The Naples Players Win Prestigious Grand Aurora Award for Renovation Excellence
September 29, 2025
The Naples Players (TNP) is proud to announce that its recently completed theatre renovation has received the Grand Aurora Award for Best Rehabilitation Project – Commercial & Industrial, the highest honor presented by the Florida Home Builders Association’s Aurora Awards.
Spanning 12 states and more than 60 categories, the Aurora Awards celebrate excellence in architecture, interior design, and construction across the Southeast. The Grand Award represents an extraordinary distinction, placing The Naples Players’ renovation among the most innovative and impactful projects in the region.
The $22 million renovation, led by BUILD LLC and designed by David Corban Architects, transformed TNP’s downtown Naples campus into a state-of-the-art cultural hub featuring modernized theatres, enhanced technical infrastructure, improved accessibility, and sustainable LEED-certified design. With this certification, The Naples Players is now the only LEED-certified theatre in the State of Florida.
“This recognition affirms our vision that a theatre can be both a cultural and community landmark,” said Bryce Alexander, CEO & Executive Artistic Director of The Naples Players. “The Aurora Award underscores the importance of not only preserving but reimagining community spaces in ways that inspire creativity, sustainability, and connection.”
The reimagined facility now boasts three fully modernized performance venues—the 452 seat Kizzie Theater, the 106 seat Price Studio Theater, and the 106 seat Glass Theater—each equipped with advanced lighting, sound, and staging systems to enhance both professional productions and educational performances. New rehearsal halls, classrooms, a library, and gathering spaces expand opportunities for education, and TNP recently started SWFL’s only full-time Performing Arts Academy in the renovated facility.
In addition to the Aurora Award, The Naples Players’ renovation was recently highlighted on the nationally broadcast series America by Design. The feature showcased how the project redefines the role of a theatre in modern society not just as a performance space, but as a cultural hub for education, wellness, and community partnerships. Viewers across the country were introduced to TNP’s innovative design, its 700-strong volunteer community, and its mission of building community through exceptional access to the power of theatre.
Community members are invited to experience the award-winning facility firsthand through free daily tours at noon and 5:00 p.m. (except Sundays). These tours provide guests with an inside look at the cutting-edge features that have positioned The Naples Players as a regional leader in theatre innovation and design.
About The Naples Players
The Naples Players (TNP) is a nationally recognized community theatre dedicated to building community through exceptional access to the power of theatre. Located in the heart of downtown Naples, TNP engages more than 700 volunteers annually, reaching over 70,000 audience members and students through high-quality productions, inclusive education programs, and innovative community partnerships. With a newly renovated, LEED-certified facility, TNP continues to serve as a cultural hub and leader in how theatres can impact their communities.
