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

Dear Friends,

It’s Spring! What a wonderful time of year to be at the Burt Reynolds Institute. The coming months will bring new classes, offer acting and improvisation showcases, and--best of all--reveal exciting news about BRIFT’s future.

The month of March ended of a high note both literally and figuratively. On Saturday, March 22, Mr. Reynolds attended the grand opening of Bubba’s East Coast Rods and Customs in Jupiter, where he was cheered by hundreds of fans, many of whom traveled across country just to spend a few hours with their favorite Bandit. Willy Young--defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears--traded football stories with Mr. Reynolds, while recognized bluesman and noted guitarist Joey George kept the crowd entertained under almost perfect blue skies. Keeping with the “hot rod” theme of the day, dancers from Art Stage Performing Arts Center (Tequesta) under the direction of Linda White showed off their hand jive and jitterbug skills to the soundtrack from the Broadway hit, Grease. The event was planned and organized by Managing Director Donna Carbone, who also handled the pre- and post-event publicity.

On March 14, Mr. Reynolds presented the scholarship named for him and which honors his legacy to Raymond Knudsen (G-Star School of the Arts) at the 19th Annual Student Showcase of Films held at Lynn University in Boca Raton. Winning films will be screened on Sunday, April 6, at 7PM at the Cobb Theatre (Downtown at the Gardens) in Palm Beach Gardens.

We are thrilled to continue our affiliation with the Town of Lake Park, notably for allowing us to use the beautiful and historic Mirror Ballroom for classes. We are also happy to have been able to include Lake Park and the Mirror Ballroom in an article featuring Mr. Reynolds in the upcoming summer issue of American Road Magazine. Managing Director Donna Carbone and American Road co-owner Becky Repp spent a day together photographing sites that played a part in Mr. Reynolds’ acting career. The Mirror Ballroom was the first step in his journey to a 55+ year legendary career. We are grateful to Dr. Dale Sugerman and Janet Miller for giving us access to the Lake Park Town Hall and for providing us interesting background material for the article.

Classes are going extremely well. Sherman Roberts’ Fundamentals of Acting class is turning out fresh new faces--many of whom are being seen regularly in commercials and feature films. Todd Vittum’s Improv students performed at Bubba’s East Coast grand opening and their antics had the crowd wiping tears of laughter from their cheeks. Donna Carbone’s Writing the Feature Screenplay class is winning high praise from people in the industry. In fact, award-nominated author, radio host, speaker, and post-trauma coach Michelle Rosenthal had this to say about Donna’s stage play, Shell of a Man: “Shell of a Man is a heart-wrenching story, which poignantly displays the horrible challenges faced by our veterans (suffering with PTSD). Thank you for letting me read it, Donna. Please feel free to use my name as you move forward with this project. I’ll be happy to support you any way I can.”

Who knows…maybe, the next Oscar or Tony winner for writing will be a BRIFT graduate!

On Friday, March 28, Master Class students welcomed a man they all admire–Stuntman Hall of Famer and Mr. Reynolds’ great friend, Glenn Wilder. Glenn demonstrated interesting techniques for throwing punches and faking fights, which to the inexperienced eye looked anything but fake. Master Actor Dave Ausem graciously allowed himself to be used as a punching bag for the evening. Thank you, Dave!

Although we are sad that Florida State University will no longer call Palm Beach County home, we are excited that several student films produced by FSU feature BRIFT actors. Additionally, the long and mutually beneficial relationship shared by BRIFT and Palm Beach State College has also resulted in actors Dave Ausem, Christi Berlane, Adele Zin, and Bredan Bullard securing parts in films.

We are also planning a BRIFT open house in the near future. More details on that, soon.

Have a wonderful April. We hope to see you in class!

-Douglas Rill
Chairman of the Board of Directors of BRIFT

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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 classes@brift.org

FUNDAMENTALS OF ACTING FOR ADULTS
Sunday at 1PM
This scene study class is open to all performers, but especially beneficial to novice actors wishing to learn and perfect the finer points of theatrical technique. Taught by Sherman Roberts. Call (561) 743-9955 to RSVP

YOUNG ACTORS SCENE STUDY
TBA
This class, taught by Todd Vittum, is geared toward younger actors (ages 12-17) wishing to hone their scene study skills. Call (561) 743-9955 to RSVP

IMPROV
Thursday at 7:30PM
Todd Vittum brings his expertise to the classroom, teaching his students to 'think quick' and increase their self-confidence. For beginning and intermediate students. Call (561) 743-9955 to RSVP

IMPROV FOR YOUNG ACTORS
Saturday at 10AM
This Saturday morning class brings the same level of expertise that is offered to adults but in a manner that children can understand and embrace. A great self confidence builder, Improv For Young Actors will give your son/daughter a lasting edge in a competitive world. Taught by Todd Vittum. Call (561) 743-9955 to RSVP

TELEPROMPTER: A TOOL FOR THE PROFESSIONAL ACTOR
Call (561) 743-9955 for date/time/info
Our teleprompter proficiency course provides an opportunity to learn and grow comfortable with one of the most helpful tools used by actors and business professionals and, by extension, generates confidence in public speaking. Included will be host technique, cold read preparation, walk and talk, ad lib and on the set dos and don'ts. Teleprompter proficiency is one of the most requested skills by casting directors in South Florida. Don't miss out! Taught by Patty Serrano--owner of Little Panther Prompting--who has more than twenty years experience in film and television. Call (561) 743-9955 for date/time/info

WRITING THE FEATURE SCREENPLAY
Thursday at 6:30PM
This intensive course is designed to take your screenplay from conception to completion. Learn how character development interacts and dictates plot structure, including the concepts of character past, character wants versus character needs, character arc and self-revelation. Learn the importance of discovering one's authorial identity and writing from personal belief. As the student begins to write a screenplay, he/she must bring a working copy for each member in the class. Scripts will be read in class and critiqued for benefit of author and students. Under the direction of Donna Carbone. Call (561) 743-9955 to RSVP

TELEPROMPTER: A TOOL FOR THE BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL
Call (561) 743-9955 for date/time/info
Two hour, one-on-one course. Our teleprompter proficiency course provides an opportunity to learn and grow comfortable with one of the most helpful tools used by business professionals. For the corporate executive, knowing how to use a teleprompter can enhance presentation skills and speed the climb up the ladder of success. Even those who have already successfully faced an audience will gain greater confidence from mastering this skill. Taught by Patty Serrano--owner of Little Panther Prompting--who has more than twenty years experience in film and television. Call (561) 743-9955 for date/time/info

VOCAL & VOICE PROJECTION
TBA
Avery Sommers will offer the first in a series of classes designed to elevate performance to a higher level. Utilizing Broadway show tunes and music from the American Song Book, Avery will instruct singers and non-singers alike how to make the most of their voices so that they can reach out and touch everyone in the audience. This class will include learning to: (a) be your own calling card-the art of walking into a room and presenting yourself in a manner that is sure to impress, (b) deliver the proper handshake-send a message of confidence with just the right touch, (c) talk it through-find the meaning behind the words by treating songs as monologues. Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity! Call (561) 743-9955 to RSVP

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Please note: prior registration and RSVP is required for all classes as some have limited enrollment. Class times/locations subject to change. For information and registration, please contact Donna Carbone at (561) 743-9955 or email info@brift.org to RSVP.

All classes are held at Lake Park Town Hall (Mirror Ballroom), 535 Park Avenue, Lake Park, FL 33403

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Eastbound and down Indiantown Road, Jupiter, Florida on Saturday, March 22, a long line of custom cars and vintage Trans Ams followed a tractor trailer emblazoned with scenes from the old West into Pennock Industrial Park. The reason–the grand opening of Bubba’s East Coast Rods and Customs–home to reality tv stars Bubba and Tom Lloyd and some of the most beautiful automobiles ever built. Bubba, 25, is an exceptionally talented master craftsman and designer, with a reputation for building some of the best cars in the industry. He and his dad already have a successful show on the Velocity channel–Hot Rod Reality–now airing its sixth season. The show won a coveted Silver Telly Award. Soon, a second show will begin airing on a major television network.

The Lloyd family and their staff were gracious hosts to the hundreds of people who attended the event. Entertainment was provided by bluesman extraordinaire Joey George and the award-winning Art Stage Performing Arts Center dancers. George, who has performed with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Bank, Spin Doctors, John Fogarty and other well-known groups serenaded the crowd with songs from every decade, while Linda White’s dancers gave the audience a taste of Grease–the musical not the lubricant. A surprise appearance by Willy Young, defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears, kept the crowd in high gear.

All along Commerce Way, enthusiastic fans waited patiently for Bubba’s and Tom’s special guest, megastar Burt Reynolds. Both father and son are huge fans of Reynolds and, in particular, the Smokey and the Bandit movie. The entire opening was a tribute to Reynolds, who Tom Lloyd said “single handedly secured a place in history for the American muscle car.” Giving credence to his words, the parking lot was filled with Trans Ams owned by members of the Bandit Run, a dedicated group of Reynolds devotees headed by Dave Hall and Ric Rodriquez. Every year, these Bandit fans take to the highways to honor the man who has inspired them for more than 30 years. It was, in fact, the replicated Snowman 18-wheeler owned by Wayne Alderson which led the parade through town. Bringing up the rear and keeping everyone in line was Sheriff Buford T. Justice impersonator David Betz in his easily recognizable police car. What space remained in the lot was quickly filled by members of Southeast Rods and Customs, Stingray Corvette Club, and the Corvette Club of the Palm Beaches coordinated by Jupiter Farms resident Mark Sharone.

While fans lined up for Tom’s, Bubba’s, and model Layla Von Athey’s autographs, Jackie Rea and Aidy Alonzo of the Palm Beach International Raceway gave away tee shirts, coolies, and tickets to upcoming events. Scott Grisson and Josh Mercado of Monster Transmissions, located in Brooksville, Florida, also gave away tee shirts. Other Bubba’s East Coast Rods and Customs sponsors represented at the opening were Turbonetics (Moorpark, California), Air Gas (Jupiter, Florida) and National Parts Depot (NPD) in Ocala, Florida. Rick Schmidt, president of NPD, is the owner of the original 1978 Trans Am given to Burt Reynolds at the end of filming Smokey and the Bandit. The car is kept in an automobile museum at their Ocala facility. Snyder graciously brought the car to the grand opening and a happy reunion was had with the Bandit. On hand were Alan Tonks and Erik Covitz of Worldwide Ticket Craft, who supplied all the posters, flyers, and banners for the event. Tonks is also a student in the Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and Theatre (BRIFT) screenwriting class.

Lining the pathway were many more students from BRIFT, who led the crowd in shouting, “Bandit! Bandit! Bandit!” as they paid homage to their mentor and teacher. So that no one went hungry, Tom Brown served up his award winning ribs and pulled pork sandwiches, while Ken Good supplied dessert via his Ice Cream on Wheels truck.

Bubba’s East Coast Rods and Customs has facilities in Fairfax, Virginia and Jupiter, Florida. The Jupiter facility is located at 506 Commerce Way, Jupiter, Florida. Their doors are always open to fans, friends, and anyone who shares their love for beautiful automobiles and Burt Reynolds. A dedication wall in their VIP lounge is filled with photos of their idol.

For more information, contact Donna Carbone at Write For You, LLC write4you@comcast.net.

CATEGORY 5 AND HAMLET & HUTCH NEWS

The major motion picture Category 5, starring Burt Reynolds, recently opened in European Markets to rave reviews. For viewing information, visit the Starz Network link here: https://bit.ly/QD1BM0

Hamlet & Hutch premieres on Comcast (on demand) Tuesday, April 1. Stars Burt Reynolds and features Todd Vittum. For viewing information, visit iN Demand link here: https://bit.ly/1omvVJE

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BRIFT ACTORS NEEDED FOR STAGED READINGS

Writing the Feature Screenplay students have been enjoying the talents of BRIFT 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 briftfinancedirector@comcast.net or by calling 561-743-9955.

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TURKLES, a family friendly movie written and directed by Frank Eberling and featuring more than 25 members of Burt Reynolds Master Acting Class, is now available on DVD. Order your copy today and prepare to smile! Click here to order: https://amzn.to/Oc5JAs

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Beverly Blanchette will be directing Dirty Blonde at the Plaza Theatre, in Manalapan, March 27-April 13. The award-winning play, written by Claudia Shear, stars actors Margot Moreland, Ken Clement, and Noah Levine. Call 561-588-or go to theplazatheatre.net for tickets and more information.

Beverly will also be directing four new one-act plays for Pigs Do Fly Productions, which will play at Empire Stage in Ft. Lauderdale May 1-11. More information about that will be forthcoming. She may be needing BRIFT actors to participate. Interested parties should contact bblanchette@bellsouth.net or through blanchettedirections.com.

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Catch Avery Sommers in Horton Foote's Dividing The Estate (Mar. 28 - Apr. 27, 2014 at Palm Beach Dramaworks). Directed by William Hayes. For tickets, call the box office at (561) 514-4042 ext. 2 or visit PalmBeachDramaworks.org

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BRITT Alum Mark Fauser recently dropped by BRIFT to visit with his mentor, teacher, and friend, Burt Reynolds. Mark shared what he's been up to, reminisced about working with Mr. Reynolds, graciously answered questions about the Industry, and watched scenes performed by Master Actors.

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Adele Zin has been very busy filming! Recent projects include: Briefcase Showdown!, 02, 3..2..1.. and the FSU musical film I Am One.

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Randy Gonzalez booked the role of 'Manny' on a new series for Netflix. More information forthcoming.

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Michael Vadnal recently played Clifford Bradshaw in the Ginsberg Production of Cabaret.

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Way to go, Douglas! BRIFT Chair Douglas Rill got a nice write-up in the Palm Beach Post. Read the article here: https://bit.ly/1ljPGwU

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Andrew Brown and Annya Bright will be portraying 'Sean Harcear' and 'Mina', respectively, in James Doan's The Irish Dracula at the Arts Garage (part of the 20th annual Acting Irish International Theatre Festival) May 20 at 8PM. Tickets are $20 each and may be purchased by calling 561-450-6357. Visit artsgarage.org for more information.

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An awesome superhero flick starring several BRIFT actors? Yes, please! BRIFT's Dave Noel, Dave Ausem, Randy Earll, Steve Mairano, Gregg Goldsbury, Karen Chimato, and Adele Zin star in Sidekicked--written and directed by Jon Proenza and Steven Perez and produced by Bruce Feigenbaum. Visit sidekickedthemovie.com for details.

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Do you know who was a presenter at the 38th Annual Carbonell Awards? BRIFT's very own Andrea Conte, that's who!

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Michael Montrond landed the role of the 'bumbling chef' on Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's new TNT show, which is set to air in October.

Are you a current BRIFT Master Class actor or a BRIFT/BRITT alumni? Are you a student currently enrolled at BRIFT? We would love to hear from you! Simply write a one to two paragraph blurb and drop us an email at BRIFTmultimedia@gmail.com (subject line: "In The Spotlight") and let us know what projects you are working on or have completed. NO EXTRA WORK!

Submissions are due the 25 of each month--no exceptions. We look forward to hearing about--and celebrating--your success!

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Top stories you may have missed:

• Photo Flash: Bubba's East Coast Rods Welcomes Burt Reynolds
• Boca Students Meet Burt Reynolds, Among Finalists For Student Showcase Of Films

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

For more information about classes, events, etc, visit our website at BRIFT.org.

We strive to get the BRIFT Blast 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.

Be sure to follow us on Twitter and fan us on Facebook!

Want to find out about upcoming shows, events, seminars, and classes? Then you'll want to sign up for the BRIFT Florida e-Blast! Click on this link to sign up today: https://bit.ly/u3ooXW

The Burt Reynolds Institute for Film & Theatre ("BRIFT") is a nonprofit 501c3 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.

The Burt Reynolds Institute for Film & Theatre
PO Box 264
Jupiter, Florida 33468
(561) 743-9955 | info@brift.org