STARability and The Naples Players explore the power of inclusive theatre during Sept. 30 webinar

STARability Foundation invites families, caregivers and community members to explore how the performing arts can build skills, foster connections and expand accessibility during its upcoming “Support. Learn. Connect.” webinar. The free virtual session, “The Naples Players: How Theatres Can Impact a Community,” will take place from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 30.
            Part of STARability’s monthly webinar series offered through the support services department, the session will feature Craig Price, director of community enrichment for The Naples Players, and Summer Pliskow, director of Arts Access. Together, they will share how The Naples Players uses theatre beyond the stage to promote inclusion and create meaningful opportunities for people of all abilities.
STARability and The Naples Players share an ongoing commitment to making the performing arts more accessible to individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Through improv and musical theatre classes led by Price, STARability participants have opportunities to express themselves creatively while practicing collaboration, confidence and key skills they can use at home, at work and throughout the community.
During the webinar, attendees will learn how theatre-based activities can strengthen communication, foster connections and support their social, emotional and physical well-being. Pliskow and Price will also discuss how The Naples Players collaborates with community partners, including STARability Foundation, Naples Comprehensive Health and the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, to use the performing arts as a tool for education, training and community engagement.
            “The performing arts offer a welcoming space where people with autism and other developmental disabilities can express themselves, build confidence and connect with others,” said Karen Govern, CEO of STARability Foundation. “Our partnership with The Naples Players shows how inclusive arts experiences can help participants discover their abilities while creating greater understanding and appreciation for their unique talents and contributions throughout our community.”
            Known for its community engagement and accessible programming, The Naples Players has earned national recognition for its productions, partnerships and innovative efforts to expand participation in the arts. The organization also opened the nation’s first theatrical Sensory Booth, providing a supportive space where audience members can experience live performances while managing sensory needs.
            Price trained and performed at The Second City and iO Theater in Chicago before becoming involved with The Naples Players as a volunteer actor and later an educator. He helped establish the organization’s Arts Access department and today designs and teaches classes for people of all ages and abilities, using improv to strengthen skills through creativity, fun and laughter.
            Pliskow holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting and a certification in Arts in Medicine from the University of Florida, as well as a Master of Arts in applied theatre from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London. At The Naples Players, she creates programs and training opportunities for more than 40 partner organizations and teaches inclusive acting and musical theatre classes for students with autism and other developmental disabilities.
           The webinar is free and open to the public. To register or for more information, visit STARability.org/upcoming-events or email supportservices@starability.org.