About the Director
Born and raised in Baltimore, Kate Bowman’s obsession with the stage began at age 14 when a sleep-away camp audition changed her life forever. One lead role was all it took; she was hooked. Since those early days, Kate has transformed into a multifaceted powerhouse. A musical theater graduate of the Boston Conservatory, she has built a career that spans coasts and mediums—from the viral digital stages of Dhar Mann Studios, where she has appeared in over 30 episodes, to the immersive world of audio dramas like We’re Alive. Whether she’s performing martial arts, skiing, or harmonizing as the backup singer for the LA-based band Jhey & The Whee, Kate’s versatility is her signature. Now, she brings that diverse expertise to Southwest Florida as the director of The Naples Players’ production of Beau Jest.
Kate’s journey to Naples wasn't accidental. It was sparked by a 25-year friendship with TNP’s Artistic Director, Phillip Fazio. She and Phillip were students together at the Boston Conservatory. "Phillip and I discussed a few plays, but once he presented Beau Jest, I was sold," Kate shared. For her, the play is deeply personal. "I was raised reconstructionist Jewish, grew up in the 90s, and am an actor. I connected with this story in multiple ways."
Set in the 1990s, Kate’s vision for Beau Jest balances absurdity with authenticity. While the play is a comedy, she insists on an organic approach where every "bit" is emotionally justified. "My cast and I get deep into exploration," she explained. "We find the funniest, most absurd ways to tell the story, but it has to stay real and true." Kate has found a perfect match in her Naples cast, describing them as talented, kind, and incredibly open to the creative process. Beyond the rehearsal room, the "gorgeous" theater facilities and the warm welcome from staff and volunteers have made her transition from Los Angeles to Naples seamless.
Though she’s a newcomer to the area, Kate is already feeling the local love—sometimes literally. "I’ve actually been recognized in Naples by fans of the Dhar Mann series," she laughed. "It was flattering to be identified for my work so far from home." More than the personal recognition, it is the community's passion for the arts that has left the biggest impression. With ticket sales soaring months before opening night, Kate is moved by how much Naples values live performance. "In theater, you’re watching actors live and breathe in real time. It’s a shared experience that leads to open-mindedness and compassion," Kate said. "It reminds us that we’re all more similar than we are different."
