The Naples Players At Sugden Theatre

In the city of Naples, Florida, theater enthusiasts have a choice to make – attend productions by the professionals from TheatreZone or the amateur troupe, The Naples Players. According to annual surveys, it is the latter that is recognized as the best in Florida.

How did this happen? Let's delve into it.

History of the Naples Players

First, let's define the specifics of amateur theaters. Breaking into the world of snobby professionals without connections or outstanding acting abilities is nearly impossible. However, some individuals still want to shine on stage. For such people, amateur troupes are created, where requirements are more democratic, and there's greater creative freedom. These theaters welcome not only amateur actors but also directors, costume designers, lighting technicians, and even ticket sellers. Amateur theaters often embrace experimentation, readily tackle contemporary drama, and aren't afraid to provoke.

Speaking of The Naples Players, it was founded by Henry and Mary Watkins in the early months of 1953. They staged their first production just a couple of months after its establishment, and it received positive reviews. In the following years, the theater struggled to find a permanent location and performed wherever possible, mainly in schools and private homes. It wasn't until 1975 that they settled on Davis Boulevard, where they opened a 40-seat theater.

In 1984, the Con-Tiki cinema became available. The leaders immediately signed a lease agreement, renovated the building, and began working on new productions there. However, the facade of the building started to deteriorate. In the mid-90s, it became clear that they needed to move to a new location. The Naples Players immediately made unprecedented efforts to raise funds for the construction of a new center. Major sponsors stepped in, and grants from the state of Florida totaling $1.5 million allowed them to open the Sugden Community Theatre by 1998.

Today, The Naples Players stage 220 performances per year. On average, the annual regular adult audience is around 65,000 people. The theater is divided into two sections: Tobye Studio for adults and Blackburn Hall for children's performances.

KidzAct

Under this name hides a special educational program for children and teenagers. The main goal is to develop children's creative and critical thinking abilities, build self-confidence, encourage initiative, and improve communication skills. Classes are designed for children with Down syndrome, autism, and other developmental disorders, helping them in their development. Children audition for enrollment in production classes, participate in show programs, and learn the art alongside their peers. These classes are also available to students looking to develop theatrical skills.

In 2015, KidzAct introduced a technical zone aimed at teenagers interested in learning the backstage of theater. The curriculum includes:

• Stage management classes
• Stage construction and painting
• Costume design
• Electrics
• Lighting design and sound design
• Audio technology and props

Students collaborate with the staff and actively contribute to the creation of shows.

Plays, Productions and Performances

• Peter and the Starcatcher
  A prequel to the story of Peter Pan, based on the novel of the same name. This production focuses on the backstory of Neverland — how Peter Pan learned not to age and to fly, where mermaids came from, and how Captain Hook lost his hand.
• June & Jason’s Survival Guide to Divorce
  An adult comedy in the style of a sitcom. This comedy tells the story of neighbors and friends June and Jason, who decide to save a couple from divorce. Two World War II veteran buddies decide to become the best dance duo in America. During their career rise, they meet a singing sister duo and form a quartet. The catch is that their first performance as a quartet will be at the ski lodge run by a former army commander of the brothers.
• Don’t Dress For Dinner
  The collision of different personalities, shocking infidelity, and intrigue — all mix up in Bernard, his friend, and his wife's lives. And what does the chef have to do with it all? Over the course of two acts, we will witness the amusing adventures of this love polygon.
• Marjorie Prime
  In the future, the inevitable pain of losing a loved one is softened with the help of artificial intelligence. Since 85-year-old Marjorie loses the ability to remember at her own will, her daughter and son-in-law provide her with "Prime," a hologram of her late husband Walter. Living in the company of an artificial husband and real daughter and son-in-law turns out to be more complicated than expected. By the way, if you want to learn more about this story, watch the film of the same name starring Tim Robbins and Jon Hamm.