Page 67 - LIN-December 2024-web-file

Lisa Bill

Opportunity

at The Naples Players

Lisa, Ted, Family at Christmas.

Being named the 2023 and 2024 Trees and Teas Design Chair culminates in an event that will run from November 20 to
has been a huge honor for Lisa. “It is my hope that this year is the December 22, 2024 in the Jay R. Paul Community Atrium inside
best yet,” said Lisa. “This labor of love has taken many hours of work The Naples Players theater.
by so many talented and passionate volunteers and staff.” “I so enjoy bringing my creative and organizational skills
Creating a successful event means planning starts right after to TNP,” said Lisa. “I just love the team. They are so kind
wrapping up the previous year’s event. Lisa starts shopping in and generous with their time. They are just wonderful people.
early January, buying Christmas-related supplies and materials at TNP offers so much – for adults and children. I am incredibly
a deep discount around town and online. Lisa explains that, for impressed with the work with arts access programs, like the
her, shopping is a profession. “I try to be economical and efficient. partnership with StarAbility. I am especially proud of TNP’s
Christmas in July sales are real – prices are good in summer. In the commitment to the community, as demonstrated by the
fall, retailers begin to rapidly mark up their prices.” innovative way they created a safe place for people to gather and
Lisa wants to encourage patrons to think out of the box when access community resources following Hurricane Ian. Bryce is a
decorating their own trees. “I’ve tried so many things over the years. phenomenal individual who’s dedicated leadership continues to
Layered lighting, lanterns in trees and, last year, I used vases and grow the success of The Naples Players.”
plates in trees. There are so many creative ways to make the Tree and Outside of TNP, Lisa keeps herself busy. "My husband and
Teas Festival as unique and engaging as possible for Naples’ residents I love to travel, enjoy great food, build Lego projects, work out
and visitors.” and spend time with our beloved dog, Alabama." She also
Once the design and theme are selected, Lisa works with Cole enjoys cooking and baking and, of course, anything to do with
Butcher, TNP Production Stage Manager & Internship Director, Christmas!
and Pamela Larkin Caruso to determine locations for the trees and "Volunteering with TNP is just one of those things we do
wreaths set up in the new Jay R. Paul Community Atrium. “I am so that keeps ourselves active and healthy,” said Lisa. “TNP has been
excited that we have this renovated theater with a big spacious lobby such a great addition to my life.” Lisa offers this advice to others:
to accommodate everything we want to do," said Lisa. "This year, we “Get involved. TNP will be keen to have you. You can do a little
will again be decorating 9 foot and 12 foot trees for display. We have or a lot. It is very social for anyone who needs a place to belong. It
a fantastic ‘dream team’ of volunteers who are building wreaths and provides a great opportunity for individuals who want to get out,
mini-trees which are sold to raise funds for The Naples Players. The develop friendships and invest in their community.
trees and wreaths will be a perfect way for our seasonal residents to You have nothing to lose!”
decorate their homes for the holidays, while supporting our amazing We love getting new volunteers into the mix! If you’re new to
TNP community." She continued, "I am so pleased that at least 10 the area or just new to volunteering at TNP, don’t hesitate to join
large trees designed and decorated by very talented local designers the fun. Test your skills at the next audition, or contact Pamela
will be on display. And I'm personally going to tackle the largest tree Larkin Caruso today at 239-434-7340 ext. 104 to find out what
I've ever decorated—but I am up for the task!” other opportunities there are backstage and front of house.
The designers and TNP team begin staging the trees, wreaths and Those interested can visit NaplesPlayers.org anytime or
decorations the second week of November. All of their hard work call the TNP Box Office at (239) 263-7990.

Life in Naples | December 2024 67