The Burt Reynolds Institute Monthly Newsletter

MARCH 2015

*Message From The Chair
*Classes & Seminars
*Headlines, Stories, & Events
*In The Spotlight
*Reynolds Wrap

Dear Friends,

Thanks to generosity of both the United Way of Martin and Palm Beach Counties and the Community Foundation of Martin and Palm Beach Counties, you can become a philanthropist for a day through the Great Give 2015 24-hour fundraiser.

As many of you know, Cinco de Mayo is the day Mexico celebrates its victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla with margaritas and mariachi music. But, this May 5, Burt Reynolds friends and fans will have an opportunity to celebrate something even bigger–the securing of Mr. Reynolds’ legacy for generations to come. “But, how?” you may ask. It’s easy!

Great Give is a virtual event that assists local non-profits to raise much needed funds. By visiting the page dedicated to the Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and Theatre and making a donation, you will help to open the doors of a new Burt Reynolds and Friends Museum. Additionally, the money raised will help to build a new Burt Reynolds Institute and Theatre, where classes and shows will be offered for all to enjoy.

Listing Details:
When: From 5PM on May 5, 2015 until 5PM on May 6, 2015
Where: Online at https://www.greatgiveflorida.org/#npo/burt-reynolds-institute-for-film-and-theatre
What: Being a philanthropist for a day has never been easier
How: Mark your calendar now–May 5, 2015

-Douglas Rill
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Burt Reynolds Institute for Film & Theatre

MASTER ACTING CLASS with BURT REYNOLDS
By invitation only and based on completed application, which can be found on our website. For inquiries, please email info@burtreynoldsinstitute.org or call 561-743-9955

FUNDAMENTALS of ACTING for ADULTS
Sundays at 1PM
Fundamentals of Acting continues to fill the Mirror Ballroom with actors at every level of expertise. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate performer or experienced actor, Fundamentals will allow you to hone your craft in a welcoming and nurturing atmosphere. This is a scene study class in which students are given the opportunity to perform a ten minute scene on stage each week followed by redirect from the instructor, Sherman Roberts. Roberts, who is a member of SAG, AFTRA and AEA, has appeared in a variety of roles on stage, in film and on network television. He teaches student how to choose the right material, how to interpret dialogue so that the spoken word is true to what the author has written, character development and body language. The class meets every Sunday at 1PM. The cost is $25/week.

IMPROVISATION PLUS
Thursdays at 7:30PM
Improvisation Plus, taught by master improvisational artist Todd Vittum, offers budding and experienced comedians an opportunity to hone their impromptu speaking and acting skills. Vittum has been teaching improv for many years and is himself an experienced performer. He has designed innovative scenarios that make the imagination come alive. Under his excellent tutelage, laughter and learning go hand in hand. The class meets on Thursday evenings at 7:30PM in the Mirror Ballroom. Cost: $25/week.

SIDE-BY-SIDE (IMPROV)
NEW SESSION BEGINS MARCH 21
Saturdays at 10AM
Todd Vittum teaches the ever popular Side-By-Side, a weekly improvisation class in which adults and children tickle each other’s funny bones by saying and doing the unexpected. This unique offering teaches adults and youngsters to work together on stage and in life. The class meets on Saturday mornings at 10AM in the Mirror Ballroom. Cost: $25/adults, $15/kids.

CREATIVE WRITING for the AUTHOR in ALL of US
Tuesdays at 6:30PM
Creative Writing for the Author in All of Us is a weekly offering for everyone with a story to tell. Whether you are writing a novel, short narrative, screenplay, stage play or poem, if words are your oxygen, this is the class for you. Under the instruction of author/journalist Donna Carbone, the class utilizes a supportive “think tank” structure. Each week writers present their work, which is read and shared with the class. Critiques are offered as a means of moving a story from conception to completion. The class meets on Tuesday evenings at 6:30PM in the Commission Chambers. Cost: $25/week. Limit: 10 students.

IMPROV-A-PROMPTER: 100% TOTALLY INTERACTIVE TELEPROMPTER CLASS
~~February 9, 16, 23 and~~ March 9, 16, 23
Be prepared to laugh and learn. Improv-a-Prompter is a six (6) week course taught by Patty Serrano. Cost: $150* Learn how to be the perfect pitch person/spokesperson using professional techniques and insider secrets. Become a pro at cold reads, walk and talk, working with a partner, making boring products interesting, working the camera, allowing your body to talk for you and maintaining eye contact. Master on set etiquette and learn how to pack a survival bag and why you need one. Students will not only work with prepared scripts, they will have an opportunity to write a 60-second commercial of their own. Sing a jingle! Dance a jig! Find out how to make everything from murder to mayhem to monkey business sound exciting. Look and feel like a pro! Build self confidence so that the unexpected becomes the ordinary. Call 561-743-9955 to RSVP *Payment in full--cash/check/credit card--due by first night of class.

SCENE STUDY AND CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
Dates TBA
Scene study and character development class taught by Todd Vittum coming soon. Stay tuned for updates.

To register for classes and/or to inquire about upcoming shows, please call 561-743-9955. Advance registration for classes is suggested. Burt Reynolds Institute classes and seminars are held at Lake Park Town Hall Mirror Ballroom (3rd Floor), 535 Park Avenue, Lake Park, FL 33403. Please note, this is not the mailing address. The mailing address is: PO Box 264, Jupiter, FL 33458

THE BANDIT CELEBRATES HIS 79TH!
by Donna Carbone

Jupiter's favorite son and Hollywood megastar Burt Reynolds celebrated his 79th birthday on February 11 surrounded by family, friends, and students. Among the gathered crowd of sixty people were Broadway star and chanteuse Avery Sommers, who sang a special number to her friend and mentor. A number of Reynolds' master acting students performed scenes for the guests and welcomed redirect from the man who will always be affectionately known as The Bandit. Reynolds' birthday cake sported an original charcoal drawing by New Jersey artist Kathy Banfield, who is a loyal Burt Reynolds fan and a devoted supporter of the Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and Theatre.

MEET SHARON TAYLOR LONGWORTH
by Donna Carbone

Long time Bay Village, Ohio resident Sharon Taylor Longworth moved to south Florida to be near her son and his family. She happily admits that there was an added benefit to no longer living in the Buckeye State… no snow to shovel and no leaves to rake. By comparison to the years she spent bracing for blizzards, “What's a few lizards, snakes, alligators, and hurricanes…?” Sharon happily quipped.

Before tossing her mukluks in the trash, Sharon worked as a booth announcer at public TV station WVIZ and for several years as a news anchor and a news director at radio WGCL, WZZP and WLTF. In a recent interview, Sharon said, “I loved music so much I'd only work at music stations. I can't play an instrument, even though I've tried piano, trumpet, and guitar... and can't sing worth a darn anyplace but the shower, but music… music was and is my passion.”

Not one to let grass grow under her feet, Sharon became a published poet and award winning songwriter. “During my first year of songwriting,” Sharon said, “I was lucky enough to place in three international lyric contests, sign three songs to publishing contracts, and have two others accepted at a Studio Library. Most recently, I've won two awards from The Great American Song Contest--one for The Missing You Hours and another for Sexiest Man Alive.” Ever humble, Sharon added, “Only half the credit goes to me, though, for my composers are the ones that bring my words to life.”

When Sharon wanders outside the safety of her own backyard, she claims her “creative critter” is to blame. She spent several years in community theatre work, including being the Chairman of the Board of Directors at Ohio City Players Theatre, and is presently a student in Burt Reynolds’ Master Class. Sharon has also appeared in two FSU films and done background work on the film Sidekicked and the web series Tweet.

Asked to list a few of her favorite things, Sharon said, “I love summertime, sunshine, water, acting and writing from the heart.” Her personal philosophy: “While I take my music seriously and enjoy writing and acting, my sense of humor is always close by. Life isn't life without a smile.”

To hear Sharon’s songs, visit: https://archive.org/details/iuma-sharon_longworth

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE GREAT GIVE FUNDRAISER: MAY 5 & 6

Thanks to generosity of both the United Way of Martin and Palm Beach Counties and the Community Foundation of Martin and Palm Beach Counties, you can become a philanthropist for a day through the Great Give 2015 24-hour fundraiser.

This is a virtual event that assists local non-profits to raise much needed funds. By visiting the page dedicated to the Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and Theatre and making a donation, you will help to open the doors of a new Burt Reynolds and Friends Museum. Additionally, the money raised will help to build a new Burt Reynolds Institute and Theatre, where classes and shows will be offered for all to enjoy.

MEET THE BURT REYNOLDS SCHOLARSHIP FINALISTS!

Julia Carlin, Palm Beach Central High School; Lauryn Eisenstein, G-Star School of the Arts; Austin Litt, G-Star School of the Arts; Christopher Oh, Dreyfoos School of the Arts.

The Palm Beach International Film Festival’s 20th Annual Student Showcase of Films takes place on March 12 at 10AM (red carpet at 9:30AM) at the Wold Performing Arts Center at Lynn University in Boca Raton. The Student Showcase of Films live award show event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

RSVP by March 1 by emailing ccobb@pbfilm.com or calling (561) 233-1000. For more information about the Student Showcase of Films, please visit www.pbfilm.com or www.Facebook.com/StudentShowcaseOfFilms.

BURT REYNOLDS INSTITUTE ACTORS NEEDED FOR STAGED READINGS

Creative Writing for the Author in All of Us students have been enjoying the talents of the Burt Reynolds Institute actors during the twice-a-month staged readings. Scripts under development are presented in staged reading format so that writers can hear how their words will sound when delivered on film. This allows for questions and feedback from the actors which benefit the writers during the editing process. Both actors and writers have been enjoying their time together and have gained a new respect for the effort it takes to bring a script from conception to completion. Actors wishing to participate in these readings should contact Donna at info@burtreynoldsinstitute.org or by calling 561-743-9955.

Andrea Conte, Frank Licari, Peter Marzilli, Natasha Sherritt Licari, and Beverly Blanchette are all participating in the 2015 Palm Beach New Play Festival, presented by Theater Masters and The AW Dreyfoos School of the Arts. Beverly and Natasha perform in Naomi McDougall Jones' Bite Me (directed by Heidi Marshall) at 4PM, while Andrea, Peter, and Frank perform in Stephen Cedars' Grievances (directed by Shana Gozansky) at 7PM. All performances take place March 2 at the A.W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts Black Box Theater (501 S Sapodilla Avenue, West Palm Beach). To reserve tickets email theatermasters@gmail.com or call (970) 618-5219

The independent feature film Evil Intentions is currently in production. The film includes Alan Myles Heyman, Amy Hoerler, Karen Chimato, Steven Mairano, and Noelle Conners Lumelski.

The H2O GO commercial Malia Otake is in is airing now. Here is the link: https://www.h2ogoslides.com/index.html Also, be sure to check out the latest Target ad--Malia is in that, too!

The Cuartas Brothers film, Twelve Traditions--with Amy Hoerler and Douglas Rill--has been selected to be part of the Cannes 2015 Short Film Corner. The award-winning short most recently took home the award for "Best Editing" at O Cinema Wynwood's FilmGate Interactive.

Avery Sommers recently participated in the Singing with the Stars fundraising event (supporting Artist for a Cause). Artist for a Cause is a non-profit organization that "improves communities using art as a catalyst to achieve incredible results."

Amy Hoerler and Beverly Blanchette were was recently cast as "Jan Itor" and "Lady", respectively, in the feature-length Indie, The Big Frozen Gumshoe. Visit their Kickstarter campaign by clicking here.

Tweet, starring Taylor Blackwell, returns for a second season. This season's cast includes Avery Sommers, Jason Anderson, and Karen Chimato.

Hollywood Rejects--starring Jeff Slemmer, Nicholas Richman and Stephanie Hernandez--has turned out more episodes. Recent guest stars included Amy Hoerler, Scotty Fusion, David Noel, and Michael Luckett. Episodes can be found online at https://www.youtube.com/user/therealranceypants. Note: NSFW

Watch Masha Silberberg in the webseries, Dirty Deals.

Beverly Blanchette just finished shooting a scene with Kevin James for a film promo for Paul Blart, Mall Cop II, which will be airing on Comedy Central.

Megan Zwaans landed a lead role in the SAG-AFTRA new media series, Fear Nation, as the "Wholesome Girl Next Door Paranormal Investigator." Todd Vittum, Alan Heyman, Beverly Blanchette and Amy Hoerler secured recurring roles, and Karen Chimato booked a guest role.

Alan Myles Heyman and Karen Chimato have been cast in Carlotta Torchia's upcoming film, scry.

Jacqueline Journey's Hidden Assets--starring Steve Darren, with Karen Chimato and Adele Zin--has been accepted to the Palm Beach International Film Festival.

Amy Hoerler recently booked two short films: Fade In, Fade Out by Marvin Aguado and Inexorable by Bryan Keir. Karen Chimato also booked a role on Inexorable.

James Hook will have an art show and sale at the Brewhouse Gallery in Lake Park beginning March 2 and lasting over the next three months. For more information, contact the Brewhouse Gallery at 561-469-8930 or email info@brewhousegallery.com.

Last week, during the Lake Worth Street Painting Festival, James Hook completed a 10'X10' William A. Bouguereau piece titled First Kiss.

The Gut Wringing Machine, a short film with actors James Hook and Jeff Long, has officially been posted on YouTube. Check it out here: https://youtu.be/eSbLryfzLLw

Several of our students are part of the 1st Annual WideScreen Film & Music Video Festival: Aniela McGuinness (My Breast Choice), Amy Hoerler and Douglas Rill (Twelve Traditions), Alan Myles Heyman (Forever...), When You Fade (Alan Myles Heyman and Joan Kelly Dennehy). Adele Zin is one of the judges.

Are you a current or former student of the Burt Reynolds Institute for Film & Theatre or the Burt Reynolds Institute for Theatre Training? If so, we would love to hear from you! Simply write a one to two paragraph blurb and drop us an email at BRIFTmultimedia@gmail.com before the 25th of each month (subject line: "In The Spotlight") and let us know what projects you are working on or have completed. PLEASE, NO EXTRA WORK!

SUBMISSIONS ARE DUE THE 25TH OF EACH MONTH--no exceptions. We look forward to hearing about--and celebrating--your success!

This Newsletter Is Cheerfully Presented To You By:

Todd Vittum ... Executive Director
Douglas Rill ... Chairman of the Board of Directors
Donna Carbone ... Managing Director/Writer
Amy Schulz ... Editor/Multimedia Coordinator

For more information about classes, events, etc, visit our website at https://www.burtreynoldsinstitute.org.

We strive to get our newsletter out to you in a timely manner at the beginning of each month. Have any suggestions, comments, ideas, musings, or complaints? Please email them to the Editor. Oh, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Pinterest, and fan us on Facebook!

Are you a local who wants to find out about upcoming shows, events, seminars, and classes? Then you'll want to sign up for the Florida e-Blast! Click on this link to sign up today: https://bit.ly/u3ooXW or scan the QR code.

The Burt Reynolds Institute for Film & Theatre is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that is committed to educating and involving the community and artists in all aspects of film, television, theater, live performances, film festivals, and exhibitions, as well as preserving Mr. Reynolds' memorabilia and the history of the film industry.

Burt Reynolds Institute for Film & Theatre
PO Box 264
Jupiter, FL 33458
561-743-9955 | info@burtreynoldsinstitute.org