UPENDING assumptions

Inclusive Theatre Creates Experiential Enrichment

In its endeavor to ensure the performing arts are open to enjoyment and participation by all, The Naples Players established inclusive theatre classes with specific programs available to both children and adults, designed and administered by professional therapists and teachers. Using a student’s IEP, the Naples Players empowers students to achieve their curriculum goals through arts therapy; something they can’t find anywhere else. The science behind this inclusive programming is real. Each curriculum has been tailored to meet the individual needs of class participants, building on known benefits of play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and sensory-appropriate settings.

Combined with sensory-friendly performances, The Naples Players opens the doors for families to experience the arts together–many for the first time. During the 2018/2019 season, 367 sensory-friendly seats were sold, underscoring the demand among our patrons for this important accommodation.

116

Children and adults enrolled in Inclusive Theatre classes in 2018

4-17

Solomon Lusk never knew theatre therapy programming existed until coming to The Naples Players. The 20-yearold, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder, learned about the theater’s group catering to those on the spectrum this past summer. And theatre therapy has taken Solomon on a journey he never anticipated. Since last summer, he has advanced into different, non-therapeutic classes at The Naples Players. Recently, Solomon got his first job and credits this to The Naples Players’ educational and therapeutic programming he received and help from his job coach. “It’s helped me to think on my feet and my mom says it’s helped my memory, too,” he said.

Julia Maloney, whose daughter Kendall has benefited from this innovative theatre-as-therapy initiative beginning in 2018, says that the course has been nothing short of life-changing, enabling Kendall, who could not “easily navigate basic sensory input such as light, sound, taste, smell, and texture,” to interact and “to have a conversation with back and forth dialogue, listen, take direction, [and] express herself.” In reflecting on how The Naples Players has supported Kendall, Julia Maloney comments, “We’re forever grateful.”

Age range of children benefiting from our Acting and Improv for Autism classes

27% percentage reduction in self-reported anxiety after taking Improv for Anxiety casting in the military served me professionally, and now serves me as a volunteer giving back to my Naples community.

Joel Banow TNP VOLUNTEER

For more than 20 years, Joel Banow has donated time and talents to countless projects and departments at The Naples Players. Here, he stands by the 65th Anniversary time line project he orchestrated for the main lobby.

528

129

67,996 total number of annual volunteers average hours worked in 2018 per volunteer total volunteer hours worked at TNP in 2017