Kylie Campbell

KylieCampbell

KidzAct Teen Becomes National Shakespeare Finalist

Although most birthday parties involve balloons and cake, Kylie Campbell celebrated William Shakespeare’s 455th birthday with a performance at New York City’s Lincoln Center as a National Shakespeare Competition finalist.

Kylie earned national recognition and an all-expense paid trip to the New York event after taking first prize in Southwest Florida’s regional competition. She won that after starring as Puck in The Naples Players’ A Midsummer Night’s Dream on the Baker Stage. Kylie credits this experience and her decade-long participation in KidzAct for her development and success. “I grew up in KidzAct,” she said. “The support I’ve received from everyone at The Naples Players made this accomplishment possible.”

Kylie’s mentors are impressed with her passion for theatre and latest achievement. Jessica Walck, the theater’s Associate Artistic Director, has spent several years teaching, directing, and mentoring Kylie. “She really loves the craft and learning techniques,” Jessica said. “Kylie comes hungry to learn, takes every class, and is involved in every theatre discipline at The Naples Players.”

KidzAct programming features specialized Shakespearean training for children and an annual children’s Shakespeare production on the Baker Stage in Sugden Plaza. Leading this

Kylie CAMPBELL

The support I’ve received from everyone at The Naples Players made this accomplishment possible.

– Kylie Campbell

effort at The Naples Players is veteran thespian John McKerrow, a renowned Shakespeare Director, who sees Kylie’s success as his own.

“I am so proud of her accomplishment—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” he said. “It’s a testament to the work of this theatre, Kylie’s teachers, and what is possible when talented young people are nurtured and encouraged through the arts.”

Kylie understands the gravity of her success, but instead focuses on having fun with the experience and honoring Shakespearian tradition.

“It’s important for young people to understand and appreciate Shakespeare,” she said. “There’s no better way to do than having fun performing his special works of art.”

Kylie Campbell competes at Lincoln Center