The Naples Players – Classes, Events, and Online Programs
March 19, 2020
We know this is a difficult time; so we have added a variety of online programs to help our community stay connected.
Dear Friends and Family,
The Naples Players knows that now is a very stressful time for many members of our community; and we are looking ahead to identify ways that our community can come back together to regain a sense of togetherness and normalcy – but only when it is smart and safe to do so.
In the meantime, we want to make you aware of online opportunities that exist for you and your families to stay engaged, and hopefully, relieve some stress.
The Naples Players is announcing new online classes for children, teens, and adults; special virtual community wellness events; and a new at-home cabaret! Led by Broadway director Samantha Saltzman (MATILDA), opera star Helen Tintes-Schuerman, and Naples Players favorites Katie Cross, Rachael Lord, Mary Anne McKerrow, and Craig Price, these new classes are designed to allow people of all ages and ability the opportunity to explore the artistic process even while self-quarantined due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Director of Education Hester Kamin said, “We have been working tirelessly with our theatre colleagues from around the world to figure out how to create programming that can reach people in their homes. It engages people of all ages, connects our community, and builds bridges through participation in the performing arts. This is especially important during a time when people feel frightened, isolated, and disconnected from their daily lives.”
In an effort the help combat these issues, The Naples Players will be announcing additional “Improv for Anxiety” online classes for both adults and teens throughout the coming weeks; hosting free online Yoga classes on Thursdays (TODAY!) at 5pm; and even leading free online sing alongs Fridays at 7:30pm.
See FREE Virtual Events
Utilizing a mix of Instagram, Facebook, GoToMeeting, and Zoom, The Naples Players is employing every tool available to us to continue to serve the community. Classes range from Preschool Acting to Adult Tap Classes; and teachers are both local and nationally renowned, a benefit of having virtual class.
“We’re bringing together the minds of Broadway with the minds of our local teachers; and we invite our community to come together virtually to sing, dance, laugh, and remind us that we’re all in this together, we’ll support one another, and we’ll come out stronger than ever” continued Kamin.
Learn More or Register for Online Classes
Additionally, The Naples Players is launching a new video based cabaret series Entitled “Naples in Residence,” where a new virtual performance will be showcased weekly on social media, on naplesplayers.org, and other digital platforms; and will be an artistic combination of performances submitted on-video to The Naples Players.
Executive Artistic Director Bryce Alexander said, “The Naples Players is all about our community; and in these uncertain times nothing could be more certain than the continued talent, passion, and heart of our community. We’re dedicated to continuing to showcase local talent while we all learn to navigate these unique times.”
In response, The Naples Players is calling for Collier County’s at-home artists to submit videos of themselves reciting original poetry, performing monologues, dancing, singing songs, etc… that will be combined into a weekly, virtual performance piece. Submission Instructions are listed below.
“Each week will be unique, as each week will depend on the videos submitted to the theatre,” Alexander said. “We hope people will showcase their true emotions that others can relate to, rejoice from, or laugh with during these difficult times.”
Learn More or Submit a Video
