On this episode of Everybody Loves Naples, we sit down with visionary arts leader Kristen Coury — the powerhouse behind one of Southwest Florida’s most exciting cultural transformations.

Kristen founded Gulfshore Playhouse in 2004 after relocating from New York City, where she worked on Broadway productions with Walt Disney Theatrical and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group. What started as a small professional theatre company has grown into a nationally recognized performing arts organization with an annual budget exceeding $14 million and a reputation for world-class productions. (Gulfshore Playhouse)

We talk about the journey of building the stunning new Baker Theatre and Education Center — a breathtaking $75 million state-of-the-art campus that officially opened in downtown Naples in late 2024. The new venue is already reshaping the city’s arts scene and serves as a major cultural gateway into Naples. (Gulfshore Playhouse)

Kristen shares the highs, challenges, and vision behind creating a thriving professional theatre in Southwest Florida, the importance of arts education, and how Gulfshore Playhouse is helping shape the future of Naples’ cultural identity.

Whether you’re a theatre lover, entrepreneur, creative, or community supporter, this conversation is packed with inspiration, leadership insights, and a behind-the-scenes look at one of Naples’ most ambitious artistic projects.

📍 Gulfshore Playhouse
100 Goodlette-Frank Rd S, Naples, FL 34102

🌐 Website: Gulfshore Playhouse
📸 Instagram: @gulfshoreplayhouse
📘 Facebook: Gulfshore Playhouse Facebook
🎭 Kristen’s Instagram: @theladydirects