KRISTEN COURY

FOUNDER, CEO & PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, GULFSHORE PLAYHOUSE, NAPLES

Since founding Gulfshore Playhouse in 2004, Coury has led its growth from a one-woman shop to a staff of 115 and a $15-million budget. Now a city cornerstone, it recently opened a $78-million, 40,000-sq.-ft. theater and education center. Beyond Broadway-quality productions, the organization offers an array of educational programs spanning in-school and extracurricular training for students from ages 5 to 18, as well as adult programming.

EDUCATION: State University of New York at Albany (BA)

DAILY RITUAL: I prioritize a “miracle morning” routine, integrating Joe Dispenza's visualizations with meditation, journaling and exercise. By combining these disciplines into a singular morning practice, I prime my mind for creativity and resilience.

NOTABLE TREND: While many theaters prioritize “confrontational” programming, we've defied national trends by treating theater as a “gastronomic experience for the soul.” By balancing world premieres with beloved classics and transforming our venue into a daily civic hub, we've become essential to the city's daily economic, social and emotional fabric.

IN MY DOWNTIME: People might be surprised to learn I'm a ballroom dancer and a linguist who has lived in four world capitals. Most notably, I wrote a novel and directed a feature-length independent film; these creative pursuits fuel my belief in the transformative power of a well-told story.

NONPROFIT PASSION: I am deeply passionate about Captains for Clean Water. As a believer in organic living and environmental stewardship, I recognize that Florida's prosperity is inextricably linked to our water quality.