NAPLES, FLA.: The Naples Players (TNP) has announced that after a competitive national search, CEO and executive artistic director Bryce Alexander has selected Phillip Fazio to join him in leading the organization as its new artistic director.
“With TNP’s incredible growth over the last few years, this is just another step in our plan to go even deeper into serving our patrons and volunteers in unparalleled ways,” said Alexander in a statement. He joined the Naples Players in 2016 as artistic director and became CEO and executive artistic director in 2017 after the retirement of longtime executive director John Sorey III. “I am delighted to add another dynamic individual to help lead the organization into its future.”
In his new role, Fazio will lead the implementation of TNP’s artistic vision, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and values. Reporting directly to Alexander, Fazio is tasked with forging even stronger relationships with artists, staff, audiences, and community stakeholders, and he will strive to ensure that TNP’s productions and programs reflect the highest artistic standards while advancing the organization’s goals and growth.
“I cannot wait to become a part of the incredible team at the Naples Players this spring,” said Fazio in a statement. “There is a contagious passion for the arts that is shared by the staff and many volunteers who call this wonderful organization home. It is an honor to join one of the nation’s leading nonprofit theatres and help them provide exceptional access to the power of theatre in Southwest Florida.”
Phillip Fazio was the producing artistic director at Duluth Playhouse in Minnesota and an artist-in-residence at the Phoenix Theatre Company. His Off-Broadway directing credits include The Book That I’m Going to Write, By Judy Garland (Jerry Orbach Theater) and Gay Camp (Players Theatre). Favorite directing credits include Follies, Caroline or Change, August: Osage County, Sunday in the Park With George, Ragtime, The Sound of Music, Into the Woods, Kinky Boots, Grey Gardens, Proof, and Cabaret. Assistant credits include working on various productions with directors Christopher Ashley, Susan H. Schulman, and Jeff Calhoun. Phillip earned a BFA in musical theatre from the Boston Conservatory and an MFA in directing from Pennsylvania State University.
Founded in 1953, the Naples Players is a nonprofit community theatre committed to building community through exceptional access to the power of theatre. The 2025-26 season is their 72nd season of providing Southwest Florida with exceptional quality shows, classes, and programs. They recently completed a $22 million renovation of their iconic home on 5th Avenue. As of 2023, they have a total budget of about $2.88 million.
