Gulfshore Playhouse Patrons Donate $12,412 For Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS And Gulfshore Playhouse Education

Gulfshore Playhouse, Naples' premiere professional regional theatre, recently raised a record-breaking $12,412.12 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and the Gulfshore Playhouse Education Fund through the national "Bucket Brigade" challenge.

The tradition started in 1989 during the off-Broadway production of "Steel Magnolias" and has spread to theatres on Broadway and throughout national tours and select regional theatres.

"This wonderful tradition has helped provide much-needed funding for men, women and children around the country for treatments, medication, health care, counselling, emergency financial assistance and more," said Founder and Producing Artistic Director Kristen Coury. "We're so thankful to our generous patrons who not only support live, professional theatre but life-changing programs provided by Broadway Cares that will support health initiatives for our actors as well as expand opportunities for young artists in Southwest Florida,"

Funds will also support Gulfshore Playhouse Education and its myriad of programs that enhance the lives of children, teens and students of all ages in Southwest Florida. From in-school residencies and pre-professional theater training to community partnerships, audience engagement, and student matinees - Gulfshore Playhouse Education strives to inspire creativity, encourage self-expression, and support the blossoming of self-confidence, collaboration and a deep appreciation of the arts.

Gulfshore Playhouse is passionately committed to enriching the cultural landscape of our region by producing professional theater to the highest artistic standards and providing unique educational opportunities to diverse groups of people in a spirit of service, adventure, and excitement. The Playhouse's work is inspired by a belief in the magic of theater to expand the imagination, challenge the senses, provoke discussion, and revitalize in its audiences an understanding of our common humanity. This belief drives the care with which Gulfshore Playhouse treats its artists, audiences, students, staff, and members of the greater community.

This focus is also at the core of its newest endeavor - the creation of a cultural landmark facility in downtown Naples. Plans are currently underway for the new Gulfshore Playhouse Theater and Education Center at Goodlette-Frank Road and First Avenue South, which will include two theaters and an education wing to support programming for children, adults, and families.

For more information about Gulfshore Playhouse, visit www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org or call 239-261-PLAY (7529).