" here is not from the word "amateur", but from the word "love."

Speaking of The Naple Players, it was founded by Henry and Mary Watkins in early 1953. The first production was made a couple of months after its foundation. Critics took the debut positively.

For the following years, the participants in the theater could not find a permanent place for themselves - they performed where they would have to, mainly in schools and private houses. Only by 1975 they settled on Davis Boulevard, where they opened a theater with 40 seats.

In 1984, the Kon-Tiki cinema was released. Managers immediately signed a lease. The building was repaired and work on new productions began to boil in it.

But soon the facade of the building began to collapse. In the mid-90s, it became clear that it was necessary to move to a new place. The Naples Players immediately began an unprecedented effort to raise funds for the construction of the center. Major sponsors tightened, and grants from the state of Florida for $1.5 million allowed by 1998 to open Sugden Community Theater.

Now The Naples Players put 220 performances per year. On average, the permanent adult audience is 65 thousand people per year. The theater is divided into two blocks: for adults, performances are staged at Tobye Studio, and for children - at Blackburn Hall.

KidzAct

Under this name hides a special educational program for children and adolescents. The main goal is to develop in children the ability to think creatively and critically, gain self-confidence, take initiative and communicate. Created by classes for children with Down syndrome, autism, and other developmental disorders to help them develop.

Children are auditioned for admission to producer classes, appear in show programs and learn skills with their peers. Classes are also available for students developing theater skills.

In 2015, a technical zone was included in KidzAct. It is aimed at teenagers interested in studying behind the scenes of the theater. The training program includes:

• stage management classes;
• stage construction and painting;
• costumes;
• electrics;
• light design and sound design;
• audio equipment and props.

Students work with staff and are actively involved in creating the show.

Productions

• Peter and the Starcatcher

A prequel to the story of Peter Pan, based on the book of the same name. In the production they rely on the pre-history of Neverland - as Peter Pan learned not to grow old and was able to fly, where did the mermaids come from and how did Captain Hook lose his hand.

• June & Jason's Survival Guide to Divorce

Comedy for adults in the sitcom style. This comedy tells about the neighbors and friends of June and Jason, who decided to save the couple from divorce.

• White christmas

Two fellow veterans of World War II decide to become the best duet in dance in America. At the time of career growth, they become acquainted with the duet of singing sisters and create a quartet. Yes, that's bad luck - the very first performance of the quartet will be in the house of skiers, which is run by the former army commander of the brothers.

• Don't Dress For Dinner

Clash of different personalities, outrageous betrayal, intrigue - all mixed up with Bernard, his friend and his wife. And it would seem, and where is the cook? For two acts, we will observe the merry adventures of this love polygon.

• Marjorie Prime

In the future, the inevitable pain of losing a loved one is alleviated by artificial intelligence. Insofar as 85-year-old Marjorie loses the ability to remember at will, her daughter and son-in-law provide her with a Prime, a hologram of her late husband Walter. It is more difficult to live in the society of an unreal husband and a real daughter and son-in-law than was thought.

By the way, if you want to get acquainted with this story in more detail, watch the film of the same name with Tim Robbins and John Hamm.

If you perceive English without a problem - why not visit The Naples Players?