“Theater and storytelling has the power to change lives.” – Liesl Tommy

It is no secret that lack of funding for The Arts is a significant problem. Unfortunately, whenever spending cuts are proposed, Art Programs are often the first to lose support.

This is counterproductive as it has been proven in numerous studies that young people who engage in the arts benefit on many levels including doing better in their academic classes.

The Naples Players Academy is a program that brings together kids from numerous schools in the area to a Community Theatre environment. The program welcomes in children of all age groups from toddlers all the way up through high school. The Naples Players Academy is inclusive of children of all levels, abilities, and disabilities.

The positive influences that the program offers these young people are too extensive to list completely.

But here are a few of them (in no particular order):

Encourage artistic expression

Build teamwork skills

Develop respect for others

Improve communication skills

Foster organizational skills

Improve time management skills

Grow self confidence

Grow self respect

Encourage physical activity

Support mental health

Develop leadership skills

All of that...while they are having fun and singing and dancing!

“The arts make a bridge across this world in ways that nothing else can.” – Julie Andrews

The kids all volunteer their time in auditioning, rehearsing, and performing. Beyond that, they volunteer to help build the sets and to run the audio/video equipment. Additionally they volunteer to hold fundraisers and to perform throughout the community.

They uplift audiences by performing at the local theatre. They also give to the community by performing at numerous events. For example, they volunteer to perform at nursing homes to brighten the days of the residents there.

The kids learn how to interact with and help one another and they get guidance from adults who are positive role models. They see firsthand how their efforts help those in their community. They also develop lifelong friendships with people from all walks of life.

Some of the kids even choose to pursue an education and career in theatre. But the ones who follow a different path can apply the skills and positive attributes of the theatre experience to any field.

Now… let’s talk money…

As I mentioned earlier, funding for The Arts is lacking:

Sets cost money

Costumes cost money

Audio and Video Equipment costs money

Buying the rights to put on shows costs money

Transportation costs money

Etc.

Additionally, not everyone who wants to participate has the money to do so.

So… The Naples Players Academy needs money to help fund productions and to provide scholarships for those who wish to participate but would not be able to without financial assistance. The Naples Players Academy does not ever want to have to turn a child away because of their financial limitations.

GoFundMe is helpful because it allows us to have a broader reach than would otherwise be possible. 100% of the money raised through this campaign will go directly to The Naples Players Academy (minus the small fee GoFundMe deducts to cover credit card processing fees and to cover their operations).

“First, think. Second, dream. Third, believe. And finally, dare.” – Walt Disney

We appreciate any contribution to our cause and also PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE check out your local school and community theatre and consider attending their productions and contributing to them as well.

I appreciate you taking the time to read this and humbly thank you in advance for your contribution towards improving our nation’s future. :)