Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo appointed Kristen Coury, CEO and Producing Artistic Director of Gulfshore Playhouse, to the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. Her term of office begins immediately and expires December 31, 2025.

"Kristen joined our Greater Naples Chamber Board in 2021 and we've been able to watch her grow Gulfshore Playhouse bigger and better than ever," said Michael Dalby, President and CEO of Greater Naples Chamber.  "We also get to witness the state-of-the-art Baker Theatre and Education Center being built near the intersection of First Avenue South and Goodlette-Frank Road!" 

In the press release from the president office, it states, “Kristen’s leadership, and vision were instrumental in growing the Gulfshore Playhouse from a small company producing in a municipal building to a thriving playhouse, with a staff of 50, operating a state-of-the art theatre and education center,” said President Passidomo, herself a lifelong supporter and patron of the arts with a focus on theatre and opera. “I know she will bring the same passion to this role, working to expand the arts footprint in our state, including expanding opportunities for children and families to experience all of the diverse arts and cultural activities Florida has to offer.”

The Florida Council on Arts and Culture is the 15-member advisory council appointed to advise the Secretary of State regarding cultural grant funding and on matters pertaining to arts and culture in Florida.

“I’m honored to be appointed to the Florida Council on Arts and Culture,” said Gulfshore Playhouse Founder, CEO & Producing Artistic Director Kristen Coury. “To be able to serve all the artistic endeavors and advocate for the importance of the arts throughout the state and my region of Southwest Florida in such a role is humbling. I look forward to working with Senator Kathleen Passidomo and the entire Council during my tenure.”

Kristen Coury founded the Gulfshore Playhouse in 2004, after moving to Naples from New York City. Kristen’s career began in London, where she worked for the English Shakespeare Company in the Press and Marketing Department.  She has directed nearly 50 Playhouse productions to date, including My Fair Lady, Steel Magnolias, and The Merchant of Venice. 

The new 40,000-square-foot venue of Gulfshore Playhouse  will include a 350-seat mainstage theater and lobby, a 150-seat studio theater, rehearsal spaces, an outdoor rooftop terrace, bar and café, founder’s lounge and a dedicated education wing. 

Kristen is a proud member of the Greater Naples Chamber Board of Commerce.  She was named one of the Top 100 Most Influential Business Leaders in Collier County in 2021 and 2022. Additionally, she was named a “Leading Lady” by Naples Illustrated in 2018, one of the Men and Women of the Year by Gulfshore Life in 2013, a “Star in the Arts” by the United Arts Council of Collier County in 2011, and one of the “Top 40 Professionals Under 40” by Gulfshore Life Magazine in 2008.