Page 66 - May-June 2025 Life In Naples Magazing

Empowering Students Through Theatre:

TNP's Fully Student-Led Productions

or the first time ever, The Naples Players Leading the Way: Student Leaders in Action
Academy (TNPA) is proudly presenting two Alex Minarik, a Florida State University Bachelor of
F fully student-led productions, giving young Fine Arts student, is stepping into the role of director
artists the opportunity to take charge of every creative and choreographer for Ride the Cyclone. Minarik’s
aspect of their performances. This summer, TNPA students are not extensive experience with TNP and background in performance
only stepping into the spotlight onstage but also stepping up to lead made him an ideal fit to lead this creative endeavor.
backstage roles in directing, stage management, lighting design, "The Naples Players has always been a second home for me,"
set creation, costuming, and marketing. said Minarik. "It’s incredible to now step into a leadership role
The new initiative comes following last year's summer season, and give back to the community that helped me grow as an
which faced logistical challenges due to TNP's renovation. Now, artist."
with the newly opened Tanya and Denny Glass Educational Vivienne Engelmann, choreographer for Six: Teen Edition, has
Theater on the second floor of the facility, students have access to a been immersed in dance since she could walk. After performing
dedicated space designed for creative growth. This incredible space in Six last year, Engelmann is now excited to take on the role of
includes five rehearsal rooms and a performance theater, providing choreographer, with guidance from TNP’s own Dawn Fornara.
ample room for students to develop their skills and confidence. "Dawn has been an incredible mentor," said Engelmann.
"The Glass Educational Theater is a safe, inspiring place where "Her support has helped me become a stronger dancer, actor, and
students can experiment, learn, and thrive," said Jennifer Price, choreographer. I’m excited to apply what I've learned and see this
Director of Youth Education. "It’s exciting to see students take full production come to life."
ownership of these productions with guidance from our team." Learning, Growing, and Gaining Confidence
Two Student-Driven Productions Take Center Stage "It’s amazing how students jump in and figure things out,"
For the middle school production of Six: Teen Edition, a group Price reflected. "This process is a huge confidence booster.
of high school students will take the reins as the creative team, Students are discovering they can handle real responsibilities and
handling everything from set design to costumes, hair styling, and achieve incredible results. Our professional mentors are there to
music direction. This hands-on opportunity allows these students to provide guidance, ensuring these students have both freedom and
put their artistic vision into action and support the middle school support."
cast in creating a memorable performance.
Meanwhile, high school students will take the stage in Ride the
Cyclone: High School Edition. For this unique and quirky musical, a
talented team of recent high school graduates, former TNP interns,
and returning college students are running the entire production,
including choreography and lighting design.
"This is a strange, wacky cult piece, and the kids absolutely love
it!" said Price. "The music is fantastic, and with a smaller cast of just
10 actors and minimal costume changes, it’s perfect for a student-
led team to manage successfully."

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