Meet Sarah Gamblin, a medical student turned freelance writer. “I’ve always loved telling stories. It’s part of what I love about theater. It would be amazing to write a show one day. Just the concept of telling stories that can connect people and make people feel things, or offer an escape from whatever reality they’re living, is one of my favorite things.”

When Sarah was searching for a muse, she stumbled upon The Naples Players (TNP) and the community fueled her with inspiration for her stories. “TNP is a playground for me. I always know I’m going to have fun when I’m here. It’s something I look forward to every day and I love it. The community here is so loving and warm and welcoming, and it feels great to be a part of something so much larger than myself.”

“I tend to do my best work when I’m busy. Being at TNP provides me enough of a schedule and a regimented time period that it makes me a better writer, especially because I’m an extrovert and writing can be isolating,” says Sarah, “Being around people and not just cloistered away gives me so much more motivation to write. When I’m seeing these cool productions come to life and see how much joy they’re bringing to the actors and the directors and myself and eventually an audience, I do my best work.”

Sarah’s first production at TNP was The Sound of Music as an ensemble member and a dresser, and now Sarah has dived headfirst into our summer season acting as an Assistant Stage Manager (ASM) and Costume Stage Manager for Into the Woods JR, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Beauty and the Beast JR, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame TEEN. “I’ve never been an ASM before, and I love that TNP lets you learn things and be a beginner. I will admit, it’s like drinking from a fire hose. But I’m used to, and like, that style of learning,” says Sarah, “I’ve really enjoyed the fast-paced process. It’s great getting a front row seat every night of rehearsal to the magic that the cast and director and creative team are putting on. At the first rehearsal for The Hunchback of Notre Dame, I had goosebumps all up my arms when the cast and choir started singing ‘The Bells of Notre Dame.’ I was just so excited to be a part of it.”

Sarah is the first person ever appointed into the brand-new role of Costume Stage Manager at TNP. “I love being an ASM because it’s kind of like a puzzle. Tracking every little prop and costume change and knowing who brings it onstage, what it’s doing onstage, who brings it offstage, where it goes – I specifically focus on the costumes, and it’s been really cool helping actualize Molly, Josh, Dot, and Dawn’s vision of how the actors are going to look and making it happen backstage. I’m honored that they trusted me with this role.”

When asked which production she most looks forward to working on this summer, Sarah said, “I’m the most excited to work on The Hunchback of Notre Dame. It’s such a cool and beautiful story. You can just tell that like all of the actors – the choir, the ensemble, the principals – they’re putting their hearts and souls into it. It’s been great seeing these people, who I consider to be my friends, grow as performers, and inspire me in my work and in person. It’s also really cool getting to watch the adult production and the teenagers recreate it in their own way.”

Working on four shows at once is no small task, but for Sarah, there’s nowhere else she’d rather be. “This community is so beautiful. It bonds people so quickly and brings out the best in people. Halfway through The Sound of Music, my dad was diagnosed with stage three cancer, and it totally took me and my family by surprise. On the day he told me, I held it together all day and comforted my family the best that I could. When I arrived at the theater and walked into the dressing room, one of the nuns asked me the dreaded question, ‘How are you doing?’ And the tears just burst out. I was so overwhelmed with my sadness and fear and was so embarrassed because these people had only known me for two months.”

“Every single person was so present and so kind. ‘What do you need?’ ‘We’ll help you.’ ‘Everything’s going to be okay, do you want a hug?’ For the rest of the show everyone checked in on me and they were so gentle and attentive. They really cared about my dad’s wellbeing, and mine. It just kind of blew me away. They didn’t have to be there for me. Everyone is busy. Everyone is in the middle of a show. The fact that they were willing to add something to their plate for someone they barely knew totally solidified my love for TNP. It was a beautiful day when I realized that I would do the same for anyone here as well.”

Since starting as an ASM, Sarah has found herself drawn to the creative process of creating a show. “There’s so much effort that goes into the logistics of putting a story together. What kind of mugs are period-appropriate in a tavern, how do we emphasize that Esmeralda is different? I think TNP has reignited my love for theater in this way.” Working behind the scenes has even encouraged Sarah to try her hand at becoming a playwright. “Writing for performance and being a part of that process is something I’m strongly considering. It’s always changing, always dynamic – I want theater in my life in some capacity for the rest of my life.”

Thank you, Sarah, for making our 70th Summer Season happen! We couldn’t do it without your dedication, hard work, commitment, and care.

We love to get new volunteers into the mix! If you’re new to the area or just new to volunteering at TNP, don’t hesitate to join the fun. Test your skills at the next audition, or contact Pamela Larkin Caruso today at 239-434-7340 ext. 104 to find out what other opportunities there are backstage and front of house.