Gulfshore Playhouse Closes Sale Of Land For Future Home Of New State-of-the-Art Theater

Gulfshore Playhouse, Naples' premiere professional theatre, has successfully closed on a three-acre at the corner of 1st Avenue South and Goodlette-Frank Road. Located on the northern end of The Shoppes at Naples Square - a mixed-use space of retail and restaurant space being developed by The Ronto Group - the land will be the home of Gulfshore Playhouse's new multimillion dollar professional theater and education center.

Plans for the complex include two theatrical spaces; an education wing supporting programs for children, adults and families; a welcome garden; and a grand lobby featuring an atrium café.

"This new state-of-the-art theater and education complex will enable us to improve the quality of the theater-going experience by producing a broader season with large-cast musicals, more new works, and fresh content created in conjunction with Broadway producers. We look forward to creating a welcoming, creative, and art-filled space for the people in our region, as well as our visitors," said Kristen Coury, founder and producing artistic director of Gulfshore Playhouse.

"The news that Gulfshore Playhouse has closed on the property inside City limits is exhilarating for the entire Naples community. It was once a dream that will now become a reality," said Naples Mayor Bill Barnett.

"What started as a passion to create art and fill a niche in current offerings, has evolved into a thriving institution that has engaged more than a quarter of a million patrons through professional live theater productions," said Bob Harden, Gulfhsore Playhouse Board Chairman. "We are so grateful for the many that have supported our vision, helping us create world-class professional art and education in the heart of downtown Naples."

Quiet phase fundraising is under way, and architectural planning has commenced. Additional project details will be announced at a future date; project assistance is being provided to Gulfshore Playhouse by the owner's representative, Pizzuti Solutions.

Gulfshore Playhouse was founded in 2004. It recently kicked off its 2017-18 season with the production of Ken Ludwig's "Leading Ladies," showing through Dec. 10. Performances are presented at the Norris Center, located at 755 8th Avenue South in Naples. For tickets and information, visit www.GulfshorePlayhouse.org or contact 866-811-4111.

For more information about Gulfshore Playhouse or its new facility, call 239-261-PLAY (7529).

Gulfshore Playhouse is committed to enriching the cultural landscape of the region by producing professional theatre to the highest artistic standards, and providing unique educational opportunities to diverse groups of people in a spirit of service, adventure, and excitement. Gulfshore 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 the audience an understanding of common humanity. This belief drives the respect with which Gulfshore Playhouse treats its artists, audiences, students, staff, and members of the greater community.

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