Following a 300% increase in students since 2018, The Naples Players (TNP) is pleased to announce more educational opportunities this year, beginning with their all-new “Middle School Saturdays.”

Featuring three classes, Middle School Saturdays are geared towards students ages 11 – 14 with an interest in the performing arts. This day-long training opportunity is complete with technical instruction in three musical theatre disciplines (voice, jazz, and tap) from industry professionals.

Melody Makers, Musical Theatre Dance Styles, and Introduction to Tap will run from September 23 – November 18, 2023. Valued at $770, students who bundle and sign up for all three classes will receive a $170 discount. That’s $600 total for 8 Saturdays of intense, fun, and technical theatre training.

“Melody Makers” focuses on building a foundation for music skills needed in an ensemble setting and in learning a show. Complete with instruction on sight reading sheet music, basic music theory fundamentals, and a capella and harmony training, this class aims to teach students singing tips and tricks that will help them navigate their voices and learn shows faster. Taught by vocal instructor Angelina Sozio, and composer Johnny Serafino, this class will end in a showcase allowing students to demonstrate and apply their new skills. This class runs from 12 pm – 2 pm at the cost of $450.

“Musical Theatre Dance Styles” is an opportunity for students to develop a strong foundation of dance technique, specifically in jazz and musical theatre stylings. Taught by Shannon O’Bryan (Peggy Sawyer/42nd Street on Broadway/1st National Tour/ Moscow Production and Judy Haynes/White Christmas on Broadway/1st National Tour), students will be exposed to multiple styles of musical theatre dance repertoire from some of the greatest musicals in the last 100 years. This class runs from 2 pm – 3 pm at the cost of $150.

“Introduction to Tap” teaches foundational tap skills through high-energy choreography. Instructed by Shannon O’Bryan, this class will leave students able to successfully tap some of their favorite original Broadway choreography, and will teach tap techniques through warmups and small combinations. This class runs from 3 pm – 4 pm at the cost of $150.

This expansion to TNP’s programming goes hand-in-hand with the $20 million renovation currently underway at their 5th Ave S location. The theater is seeking to put its community first by offering new performance and class opportunities to support its youth. When their 5th Ave S venue reopens in April 2024, a new performance space, the Tanya & Denny Glass Educational Theater, will house all future youth productions and classes.

All skill levels are welcome to participate in Middle School Saturdays. Thanks to The Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation, The Naples Players offers needs-based scholarships; contact Maya Kleinsorge for more information (239-434-7340 ext. 136, or mkleinsorge@naplesplayers.org). Go to NaplesPlayers.org to secure your spot today!