When entering the corporate world it’s easy to forget about the passions and hobbies that you hold and give you a creative outlet. Our September Volunteer of the Month, Jules Branche, has spent half of her life climbing the corporate ladder but only found fulfillment in life after volunteering at The Naples Players (TNP).

“I come from a very unique history,” Jules recounts. “My father was a Roman Catholic priest who was doing missionary work in Peru in the late 70’s and 80’s for about 13 years. He adopted me when he was 50 years old and brought me to the United States. He never married and stayed a priest his whole life, but his number one passion was music and theatre.” Following in his footsteps, Jules says that music and theater were also her favorite things while growing up. She remembers playing the piano, singing in Catholic churches, and making her 10 older brothers perform plays she wrote. 

After attending a 2018 showing of the film Casablanca in Blackburn Hall and learning that TNP also staged live productions, Jules decided to dive back into the magic of live theatre and became a stage manager. “When I first started volunteering as an assistant stage manager, I got addicted to being backstage, the chaos and trying to control it as best as I can, challenging myself and overcoming obstacles, learning new things, making mistakes and fixing them, and seeing the actors light up when they go on and off stage.”

“It’s crazy seeing the love these people have for each other and how dedicated everyone is. I just knew I had to be a part of it. I love organizing. I love leading. I love watching everything come together to have a brilliant outcome. I love always having to prepare for the unexpected. I’ve done a lot of shows, and I’m still perfecting my art, and I love how much I grow every time I do a show.”

For Jules, TNP has completely reinvented her life. She’s caught herself lighting up when she talks about TNP, and her close family and friends have noticed the excitement for life and community that she’s found again. “I feel so grateful to be here and to be doing what I love and seeing other people do what they love. You feel a part of something so much bigger than yourself because you’re a part of people’s dreams and they’re a part of yours.”

“Most people don’t get the opportunity to feel a part of something like this in their lives. I work in an environment where people are at the end of their lives and saying that they wish they could’ve done something like this. It makes me happy knowing that I’ll never have to question if I lived my life to the fullest because I’m here with my family. We’re all doing what we’re passionate about and have found a place where we can thrive and grow. It’s really a beautiful thing.”

Even five years later, Jules is still finding fulfillment in volunteering at TNP alongside her 9-to-5. “Every time you step foot into TNP everyone is asking you ‘how are you doing?’ ‘what can I do for you?’ You walk in and you’re embraced and accepted and you feel part of the family. It makes it so much more rewarding when you come in. The cast, creative team, and production team give you so much appreciation and recognition. You just can’t help but want to come here every single day.”

Thank you, Jules, for showing us all that you don’t have to put your life on hold. Congratulations! We can’t wait to see your hard work in Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley.

Want to learn how to stage manage? Join Cole on September 9, 2023, for a stage managing workshop! Click here to learn more.

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.