A Backstage Hero: Patricia Puia’s Journey to TNP
Serving on the stage management team is always a challenge, but for Patricia Puia, the recent run of Little Women: The Musical was a thrilling baptism by fire.
As the TNP Volunteer of the Month explains, the stage management team faced an onslaught of illnesses—including flu, bronchitis, and laryngitis—that forced understudies to step up mid-run. "We held extra rehearsals prior to performances to give understudies time to practice their lines and blocking," Patricia shared, highlighting the team's relentless commitment to the show. Their success was built on a foundation of dedication, with actors being "off book by the 2nd rehearsal—meaning the actors had memorized their lines early in rehearsals. Impressive!"
A Global Career Leads to the Naples Stage:
Patricia's journey to the Naples Players (TNP) is a drama in itself. Born and raised in Detroit, she built a 17-year career as an English and drama teacher and school administrator near Kalamazoo, Michigan. This led to an international chapter where she served as a school administrator—primarily as a middle or high school principal—in England, Singapore, China, and Ukraine. In Singapore, she found time to volunteer at a local amateur theater.
"I performed in a summer theater workshop when I was 10 years old and learned I was better in backstage roles," she laughed. This early experience gave her a crucial "feel for good acting," which benefits her stage-managing roles today.
When she retired after 40 years in education, Patricia left Ukraine and landed in Naples in July 2020. A visit to TNP quickly convinced her this was home. After a mandatory two-week Covid quarantine, she immediately volunteered to run the lightboard for The Sound of Music: Teen Edition.
"I was anxious to get in and experience as many roles as I could, so I was always 'putting my hand up' when something was needed.”
Finding a Home and a Mission:
New to the area, Patricia found that TNP offered more than just a creative outlet—it provided a warm, generous, and welcoming community that helped her build friendships.
She particularly thrives as a stage manager or assistant manager. "I like the rehearsals and enjoy being part of the creative process. I learn something every day," she said.
Since August 2020, Patricia has accumulated an impressive 3,000 lifetime volunteer hours, with over 550 hours in 2025. Beyond stage management, her skills extend to editing the volunteer program manuals, dramaturgy*, and conducting research and writing for the TNP 75th Anniversary history publication.
Advice to Future Volunteers:
When asked for advice, Patricia's message is simple: "Do it!"
She assures prospective volunteers that the TNP staff is highly supportive, breaking down roles into manageable pieces. "Anytime you want to try something new, or stretch yourself, TNP is there to help," she affirmed, adding that her time at the theater keeps her structured and productive, complementing her passions for swimming, reading, and travel.
Patricia views TNP as a "national model for connecting with its community" and sees it on an upward trajectory as it continues to build on its mission to provide exceptional access to theater.
What is Dramaturgy?
Dramaturgy is the art, study, and practice of dramatic composition, encompassing the analysis, and research of plays to help create a coherent and effective theatrical performance, helping the cast and crew understand the play's structure, history, context, and audience connection.
