Bryce Alexander - Bio
Based in Naples, Florida - but originally from Denver, Colorado - Bryce Alexander is currently the CEO & Executive Artistic Director of The Naples Players.
Early Career Highlights - 2010-2016
Before his arrival in Florida, Bryce served as the Artistic Director for Phamaly Theatre Company - at the time, one of the only semi-pro disability based theatre companies in the country.
He was instrumental in securing the company's first international performance tour to Japan; and was a co-host of a regional "Sensory Summit," that brought over a hundred Arts & Culture organizations together with disability service providers to learn about and commit to "Sensory Friendly" community programs.
His leadership garnered Phamaly two Denver Mayor Awards for Arts & Culture Excellence, including in "Innovation" and as the "People’s Choice."
He implemented the company's first guaranteed pay structure for performers; brought renowned regional artists into the creative process; and served as a panelist on one of the first Artistic Director panels at USITT - discussing accessibility on stage. Before leaving Phamaly, Bryce ensured the incoming Artistic Director was an individual with a disability, a major first.
He was pleased to be a contributor to "Disability & Theatre - a Practical Manual for Inclusion in the Arts" published by Routledge.
Bryce also served as a freelance Director for theatres of various sizes around the country - and worked in various aspects of the Director's team: from an intern, to an Assistant, and as a lead Director. Working in these varying roles and scales helped Bryce develop a keen sense of the many challenges that organization might feel at different levels.
His work as a director was critically acclaimed, with his production of Cabaret garnering a True West Award. (Read the award article - Read the Denver Post review of the show); His production of The Fantasticks went on to gain additional attention and accolades for its integration of Japanese Noh Theatre before traveling there (Read the Denver Post review of the show); and one reviewer said of Bryce's direction of The Glass Menagerie, "his direction is superb. Every line is memorable; every pause is important. His characters are simultaneously real people and poetic symbols." (Read the TheatreColorado Review here)
While in Colorado, Bryce married Katie Cross, a professional actress - who continues to be an important part of his professional, artistic, and personal development - to this day.
The pair now live in Naples, Florida.
Recent Career Highlights -2016 to Current
With a passion for arts strategy, and interdisciplinary participation in the arts Bryce has been helping organizations connect with the talents of their regions, supporting the creation of local art and regional influence that supports culture and builds community.
At The Naples Players, the results have brought both financial and cultural success - helping the organization double earned revenue, with subscription seats more than tripling in 5 years; while also building the region's first "Wellness Through The Arts" program serving more than five thousand individuals every year, and connecting local health agencies directly to the theatre. The Naples Players has now grown to provide theatre wellness programs to more than 40 non-profits and schools.
Education programs also grew, and professionals from around the world joined to teach classes and support major productions. From Broadway conductors to local actors, TNP is changing the business model of the arts.
But most importantly, the realization of increased
attendance, revenue, students, and community partners significantly altered the operating budget of the organization, and contributed several million dollars to grow the endowment - while balancing the operating budget of the theatre for the first time in years.
Bryce has continued to promote exciting artistic work, and the 2019 production of The Great Gatsby was noticed when a black man was cast in the role of Jay Gatsby, using Janet Savage's book "Jay Gatsby: A Black Man in Whiteface," to further the dramaturgical argument and inform the viewer. (Read a Naples Daily News Show Profile Here)
As COVID19 hit, the organization did not furlough any staff, and Bryce was heralded for his community leadership through the arts. Labeled the "Champion for the Arts" by Gulfshore Life Magazine (Read the Article Here), he has continued to work diligently to protect the arts in the region.
Knowing no leader could fight the battle alone, Bryce worked to create the region's only COVID Arts Advisory Board, composed of local and state officials, healthcare workers, national and international producers, and schools. Together, this committee advised him on the best practices for moving forward, while allowing the organization to reach out to colleagues around the region to lend support and information gleaned from the Advisory Board.
The same year, Bryce launched a now $21m capital campaign with The Naples Players to re-energize the arts community as it emerges from COVID (Read the Article Here). The project is now under construction, and the project a national example for engaging with the local government, neighborhoods, and local architects to create relevant and community-building spaces onstage and off. The facility is expected to begin public performances in May of 2024.
Meanwhile, in November of 2021, Bryce was named a "Man of the Year" in Gulfshore Life Magazine for his leadership of The Naples Players (Read the Article Here); Listed as one of Southwest Florida's 40 under 40 by Gulfshore Business Magazine in September of 2022; and named one of Naples Top 100 Most Influential Business Leaders by Naples Illustrated for 2022, 2023, and again for 2024.
Since COVID, Bryce has helped usher TNP into a new era, working to create and adopt a new strategic plan; adopting a refined mission and vision; and working to cement the brand, key messages, and business structures that will allow the company to grow and sustain itself.
He is the Chair of the Collier County Emergency Medical Authority, and an active participant in promoting the arts throughout the community.
Recent Awards & Recognition
2022, 2023, 2024 - Naples Top 100 - Naples Illustrated
2022 - 40 Under 40 - Gulfshore Business
2021 - Man of the Year - Gulfshore Life Magazine
2020 - Champion of the Arts - Gulfshore Life Magazine
2021 - One to Watch - Naples Illustrated
2018 - Best New Stage Direction - Florida Weekly
Education
BFA Cum Laude - Theatre Performance - University of Colorado
BA - English - University of Colorado
Additional
Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management - Harvard Business School
Certificate of Specialization in Strategy - Harvard Business School Online
CORe, Global Business, Disruptive Strategy
Certificate - Colorado Change Leader Institute - Colorado Creative Industries
Notable Civic Engagement
Leadership Collier Advisory Committee, Naples Chamber of Commerce - 2021 to current
Collier County Emergency Medical Authority, Chair - 2019 to current
Arts, Recreation, Leisure Working Group, Collier County - 2019 to current
Naples' Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Collier - Class of 2019
Cultural Arts Commission - City of Englewood, CO - 2015-2016