For plenty of theaters across the country, producing 40% fewer shows compared to five years ago has become the norm. 

Massive theaters such as Cal Shakes, one of the largest outdoor Shakespeare amphitheaters in the country; Lookingglass Theater, where Mary Zimmerman’s Metamorphoses had its premiere before going to Broadway; and The Williamstown Theater Festival, known for its star-studded summer shows, have halted programming until further notice. Seattle’s ACT Contemporary Theater and Los Angeles’ Geffen Playhouse have decreased the lengths of their show runs, with Philadelphia’s Arden Theater Company even going as far as producing 28% fewer shows than before the pandemic.

In a shrinking field where Broadway shows haven’t recovered their pre-pandemic numbers and many performing arts venues and nonprofit arts organizations are struggling to stay open, scaling back performances, or even shutting down, Southwest Florida’s Favorite Local Theatre**, The Naples Players (TNP), seem to have defied the odds by placing emphasis on one singular facet our their operation: the community.

With an operating budget of over $5.2 million, not including the millions of dollars in hours gifted by volunteers, TNP has grown to become one of the most unique organizations in the country – operating differently and bucking the downward national trends. They credit all of their success to the community that has built the organization over the past 71 years – growing from performing in storefronts and living rooms to now performing in their newly renovated $21 million venue in the middle of Downtown Naples’ iconic 5th Avenue. 

Leading the way in building community through exceptional access to the power of theatre, TNP has developed an annual audience of over 50,000 patrons, an annual volunteer base of over 750 theater lovers, an educational program with more than 10,000 registrations, and an arts access program coordinating with over 40 non-profit organizations in the area. 

“The arts have been around forever – and there’s this sense that they are slowly disappearing. But the reality is that the arts are more in demand than ever,” says Bryce Alexander, TNP’s CEO & Executive Artistic Director. “And if we use the arts to truly make a difference in the lives of our volunteers and patrons, of course we’re going to continue seeing these amazing trends of growth and community transformation.”

There’s nothing like the kinetic energy of live theatre. Partnered with the fundamental desire and need for connection, TNP has managed to create a community that is showcasing local talent on an incredible scale. From Broadway conductors to Tony-award nominated sound designers to first-time performers, TNP has opened the doors of their artistic community to every resident of every age and ability level. The result is a robust community, relevant artistry, and life-changing experiences. “There’s something special about TNP and the magic that’s created here. You don’t just meet talented people, but lovely and nice people on top of that. The people here are all so genuinely kind and supportive,” says volunteer Jennifer Mance.

Austin Gardner, volunteer, feels that “TNP does a great job of reminding us why we’re all here volunteering. We’re contributing our time for nothing more than the love of theatre. And that’s really the best thing that you can put your time and energy into. I love having the opportunity to not just perform but do it well, and create something that I can be proud of. Theatre has served me so greatly in the past and has made me a better person, and here at TNP it will continue to do so.”

At the center of TNP’s renovation and expansion is the community. Not only the local residents of Naples, FL, but also their fellow theatre network. “We’ve traveled to new theaters across the country to learn about their trials, tribulations, and successes – and we’ve incorporated all of that knowledge into our own facility. But we’re taking it a step further by designing it with the specific needs of our local community in mind. We’re not building a monument, we’re building a place for community.”

Designed by David Corban Architects with BUILD overseeing its construction, TNP’s $21 million renovation has kept the community in mind by hiring local construction professionals and financing through local banks, FineMark National Bank & Trust and Lake Michigan Credit Union. When their renovation is complete in July, TNP is set to be the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified theater in the state of Florida, bringing a new environmental standard to Downtown Naples and the rest of the state. 

When designing their new venue, TNP’s arts access program – that serves students and families impacted by Autism, Sensory Processing Disorders, and other social, intellectual, and physical challenges – was heavily involved. The Kizzie Theater boasts a one-of-a-kind “Sensory Booth”: a private booth with independent lighting, sound, and temperature controls that allow any family impacted by Sensory Processing Disorders to enjoy every performance in a controlled environment. Additional accessibility features of the theater include a hearing-loop system and Bluetooth hearing assistance connectivity that enables any individual with Bluetooth hearing aids to connect directly to the theater’s sound system without the need for additional headphones or devices.

For many, TNP provides patrons with their first or only welcoming experience with theatre or the arts through “Sensory Friendly” (also known as “relaxed”) performances, as well as “touch tours” for the visually impaired, among many other services. And for those who cannot afford access to meaningful artistic experiences, TNP provides a “Pay what you can” program, reserving seats for partner organizations who connect low-income families that deserve a night at the theatre at whatever price they are able to afford. TNP also provides more than $50,000 in scholarships for theatre education across Collier and Lee counties every year. 

“Post renovation, our main stage, The Kizzie Theater, will have state-of-the-art technology that aligns with the same systems used on Broadway. These same systems will help our designers in creating very immersive sound. With this comes the ability for shows to be designed with cinematic-like surround sound which I’m sure will be a draw for many and create a fun playground to get creative in,” says Head of Sound, Bradley Van Houten.

“When looking at the infrastructure and systems for the building, flexibility was very important and a key consideration. One of these things are the ability to pipe in and show video feed from any of our three venues and any of the 4 rehearsal spaces. We will also be utilizing state-of-the-art intercom systems to be able to customize the channels used for each run crew position and beefing up our network infrastructure to be able to patch audio from anywhere in the building to anywhere we might need it. How we use our spaces and the opportunities we can provide for our volunteers is a key driving force in the functionality design post-renovation. We take a lot of pride I our volunteers and their involvement on shows – with our new infrastructure we can create a better experience and provide better training on how to use these tools effectively.”

Formerly known as Blackburn Hall, the new 452-seat Kizzie Theater – named by national philanthropists Jay & Patty Baker – features 308 seats on the main floor and adds 144 seats in the balcony, all while preserving the theater’s renowned aisle depth to allow patrons to move freely past one another in every row. The Kizzie Theater showcases a state-of-the-art sound system by Meyer Sound; custom acoustical design by Gary W. Siebein; and stunning custom millwork walls fabricated by local cabinet maker John Jewell. Additionally, the Broadway-style theater showcases an orchestra pit for 16 musicians, a complete fly house, a state-of-the-art lighting system, and spacious dressing rooms. In July, TNP will be adding two new 104-seat black box theaters, new scenic & costume shops, additional dressing rooms, bars, and a donor terrace.

Alongside the theaters themselves will come new public spaces for the community, including a public library sporting over 70 years of theatre knowledge and the all-new Annie’s Cafe – a cafe in collaboration with local Downtown Naples businesses to further their exposure while more deeply serving the volunteers and patrons. 

TNP’s vision of being a cultural hub leading the shift in the national perception of how theatres can impact their communities doesn’t seem too far off. In a community that values the arts, TNP’s dedication to access, the arts, and connection have led to their success through a trying time for many theatres across the country. 

Wrapping up the first phase of their renovation at the end of May, TNP continues to place both their internal community and the greater Naples community first with their upcoming Grand Reopening Extravaganza. Following private events for their volunteers and donors, further presentations on Saturday, June 1 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, June 2 at 2:00 pm are being extended to the Naples community to experience the joy of live theatre free of charge. Facility tours will be available before and after each performance. Patrons are encouraged to call the Box Office to reserve their seats in advance at (239) 263-7990. Seating is limited – only patrons who call in advance will be guaranteed admission.

“We’re thrilled to invite the community to view this amazing facility that was designed specifically for Naples,” says Alexander. “We want every member of our community to feel welcome and proud of their new theater.”

As the curtain lifts on their $21 million renovation, audiences can expect to be greeted by the clicking euphony of tap dancing feet, inviting them into the dazzling world of Broadway with TNP’s first production in The Kizzie Theater: 42nd Street.

On stage from June 26 – July 21, 2024, tickets for 42nd Street and season tickets for the entirety of TNP’s 71st Season are available now. Those interested can visit NaplesPlayers.org anytime or call the TNP Box Office at (239) 263-7990.