UPSTANDING values

WHAT’S 68,000 VOLUNTEER HOURS AMONG FRIENDS?

From its founding in January 1953, The Naples Players was an idea rooted in, driven by, and created for its community. It’s amazing to consider that – at the timewith a population of only around 1500 people in Naples, there was sufficient recognition of the importance of local theatre to start a theatre. But with the support of so many, TNP has steadily grown and evolved. Today, The Naples Players welcomes over 60,000 patrons annually to more than 250 performances. The Naples Players is fortunate to be supported by a dedicated and talented staff, but as an organization, we simply could not survive without the support of hundreds of passionate helpers. The feeling is mutual, as the volunteer experience has provided an important place of family, meaning, and art to each volunteer.

Volunteer Joel Banow, who lost count of the thousands of hours he’s committed to The Naples Players over the course of more than 20 years, speaks for many in his cohort when he observes, “I’m grateful for all of the opportunities and experiences I’ve had every step of the way.” Joel is far from alone in the wide variety of volunteer roles he has held, including as director, backstage volunteer, audio assistant, working in the scene and costume shops, actor, visual display curator, and so much more. Most don’t know that Joel was the director of the CBS News broadcast of the moonlanding, but he finds he can use his experience in the control room to create artistic experiences he deems equally as important for the community.

Rachel Borwein knew she wanted to be an actress when she saw Joan of Arc at five years old. She went on to receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts, planning to act for a living, but had a change of heart after graduation. “I was stressed about supporting myself as an artist,” she said. So Borwein went back to school and became a veterinarian. But when she moved to Naples two years ago, she had the urge to get back on stage. Now, she’s been in classes and performances, acting in The Taming of the Shrew and Don’t Dress for Dinner. The roles have allowed her to work full time at the Banfield Pet Hospital while engaging in the arts. Borwein said that working as a vet has given her the stability and security she was looking for in a career, but acting has always been her passion. The Naples Players made it possible for her to have both.

Broadway’s Wicked and Annie pianist, Garrett Taylor, joined The Naples Players in December as a Special Guest Artist Conductor to lead the orchestra of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas.

“Community theater is where I had my start. It is also where I met the most wonderful people, developed my skills, and discovered my passion for theater. Growing up, I would have been lost without the wonderful arts programs in which I was lucky enough to be involved. The arts foster creativity, unity, and a sense of community and teamwork that is so important in our world today,” he said. Now, he is a regular guest conductor at The Naples Players not only providing unmatched opportunities for the volunteers onstage, but providing Garrett with a new connection to his community -oriented roots. From Broadway to Naples, we are thrilled to have such an amazing family.

KidzAct performers CJ Suarez and Eva Lye rehearse scenes from A Midsummer Night’s Dream on the outdoor Baker Stage.