Meet 16-year-old KC Allen, one of The Naples Players’ (TNP) assistant stage managers for A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. Originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, KC moved to Naples when she was ten years old.  When KC’s mom Kayle was looking to open her specialty store, Naples Spice and Tea Exchange, originally located right here on 5th Avenue South, Kayle was happy to discover our theatre and encouraged both of her children to audition. 

Before COVID-19, KC took part in TNP’s Leadership Team Member program which is designed to introduce high school students to every aspect of theatre.  The program involves a selective process where older students choose younger students who show dedication to theatre and TNP.  “This is how I was introduced to stage management – I got to call a few things in Mama Mia and Mama Mia Teen.”  For those of us who don’t know, when a stage manager talks about ‘calling’ a show, they’re referring to giving every single queue to make a performance happen – from calling the actors to the stage to start an act, to giving queues for lights and sound…and everything in between! 

KC also auditioned for TNP’s production of Footloose and when she didn’t get a spot to be on stage, she took the time to think about what she wanted her role with theatre to be in the future. “I took it as an opportunity to step back.  I wanted to be involved in theatre, but I wasn’t sure what to focus on.  I really enjoyed all the backstage crew work so I was a production assistant for The Wedding Singer and an assistant stage manager for The Wedding Singer Teen.”

From her backstage experience KC says, “It was all very eye opening to experience the other side of things (outside of being a performer on stage).  You learn how many things can go wrong and how many things need to be fixed on the spot.  No matter what part of the theater you work in, you learn to use problem solving along with your creative side – I always feel like I’m simultaneously using my academic skills with my theatrical skills.” 

Set on a clear path for the future, KC looks forward to applying to colleges and working towards getting her BA in theatre.  “I always had the problem of – I want to do everything! I knew I needed a plan for my future and being an assistant stage manager has helped me narrow it down.  I want to learn everything to write and produce for television and film from my BA program.”

KC Allen in Once On This Island JR

As far as A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder goes, KC is “excited to see how it all turns out! We know renovations are coming soon to the theater so we want to go out with a bang and make this show as grand as possible! There are a lot of crew members and multiple scene changes.  Everyone has to be on top of their game because it’s such a massive show!” 

KC and her brother, Leonard, spend so much of their time at TNP, she says, “the family joke is that we wish there were dormitories so we could just move in!” She’s also grateful to have Leonard with her as they always were a positive influence on each other, and always encouraged one another to stick with theater. “We will go our separate ways (in our careers) in life but we will always have that shared love of theatre.” 

Overall, KC’s favorite experience at TNP is being an assistant stage manager.  “I’ve seen some of the older kids, whom I looked up to when I was younger, leave after this summer’s productions to go on to college.  Now, I’m the older kid… It just made me realize how happy I am that I found TNP and I honestly don’t know what I would do without a jam packed theater schedule! For me, my time working on The Wedding Singer was a moment where I realized how much I love it and how thankful I am for everyone I work with and all the mentors I’ve had here over the years.”  

For more information about all the meaningful ways to volunteer at The Naples Players please contact Pamela Larkin Caruso at [email protected] or 239 434 7340 ext 104. Additionally, to find out more about KidzAct, please contact Maya Kleinsorge at [email protected] or 239 434 7340 ext 136.