Five Graduates. One Historic Milestone

Celebrating The Inaugural Graduating Class of The Baker Day School at The Naples Players

Bryce Alexander

by Bryce Alexander

When five seniors crossed the stage inside The Kizzie Theater this spring, they did more than receive diplomas. They became the first graduating class of The Baker Day School at The Naples Players Academy of Dramatic Arts, marking the beginning of a new chapter for arts education in Southwest Florida.

Launched in 2025, the Academy’s full-time academic program offers an innovative educational experience that combines accredited coursework with immersive training in acting, dance, vocal performance, and technical theatre. The result is an environment where creativity and academic achievement grow side by side, preparing students not only for college, but for confident, purpose-driven lives.

The inaugural graduates, Maddie Brendel, Jillian Cinnamon, Thomas Currie, Adeline Easterly, and Gabrielle Vasquez, leave with an impressive list of accomplishments. Together they earned acceptance to 12 colleges and universities and more than $200,000 in scholarships. This fall, each will continue pursuing careers connected to the performing arts, from commercial dance and musical theatre to film, music production, and music therapy.

For Vasquez, a visit to Florida Gulf Coast University’s Music Therapy program transformed her understanding of how the arts can change lives. She will study music therapy this fall, inspired by the power of creative expression to support healing and wellbeing, a philosophy embraced by The Naples Players through initiatives like ArtRx – a collaboration between The Naples Players and Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) that uses theatre techniques to support patients, families, and medical staff during the healthcare process.

During the commencement ceremony, Head of School Steven Caruso reminded the graduates that they were creating something much larger than themselves.

“You are the first to walk this stage, the first to leave your mark, and the first to carry this legacy forward into the world.”

The Academy’s first year was made possible in part through a transformational $1 million gift from longtime Naples philanthropists Patty and Jay Baker, whose investment helped establish the foundation for this innovative educational model.

As The Naples Players continues its mission of building community through exceptional access to the power of theatre, the success of its first graduating class demonstrates the impact of combining arts education with academic excellence. Interest in the program has grown rapidly since its launch, with applications already being accepted online for future enrollment and a waiting list beginning to form for upcoming admissions.

For these five graduates, commencement marked the end of one performance and the opening scene of the next. For The Naples Players Academy, it marked the beginning of what promises to be a lasting legacy of educating artists, leaders, and creative thinkers for years to come.

To Get Involved: Pamela Larkin Caruso plarkincaruso@naplesplayers.org (239) 434-7340, ext. 104

Have questions? For more information or to purchase your tickets, visit NaplesPlayers.org or call the box office at 239.263.7990

We love getting new volunteers into the mix! If you’re new to the area or just new to volunteering at TNP, don’t hesitate to join the fun. Test your skills at the next audition or contact Pamela Larkin Caruso today at 239-434-7340 ext. 104 to find out what other opportunities there are backstage and front of house.