Local Spotlight: Gina Sisbarro
From publishing a novel to launching three unique businesses—Sisbarro Acting Studios, Marco Mystery and History, and Playology—Gina Sisbarro has turned her creativity into community impact.
At HeyNeighbor, we love celebrating the people who bring creativity, energy, and community spirit to Southwest Florida. This week’s Local Spotlight shines on Gina Sisbarro, whose entrepreneurial journey has branched into theater, ghost tours, and team-building experiences that make a lasting impact on both residents and visitors.
About the Business
This is what you call a dream come true. It’s the old saying: “when one door closes, another opens.”
When I was laid off from my former job, it gave me the chance to explore new opportunities that led me down four very different paths.
The first was publishing my adult novel, Finally Found. While it was a passion project, it wasn’t fully welcomed in my old workplace, so this moment was the beginning of something bigger.
Next, I opened two businesses under my LLC: Sisbarro Acting Studios and Marco Mystery and History.
- Sisbarro Acting Studio is a youth and young adult theater program where I write and direct original plays. This idea came from a close friend, Gayle Thawley, who encouraged me to create my own space after disagreements with other theaters about updating scripts. Since then, I’ve written more than twenty plays for productions with the YMCA, Marco Island Charter Middle School, and our yearly main stage show.
- Marco Mystery and History was born from my love of history and the supernatural. With the help of local historians, spiritualists, and my daughter—who is an “intrigue” able to see and feel spirits—I built ghost tours across Marco Island. The tours combine true history with storytelling and have become one of the top-rated things to do on the island.
The latest venture under my LLC is Playology, a team-building and consulting business. I use my background in recreation and theater to design workshops that strengthen collaboration, boost morale, and improve communication for schools, nonprofits, and companies.
Across all three businesses, my favorite part is being creative—whether it’s writing a play, leading a tour, or hosting a workshop. And of course, being my own boss.
The Local
What makes me unique is simple: I love to entertain and create joy for others. Whether it’s theater students, ghost-tour guests, or business professionals, my goal is always to bring happiness and fun.
Community partnerships are essential. My ghost tours partner with the Old Marco Inn and the Marco Island Historical Museum. For theater, I collaborate with the YMCA and Marco Island Middle School, where I’ve built programs that help kids gain confidence, responsibility, and ownership of their roles.
Challenges & Wins
Every year brings new challenges. From losing a key ghost-tour location when the Olde Marco Inn was condemned to balancing attendance for youth theater programs, adaptability is key.
Yet the wins are unforgettable. Hearing applause after a performance, seeing actors grow in confidence, or helping a grieving family find peace during a tour—these are the moments that fuel me.
My theater runs on donations and sponsorships, not ticket sales, which makes community support even more important.
Marketing and Growth
Theater promotion happens mostly through collaborations with local schools and organizations, while ghost-tour bookings flow through my website. Playology is the newest venture, and I’m actively seeking partners and leads to grow its impact.
One tip I always share: don’t give up on your dream, but stay realistic about finances and know when to roll up your sleeves.
Just for Fun
I love touring other historic locations and even host convention groups on off-site bus tours. I’m also an avid reader and researcher of history.
And yes, theater bloopers happen often—like when an “Ichabod Crane” actor loudly passed gas during a dress rehearsal death scene. We chalked it up to realism and carried on!
My personal theme song is “I’m Coming Out” by Diana Ross—a reminder to be bold, visible, and true to myself.
What’s Next
The next theater project is still under wraps (theater superstitions don’t allow for early announcements!), but the best way to support me is by attending a show, sponsoring a production, or enrolling kids in theater. The skills they gain—confidence, teamwork, and self-expression—are priceless.
Thank you to HeyNeighbor for this opportunity to share my story.
Learn more at:
Closing
At HeyNeighbor, we believe small businesses are the heart of every community. Gina’s story is proof that with creativity and resilience, you can build something truly one-of-a-kind.
Stay tuned for more Local Spotlights, where we continue to highlight the people shaping our neighborhoods.
