At Players by the Sea, we believe in the power of community and collaboration, which is why we were thrilled to partner with Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens (JZG) for our production of Tarzan. This unique fusion of theatre and wildlife education provided an enriching experience for both our cast and audience, creating a memorable journey into the jungle.

A Community Partnership

Our collaboration with JZG was rooted in a shared commitment to fostering community relationships and supporting local non-profit organizations. Tamarah Thames, Philanthropy Experience Officer at JZG, expressed the importance of this partnership:

“Thanks to Players by the Sea! Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is committed to fostering community relationships and partnering with other non-profit organizations like Players by the Sea. Sharing our expertise in animal behavior with the talented cast of Tarzan was a highlight, as we observed remarkable similarities between their performances and the natural world. We are grateful for their support in sharing our Zoo Education programs, ReZOOvenation updates, and conservation initiatives with their audience. We look forward to continued collaborations that enrich our community.”

Bringing the Jungle to Life

The magic of Tarzan lies in its ability to transport audiences to the heart of the jungle. JZG played a crucial role in enhancing this immersive experience by sharing their extensive knowledge of animal behavior and conservation. Jamie Lankenau, Community Engagement Supervisor at JZG, shared her excitement about the collaboration:

“We love the opportunity to bring JZG offsite! It’s my biggest joy to support partnerships with Jacksonville’s vibrant arts culture. Tarzan is such a neat fusion of performance, visual art, and storytelling. It was my pleasure to showcase biological artifacts and a live animal from the African jungle to engage community theatre goers as they were exploring the immersive jungle experience that Players by the Sea created for the audience-And of course to teach about how JZG is supporting conservation of these species. As a fellow organization here for our Jax community, it’s fun to partner with and support each other!”

Education and Conservation

One of the highlights of this collaboration was the opportunity for our audience to learn about JZG’s education programs, conservation efforts, and the ReZOOvenation updates. By integrating these elements into our production, we aimed to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation and the incredible work being done by JZG.

Putting the Community in Community Theatre

Bradley Akers, Managing Director of Players by the Sea, emphasized how this partnership aligns with our mission:

“Our dedication to putting the community in community theatre doesn’t just happen on the stage. This partnership exemplified our commitment to the community we call home — and this fusion allowed us to connect the themes and the action of Tarzan with the work of the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Watching firsthand how life and art intersect in our own community is an experience that further exemplifies the value of arts and culture in our daily lives.”

Looking Ahead

As we look to the future, Players by the Sea is excited about the possibilities of continued collaborations with Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens. Together, we can create more unique and enriching experiences for our community, blending the worlds of art, education, and conservation.

Thank you to Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens for their invaluable contribution to Tarzan. We can’t wait to see what we can achieve together next!