Gulfshore Playhouse Unveils 2026-2027 Season with Diverse Lineup

New Baker Theatre and Education Center to host classic musicals, world premieres, and expanded educational programs.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 1:03am

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Gulfshore Playhouse, Naples' only fully professional LORT (League of Resident Theatres) theatre company, has announced its 2026-2027 season, set to commence on October 20, 2026 at the newly opened Baker Theatre and Education Center. The season features a diverse lineup of productions, ranging from classic musicals to world premieres, alongside continued expansion of the company's educational programs.

Why it matters

The announcement of Gulfshore Playhouse's upcoming season highlights the growing importance of regional theatres in the United States. These cultural hubs are offering high-quality productions and educational opportunities that rival larger metropolitan areas, underscoring the value of community-focused performing arts institutions.

The details

The 2026-2027 season at Gulfshore Playhouse will kick off with the musical revue "The World Goes 'Round" in the intimate Struthers Studio, followed by an adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" on the larger Moran Mainstage. The new year brings the contemporary play "Heist" and the world premiere of "Fundraiser: A Play", before the classic musical "Guys and Dolls", the drama "Job", and Molière's "Tartuffe". The season will also feature the return of the Next Wave Festival.

  • The 2026-2027 season begins on October 20, 2026.
  • The Baker Theatre and Education Center opened in November 2024.

The players

Gulfshore Playhouse

Naples' only fully professional LORT (League of Resident Theatres) theatre company.

Baker Theatre and Education Center

A $75 million state-of-the-art facility that houses the Moran Mainstage and the Struthers Studio, as well as rehearsal spaces and dedicated education wings.

Kristen Coury

The director of Gulfshore Playhouse's adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" and the world premiere of "Fundraiser: A Play".

Brent Askari

The playwright of the world premiere production "Fundraiser: A Play".

Max Wolf Friedlich

The playwright of the drama "Job".

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

Renewing Flex Pass holders can renew through March 22, 2026. New Flex Passes will go on sale on March 23, 2026, and single tickets will be available starting May 26, 2026.

The takeaway

Gulfshore Playhouse's upcoming season and the opening of the Baker Theatre and Education Center exemplify the growing importance of regional theatres in the United States, which are becoming cultural hubs that offer high-quality productions and educational programs rivaling those found in larger metropolitan areas.