The Naples Players Fall Class Registration

The Naples Players (TNP) is now taking registrations for fall theatre classes available for young artists – children as young as two years old to teens. Due to the theater’s $22 million renovation, this is the first time in nearly two years that classes will be held on-site at the theater, 701 5th Avenue South, Naples. Space is available for students in all classes, which are offered multiple times throughout the year. For additional details or to register, visit www.naplesplayers.org/academy/ 

Along with the much-anticipated theater reopening this past summer, TNP also announced an expanded and enhanced arts education program, transitioning from the KidzAct education program to the TNP Academy of Dramatic Arts (TNPA). Jen Price was named the new Director of Youth Education. In addition, Craig Price and Summer Pliskow are leading the Academy’s new Arts Access department, expanding accessibility programs, including working with over 40 local partners to enhance education programs and rolling out the facility’s state-of-the-art technologies to allow children with sensory processing disorders and their families to enjoy performances. 

“Many people do not understand the impact of theatre—even quiet, shy children and teens can come out of their shell through the performing arts. Theatre teaches so many life skills: problem-solving, patience, empathy, confidence, public speaking and teamwork,” said Jen Price. “You can literally watch young children and teens gain confidence, develop more socially, and improve their coping skills. I’ve been involved in youth theatre productions for more than 15 years and I’ve seen over and over again how theatre can truly be life changing.” 

TNP offers two types of theatre education: 

Showcase Classes: Designed to build skills and techniques, these classes are available for children from Pre-K through high school. Each Showcase class is built on a theme for the session and at the conclusion of each session students will put on a showcase performance to show what they learned.  This fall, themes range from If Give a Mouse a Cookie for Pre-K students to Seusical the Musical Kids, Improv, and other technique classes. Weekly classes range from 1-4 hours in length based on age and grade level, as well as the final showcase production. Next sessions start in September. See the schedule by grade level by visiting www.naplesplayers.org/academy/ 

Performance Classes: These classes require an audition for admission, are associated with an upcoming TNPA stage performance and require a more rigorous rehearsal schedule. The fall performance class auditions have already been completed. Auditions for the spring shows, Hadestown Teen and Something Rotten Teen, are scheduled from 12:00 – 4:00 PM Saturday, November 23. 

TNP Academy class fees vary based on class length and type, ranging from $300 to $750. For all classes, need-based scholarships are provided generously through The Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation. 

The public is also invited to attend upcoming TNPA Performances, including Young Frankenstein, scheduled to run from October 26 – November 3, and Legally Blonde, Jr., with performances from November 9-12. For tickets, visit https://my.naplesplayers.org/events.