For TNP volunteer Fred Willig, every cut of lumber, swipe of the paintbrush, and turn of a screw is an act of creativity and community.

After retiring from a 40+ year career in education and theatre, Fred and his wife moved to Naples full time in 2023. It didn’t take long before The Naples

Players became more than a local theatre. It became Fred’s workshop, social hub, and source of purpose.

“We saw Clue at the church and then 42nd Street at the newly remodeled TNP,” Fred recalls. “I noticed a volunteer call in the playbill, reached out, and

started a few weeks later in August of 2024.”

A Life on Stage, Behind the Scenes

Before Naples, Fred spent over four decades teaching mathematics at Lutheran High School in Indianapolis. But beyond the formulas, he brought the magic of theatre to life, launching the school’s theatre department in 1978 and directing spring productions for more than 30 years.

“I enjoyed designing and building sets, directing students, and staging the lights,” he said. “I missed that part of my job. So building sets at TNP has become my passion.”

Since joining the Scene Shop, Fred has worked on nearly every mainstage production. From constructing the house in A Christmas Story, to siding the lab in The Half-Life of Marie Curie, to laying brickwork for Sweeney Todd, Fred has left his mark on sets that have transported thousands of patrons.

And yes, he’s even tried the fly rail system. While he trained to operate the rigging for A Christmas Story, he never needed to fill in. “But I was ready,” he laughed.

A Culture of Appreciation

Fred’s favorite memory isn’t tied to a show. It’s tied to a moment of gratitude. “The best memory was receiving the Super Trooper award for my efforts,” he said. “Best award I’ve ever received.”

The Scene Shop team, known for their camaraderie and creativity, has become Fred’s second family. It’s not just about sawdust and sets. It’s about belonging.

“I talk about TNP and my ‘job’ with just about everyone I meet,” Fred says. “My wife’s even joined in. She now volunteers in the Costume Shop.”

Purpose in Every Project

Fred’s enthusiasm is contagious. Whether it’s building platforms for Beetlejuice Jr. or handcrafting stair railings for the Price Studio Theater, Fred finds joy in the work—and in the impact it has on the community.

“I’ve enjoyed every part of set building,” he said. “And getting to use all the power tools? Always great fun.”

Even in retirement, Fred is a teacher. He demonstrates that purpose doesn’t pause when you leave the classroom. It simply finds a new stage.

Life Beyond the Lumber

Originally from Indianapolis, Fred and his wife began visiting Southwest Florida when their son moved to Fort Myers. After years of seasonal trips, they purchased a Naples condo in 2021 and made the move permanent in 2023.

When he’s not at TNP, you’ll find Fred watching his grandkids, playing pickleball, or traveling to visit friends and family. For 16 years, he even spent his summers in Kansas City grading AP Calculus exams—proof that he’s just as committed with a pen as he is with a power drill.

The Heart of Community Theatre

Fred Willig reminds us what community theatre is truly about. It’s not just the actors on stage. It’s the artists behind the scenes—the ones who show up week after week to build something that brings people together.

And at The Naples Players, we’re lucky to have volunteers like Fred: people who pour their time, talent, and heart into creating something meaningful for others.

Thank you, Fred, for helping us build more than sets. You help us build community.

Join our volunteer family!

Learn more about volunteering and apply today by visiting our volunteer page.