Already a burgeoning program, The Naples Players’ Improv for Wellness programs boasts partnerships with The David Lawrence Center, The Naples Women’s Shelter, StarAbility, Collier County Public Schools, AVOW Hospice, and even Florida Gulf Coast University—where a joint study at the PACE Center for Girls determined that improv techniques reduced the daily reported anxiety of participants by more than 25%.  This coming season, these same concepts are expanding into additional classes available both online and in-person.

Starting in mid-January, TNP will offer multiple new Improv course options including:

Improv for Wellness
Mondays, 7-8:30 p.m. online

Improv 101
Ages 11-17. Tuesday 4:30 – 6pm in person.

Improv for Everyone
Adult class. Saturdays 4-6 pm in person.

LOL: Laugh On-Line (online meet up)
Adults. Thursdays 6-7 pm online.

Comedy Club for Teens (online meet up)
Kids & Teens. Fridays 4:30 – 5:30 pm online.

The benefits of improv classes for all ages has been proven in multiple recent studies.  For those who suffer from anxiety, improv helps

break through the cycle of over-thinking by teaching individuals how to break up linear thinking.  Improv also teaches you how to make rapid cognitive shifts into a more positive frame of mind when faced with uncertain or stressful situations.

In a welcoming, judgment-free class setting like those created by the small groups at TNP, participants learn that they can connect with and trust their fellow classmates and that there are no wrong answers in improv!

“The Naples Players provides students another step in achieving their academic goals through true ‘theatre therapy,’” TNP Director of Community Education & Wellness Craig Price said. “It benefits them at home, in the classroom, and in the workplace.”

Parents like Lou and Laura Georgelos are amazed by the progress they see achieved through the theatre’s wellness classes.

“We’ve noticed a confidence when asked to speak in social situations,” said Laura Georgelos. “Historically, our daughter didn’t like being singled out to perform or speak, but now she’s more inclined to jump into a conversation even when she’s among an unfamiliar group.”

Beyond individuals and families, The Naples Players embraces partnerships with local organizations that cater to people with Autism

Spectrum Disorder, Parkinson’s Disease, and those with developmental delays. One such nonprofit, Able Academy, regularly busses students to The Naples Players for therapeutic programming and job skill training.

With classes starting soon, don’t delay in getting signed up or reaching out to the TNP Education Department for more information at (239) 434-7340, Ext. 127.