Photo: The Naples Players at Sugden Community Theatre
Photo: Juan Pintos
Photo: The Naples Players at Sugden Community Theatre
The Naples Players at Sugden Community Theatre
★4.8(394 reviews)$Theater
🕑 2-2.5 hours for most productions including intermission; workshops and camps vary from 1-hour classes to full-day camp sessions👶 Best for ages 5 and up. Elementary-aged children will enjoy the children's productions and can participate in beginner workshops, while tweens and teens thrive in the more intensive acting classes and summer theater camps. Shows are typically appropriate for ages 5+ depending on the production.🧡 Saved by 200+ families
About
The Naples Players at Sugden Community Theatre is Southwest Florida's premier community theater that welcomes young audiences and aspiring performers alike. With high-quality family-friendly productions, engaging youth theater workshops, and popular summer camp programs, it's an excellent place to introduce children to the magic of live theater whether they're watching from the seats or taking the stage themselves.
Highlights
- ✓Professional-quality children's theater productions featuring beloved stories and musicals
- ✓Hands-on theater workshops teaching acting, improvisation, and stagecraft
- ✓Comprehensive summer theater camps with final performance showcases
- ✓Opportunities for kids to audition for youth productions throughout the season
- ✓Historic venue in downtown Naples with intimate seating that makes every seat feel close to the action
Pro Tips
- 1.Check their KidzAct programming specifically designed for young performers ages 5-18, which runs throughout the school year
- 2.Book summer camp spots early (often in February/March) as they fill up quickly - camps run in one or two-week sessions
- 3.Arrive 15-20 minutes early for family shows to find parking and get good seats, as seating is often general admission
- 4.Look for their special children's matinee performances on weekends which are shorter and more engaging for younger attention spans
- 5.Sign up for their email list to get early notification of auditions and family-friendly show announcements
Best Time to Visit
Weekend matinee performances (typically Saturday or Sunday afternoons) are ideal for families with younger children. Weekday workshops and camps run during summer and school breaks. The theater season runs October through August, with the most family-oriented productions typically scheduled around holidays and summer.
What to Know
Ticket prices vary by production but are typically $25-45 for adults and $15-25 for children. Parking is available in nearby lots and on-street metered parking. The theater is air-conditioned (bring a light sweater) and wheelchair accessible.
Seasonal Notes
The main theater season runs October through August with a break in September. Summer camps are extremely popular and run June through August. Holiday-themed productions (like A Christmas Carol) typically appear in November-December. Check the website for current season schedule as show offerings change throughout the year.
Nearby Eats
Skillets (about 0.3 miles away) offers casual breakfast and lunch with kid favorites like pancakes and grilled cheese. For post-show dinner, try The Local (0.4 miles) which has a good kids' menu and relaxed atmosphere perfect for families.
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