As our community continues to physically recover from the effects of hurricane Ian, we are increasingly aware that it is vital to address the mental health toll that was induced as a result of the storm. TNP is honored to play a role in our community’s mental health through our robust and well-established “Wellness Through the Arts” program – which last year served more than 5000 people – and is leading organizations around the country in the utilization of theatre as a tool for wellness.

We want to ensure these programs accomplish the greatest good; and invite you, your neighbors, and anyone who would benefit to our FREE Improv Therapy class on Saturday, November 5th at 4pm.

This free workshop will be led by Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Dianne Durante, Ed.S., LMFT; our own Arts in Health Specialist Summer Pliskow; and our Director of Community Education and Wellness Craig Price.

The class will focus on connection and growth in a post traumatic stress environment. To learn more about the instructors, or our wellness through the arts program, keep scrolling. Otherwise, we hope to see you on Saturday, November 5th at 4pm for this healing workshop.

Click Here to Reserve Your Spot

The Naples Players offers FREE Wellness classes throughout the year, and you can find a list of other upcoming classes below.

Don’t forget, The Naples Players also has a “Pay What You Can” program, a no questions asked opportunity for anyone in our community to attend a performance at a cost dictated by the patron. Please let your friends and neighbors economically impacted by the storm know of this great program, which will allow them an important community-building experience like attending a TNP production! Simply call the Box Office at 239.263.7990 for more information.

Improv Therapy Instructors

Dianne Durante, Ed.S., LMFT, Is an expert on marriage, family, and the educational system with over 40 years of experience as a therapist and educator. She is the author of two book; and is a member of the prestigious National Speakers Association. Dianne is known nationwide for her innovative interactive presentations which combine symbols and theories to keep audiences laughing as they learn to remember the basics for living a happy life.

Dianne has also created and conducted parent education programs for traditional and blended families, support groups for families of divorce, and a unique self-esteem program called Circle of Hearts. She has taught university level psychology and sociology courses on topics such as women, aging, wellness, death, and love. He is a renowned author, speaker, and counselor.

Summer Pliskow received her BFA in Acting and her Certification in Arts in Medicine from the University of Florida; and her Master of Arts in Applied Theatre from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London. She then worked with the National Healthcare System (NHS), held different workshops in care facilities and hospitals, and worked with schools in underdeveloped communities to help students who needed additional support in the school environment.

Summer joined The Naples Players earlier this year, building on an established wellness program that had grown significantly in only a few short years. Summer has since been able to take her experience and build new programs with new partners, new approaches, and new students. Her passion lies in utilizing theatre to promote personal, social, and cultural wellbeing within the greater community through storytelling, devising, and the performing arts – and The Naples Players has been the perfect place to do just that.

Craig Price trained and performed with The Second City in Chicago and with Improv Olympic (now The IO Theater) where he trained with the legendary Del Close. Craig then spent five years performing 550 shows with ComedySportz of Denver and five years on the road as a stand-up comedian. Craig then moved to Naples, where he became the Youth Theatre Director for the Centers for the Arts of Bonita Springs. There, he built the performing arts department by directing, designing and teaching classes, and booking shows.

Craig began at TNP as the Education Director and now focuses on TNP’s inclusive classes for kids and adults. Craig designs and teaches classes for students of all abilities where they learn valuable communication skills through the practice of Improv and Acting exercises. Many of Craig’s students have used their newly learned skills to transition into jobs, living facilities, and universities.

Additional Free Classes

We’re thrilled to work with our community partners to offer the following classes free-of-charge to the constituents who need them! To find out more information, please call Maya Kleinsorge, Education Assistant, at 239.434.7340 x136.

• Inclusive Improv in partnership with Golisano Children’s Hospital
• Devised Filmmaking at Alzheimer’s Support Network
• Improv for Communication Skills at All Seasons Naples
• Improv for Communication and Interview Skills with CCPS transition classes, P.A.C.E Program and L.I.F.E Program
• Improv for Care Partners at Cypress Cove Senior Care
• Improv for Communication Skills at Grace Place
• Improv for Care Partners at Memory Treatment Centers of Bonita
• Improv for Communication Skills at My Autism Connection
• Theatre for Communication Skills and Care Partners at Naples Senior Center
• Improv for Communication Skills at River Park Community Center
• Improv for Care Partners at The Alzheimer’s Association
• Interactive Storytelling and Improv for Communication Skills at The Arlington
• Theatre as Therapy for Grief and Loss with Valerie’s House
• Communication in the Workplace with David Lawrence Center
• Interactive Storytelling and Improv for Communication Skills with Lorenzo’s House
• Expressive Theatre Therapy with Horses at Naples Therapeutic Riding Center
• Improv for Communication Skills with OM Homeschool Group

Scholarship Fund Support

We have also set up a Hurricane Ian Scholarship Fund to help families offset the costs of our Arts Education & Wellness programs during this difficult time of rebuilding.

Any donations to this program, or The Naples Players in general, help make these life-saving community programs possible for ANY student in need.

Click Here to Donate