Maureen—who prefers to go by Mo—is a 30-year-old with Down syndrome and one of our most dedicated and inspiring volunteers at The Naples Players.

Mo and her family have been season ticket holders since 2011—avid theatre-goers and big fans of our productions!

“My first Broadway show in NYC was Blithe Spirit with Angela Lansbury and Rupert Everett. My eyes were so big—I loved it!” she shared.

From that moment, she was glued to the stage and fell in love with theatre.

With siblings in the arts and experience both on and off stage herself, Mo was immediately drawn to TNP when she moved to Florida. But it wasn’t until she saw a Stage 2 Improv Comedy show in 2013 that her passion for improv truly ignited. After attending an improv workshop hosted by TNP at Starability, Mo knew she had to jump in. That’s where she met staff member Craig Price, who invited her to assist in his inclusive improv classes for youth on the autism spectrum—and she’s been a regular volunteer ever since!

As a classroom assistant in our Arts Access department, Mo provides one-on-one support for students, helping demonstrate and adjust theatre activities to meet their unique needs. Her favorite part? “Getting to connect with each student and watching them grow,” she says. Volunteering has helped her grow too—especially in quick thinking and patience.

Last year, Mo deepened her commitment by attending Camp Yes And!, an instructor training intensive hosted by Indiana University. “I felt like Albert Einstein,” she said, thrilled by the new skills she gained and brought back to TNP.

Mo is also an active volunteer in the wider Naples community, but continues to return to TNP year after year.

“I love it… I feel very accomplished here,” she shares.

“The Naples Players and staff like Craig Price and Summer Pliskow have created a family and a safe space for me. They’re my buddies!”