The Burt Reynolds Institute Monthly Newsletter

OCTOBER 2015

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

Dear Friends,

As we round the corner into October, I am reminded that the year is almost over. It might be a great time to revisit your New Year's Resolutions from January to see if you are still on track. A recent report stated that 90% of us forget or drop our New Year's resolutions by mid-February year after year. How sad!

Perhaps, we should think about this in a different way. Let's review our goals for this year. Did you put your objectives in writing? Were they quantifiable and trackable? How close are you to completing your goals for this year? What will your goals be for the upcoming year? If your goals were to hone your acting skills, the Burt Reynolds Institute is a place to be. May I suggest that you attend the Improvisation class taught by Todd Vittum. I find this class fun and enlightening. I learn so much when I attend, and there are lessons I can use every day in business. Improv is held on Thursday evenings at 7:30PM.

The Institute also other much in demand classes including Teleprompter Proficiency with Patty Serrano. Our Sunday afternoon Fundamentals of Acting class with Robert Sherman will give you a safe place to explore your talents and work on stage with other students. Creative Writing with Donna Carbone will allow budding writers to capture the ideas floating around in their heads and put them down in a correct and understandable method to share with others.

We want to thank Jo Ann Pflug who taught a two-night class focused on acting in commercials. Along with her insightful redirect, she guided her students with recording and video playback. This limited enrollment class was filled to capacity and each student left with a personal video chip containing their performance which they can now use to study and refine their skills.

If you would like more information on the Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and Theatre and its many and varied classes, please write to info@burtreynoldsinstitute.org or call 561-743-9955.

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

MASTER ACTING CLASS with Burt Reynolds
By invitation only. Students must complete a required number of Fundamentals of Acting classes and reach a certain level of expertise. For inquiries, please email Donna Carbone at info@burtreynoldsinstitute.org or call 561-743-9955.

FUNDAMENTALS of ACTING for ADULTS with Sherman Roberts
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 with Todd Vittum
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) with Todd Vittum
Saturdays from 10AM-noon Todd Vittum teaches the ever popular Side-By-Side on Saturday mornings from 10AM to noon. This class offers adults and children between the ages of 10 and 15 an opportunity to share the stage in a nurturing and fun environment. The class incorporates monologue delivery, scene study, and improvisation for a well-rounded experience. Cost: $20/week.

CREATIVE WRITING for the AUTHOR in ALL of US with Donna Carbone
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.

SCENE STUDY and CHARACTER ANALYSIS with Todd Vittum
Mondays at 7PM (except for the first Monday of each month) Todd Vittum teaches an advanced class in scene study and character analysis, which includes intermediate and advanced acting techniques. The class will be offered three Monday evenings a month. Please note that there will NOT be a class on the first Monday of each month. There WILL BE classes on the second, third, and fourth Mondays of each month. The off week will give students an opportunity to perfect whatever scene or monologue they are working on for presentation in class. Students are required to bring their own scenes and should provide three copies—one for the student, one for the scene partner, and one for the instructor. Learning to choose material that is right for you is part of your training. If you have any questions, the instructor will be able to help you decide on the proper material. A 2-3 minute monologue is required for the first class. This class will allow actors to hone their acting skills while providing an opportunity to study scene structure and character development. Scene study is the foundation of all performance and is instrumental if actors are to develop an emotional connection to the character they are portraying. Scene study is also used to teach the vocabulary of acting and how to respond to a director’s instructions. Character analysis helps an actor to understand the role they are playing. To be successful, an actor must replace their personality with that of the character being portrayed. However, it is still necessary for an actor to allow their natural emotional response to a situation to show through at appropriate times. The ability to blend the real and the imagined creates a more stable and dynamic character. For the moment, the class will be held in in the Commission Chambers. Cost: $25/week.

TELEPROMPTER for the ACTING PROFESSIONAL with Patty Serrano
Sundays from 1:30PM to 3:30PM Learn how to be the perfect pitch person/spokesperson using professional techniques and insiders secrets in this six-week interactive course. Become a pro at cold reads and in depth presentations. Becomes friends with the camera—put your body and face to work for you. Become proficient at walk and talk, partner pairing and turning boring into brilliant. Master on set etiquette and understand the importance of packing a survival bag. Look and feel like a pro! Class size limited. Cost: $150.

Please note: prior registration and RSVP are required for all classes, seminars, and workshops--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@burtreynoldsinstitute.org to RSVP now.

Burt Reynolds Institute classes and seminars are held at Lake Park Town Hall (Mirror Ballroom), 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

BURT REYNOLDS INDUCTED INTO WILD WEST WALK OF FAME FLORIDA’S FAVORITE COWBOY HONORED FOR HIS WORK IN CLASSIC WESTERNS

The wheel has come full circle. From 1955-1975, the much-loved western series Gunsmoke aired on television and for 20 years remained one of the most watched shows written specifically for an adult audience. Burt Reynolds starred in the series from 1962-1965. His first appearance was on September 29, 1962 in an episode entitled “Quint Asper Comes Home.” On September 25, 2015 Quint Asper returned home again; this time his destination was Wild West Fest in Dodge City, Kansas where the Gunsmoke 60th anniversary reunion was being held.

Recognized for his large body of work in western themed movies and television series, including the cult classics Navajo Joe, The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing, and Johnson County War, Florida’s favorite cowboy was inducted into the Wild West Walk of Fame and given the honorary title of Official Dodge City Marshall before devoted fans from across the country who arrived wearing their favorite boots and ten gallon hats. At Reynolds’ side were fellow cast members Buck Taylor, who played Deputy Newly O’Brien from 1967-1975; Jess Walton, who portrayed Patricia on the series in 1973; Lane Bradbury, who was Merry Florene from 1965-1969; and Bruce Boxleitner, who played Toby Hogue during the 1975 season. Also on hand was Jim Byrnes, one of the main writers from 1969 to 1975.

Included in the many festivities at Wild West Fest was Gunsmoke Under the Stars, a showing of several episodes from the series including “Quint Asper Comes Home.” Movie night was held at the South Drive-In Theater and included video messages from some of the stars. Among the most heartfelt words spoken were these by Burt Reynolds during the Walk of Fame induction, “Of all the series I’ve done, Gunsmoke is the only one that is still on the air. I’m very proud of it. It was my launching paid to feature films.”

The three day event also included meet-and-greet sessions and the Gunsmoke Anniversary Banquet. Wild West Fest was sponsored by the Boot Hill Casino & Resort, the Wild West Heritage Foundation and the Roundup Rodeo.

Photo: Burt Reynolds, Lane Bradbury & Buck Taylor (photo credits: Todd Vittum)

BURT REYNOLDS RECEIVES RICHARD FARNSWORTH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
FIRST ACTOR TO BE HONORED BY STUNTMAN’S ASSOCIATION OF MOTION PICTURES

On Saturday evening, September 19, mega star Burt Reynolds was honored with the Richard Farnsworth Diamond Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions supporting stuntman in the film industry. Reynolds, who is known for having done many dangerous stunts during his 55 years as a Hollywood icon, received the award at The Stuntman’s Association of Motion Pictures (SAMP) annual gala, which was held at the famed Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

Reynolds’ illustrious career, which includes memorable performances as Lewis Medlock in the controversial film Deliverance and Bo “Bandit” Darville of Smokey and the Bandit fame, has set many records never reached by other performers. The Academy Award nominee and Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner has enjoyed enormous success not only as an actor but also as a producer and director in feature films, television and stage productions. Reynolds has been recognized as America's Favorite All Around Motion Picture Actor winning the People’s Choice Award a record six consecutive years. The National Association of Theatre Owners presented him with Star of the Year recognition and named him the Most Popular Star for five years running. He was also named the #1 Box Office Star for five years in a row—still an unmatched record.

Being honored by his fellow stuntmen—the people he believes are under recognized for their contributions to film history—was one of the “… highlights of my life.” Looking dapper in a chic white dinner jacket and a scarf in his signature red, Reynolds’ voice filled with warmth when he spoke of the close relationships he has shared with many in the audience, including legendary stunt performers Glenn and Amy Wilder. The Wilders starred with Reynolds in the film Hooper—his movie tribute to stuntmen. The emotional highlight of the evening was Burt Reynolds reunion with Ellyn Needham, widow of writer/director/producer Hal Needham. Reynolds accepted the Legacy award on Needham’s behalf, his voice quivering as he said, “Hal… he was the real deal. He was one of my best friends and I miss him so much.”

Rounding out the evening, the Governor's award was presented to legendary stuntman Billy Burton. Burton retired two years ago at 89 years of age. The Stuntman's Association of Motion Pictures is the oldest organization supporting stuntman with a focus on ensuring safety and standards in the industry. The annual ball benefits the Taurus Foundation which provides support for the international stunt community and financial assistance to members who experience debilitating stunt-related injuries.

It has been rumored that the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, the site of the first Academy Awards ceremony, is occasionally haunted by the ghosts of famous celebrities. Should there be an increase in unexplained happenings in the next few months, it could very well be the result of daring deeds by “visiting” stuntmen who stayed behind after Saturday night’s festivities were over.

Photo: Burt Reynolds with SAMP event chair Oliver Keller at The Stuntman’s Association of Motion Pictures (SAMP) annual gala (photo credit: Todd Vittum)

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY OF BURT'S NEW MEMOIR NOW! CLICK HERE TO ORDER

This memoir tells his story through the people he’s encountered on his amazing journey. In his words, he plans to “call out the assholes,” try to make amends for “being the asshole myself on too many occasions,” and pay homage to the many heroes he has come to love and respect. This is a must read for each and every Burt Reynolds fan.

If you have not yet pre-ordered your copy of Burt Reynolds’ new memoir, But Enough About Me, orders can be placed at www.amazon.com/But-Enough-About-Me-Memoir/dp/0399173544.

BURT REYNOLDS FIRST RECIPIENT OF FILM FLORIDA LEGENDS TOURISM AMBASSADOR AWARD

Before a crowd of over 1100 fans and friends, Oscar nominated actor and Florida’s favorite son, Burt Reynolds, was presented with the Film Florida Legends Tourism Ambassador Award at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Tampa on August 31, 2015. Looking fit and dapper in an elegant black on black ensemble, Reynolds expressed his love for his adopted state and how privileged he felt to be the first ever recipient of this honor.

“I love Florida,” Reynolds told the crowd once the thunderous applause had quieted. “Filmmaking in Florida is a postcard to the world. It goes on for many years. It is a clean industry. When people re-visit a film years later, it all happens again. I’ve made a number of pictures in Florida and I’ve always wanted to make more.”

Looking out upon the crowd, a smile forcing his famous mustache to twitch, Reynolds said, “Whenever I return from a trip, especially from California, I can immediately feel my blood pressure drop ten points. Name any star and you probably have no clue where they are from but everybody knows I’m from Jupiter, and it’s important that they do. Tourism benefits everyone just as filmmaking benefits tourism. I have always done my best to promote the making of films in Florida. It’s such a beautiful state.”

Reynolds reminisced about the many films and television shows that have been birthed locally. “We used Tampa’s Skyway Bridge in Smokey and the Bandit Part Two. I shot Cop & 1/2 here. The Crew was filmed in Miami and BL Stryker was filmed in Palm Beach. There were other films as well and I plan to continue making movies here at home.” The crowd cheered again as Reynolds humbly expressed his thanks for the award.

Having made nearly 200 movies in his more than 50 years in the entertainment industry, Burt Reynolds has been recognized as America's Favorite All Around Motion Picture Actor (People's Choice Award) a record six consecutive years. The National Association of Theatre Owners presented him with Star of the Year recognition and named him the Most Popular Star for five years running. He was also named the #1 Box Office Star for five years in a row—still an unmatched record. Reynolds was honored with the 2007 Taurus World Stunt Award for Lifetime Achievement for an Action Movie Star and will be inducted into the Stuntman Hall of Fame in September 2015. Despite the many accolades he has received, it was obvious from his words and demeanor that the love and admiration of his fans and friends at home in Florida held a special place in his heart.

Reynolds was presented the Film Florida Legend award by VISIT FLORIDA President and CEO Will Seccombe and Film Florida President Michelle Hillery at the Tampa Bay Convention Center. The Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism is the premier annual educational conference for the Florida tourism industry and is designed and coordinated by VISIT FLORIDA, the Official Tourism Marketing Corporation for the State of Florida.

Photo: Burt Reynolds, Michelle Hillery, Will Seccombe (photo credit: Todd Vittum)

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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.

Amy Hoerler has been quite busy lately. She just wrapped the short film, Slaves of a Circus, by Paul-Vincent Alexander, and did some initial filming for Jonathan Ronda's McGraw Creek, starring Rey Hernandez and co-starring our very own Alan Myles Heyman. The Cuartas Brothers film, Twelve Traditions, is nearing its film festival circuit run, a film starring Amy and co-starring Douglas Rill. Star Child--a Tommy Demos film--stars Amy and features Alan Myles Heyman and is now being submitted to major film festivals. Upcoming films include Shovelhead, The Cannibal, The Monkey's Paw, and Common Interest. Click on each link title to like and share the pages.

Damaris Cruz just returned from the 11th Annual Action On Film International Film Festival in Monrovia, California. Her film, The Ticket Box, garnered her a best supporting actress nomination, as well as being nominated for outstanding cast performance for a short. The cast included Rhonda Stearns, Veronica Simpson, Wil Jackson, David Ausem, Jackie Turner, Mark Matire, Christie Berlane, Debbie Dailey, Jason Waters, Douglas Rill, Amy Hoerler, and Diana Laura.

Both A World of Pleasure (directed by Guisela Moro) and Dinosaur (directed by Ann Fishman) are up for Florida's Film Gem Award at the Treasure Coast Film Festival. A World of Pleasure stars Tina Pfeiffer, Steven Mairano, and David Ausem, and Dinosaur stars Alan Myles Heyman, Rhonda Stearns, and Mindy Acevedo.

On September 27th, Cindy Morrison, became reigning Champion of the Palm Con Talent contest held at the West Palm Beach Convention Center. She appeared in costume as "Zorro's Black Whip". This character was portrayed by Linda Stirling in the 1944 Hollywood "Cliff Hanger" production. Cindy, using her six foot bullwhip, cut targets from the hat of Zorro during her award winning display.

The Property Known As Garland, written by Billy Van Zandt and Directed by Burt Reynolds, will be presented at the Palm Beaches Theater home of the Palm Beach International Film Festival. Lee Marlow will star in this adaptation creating a one woman show. She has been working with Mr Reynolds in his Master Acting Class for years. Read about the play and purchase tickets by clicking here: https://theatre.pbifilmfest.org/events.php?id=17. This work is a tribute to Judy Garland's life, her stories, her loves, her passions, and her incredible talent. Thursday, November 12 - Sunday, November 15 at The Palm Beaches Theatre, 262 South Ocean Blvd., Manalapan.

Fundamentals of Acting student Megan Zwaans has been cast as 'Brittney' in Mom's Gift by Samuel French at the Boynton Beach Playhouse/Stage Left Theatre. She will also appear in two independent films.

Indigenous Film Picked Up For Worldwide Distribution (story via Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission September 2015 Focus on Film Newsletter): A film that was shot entirely on location in PBC has been picked up for worldwide distribution. Unforgotten, written and directed by Octavian O., has been selected by Fenix Pictures for distribution for theatrical release, digital download and DVD retail circulation. The crime thriller was filmed in Jupiter on Highway A1A, at the Burt Reynolds Museum and an oceanfront mansion that many residents will recognize. "We found everything we needed, from mansions to warehouses right here in PBC," said C. Todd Vittum, who played a major role in the film and produced along with Kathy Onuc and Franz Kuelmans. Most of the cast were students at the Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and Theatre (BRIFT). BRIFT assisted in the production by providing audition space and serving as a key location in the film. Unforgotten is available now for audiences to enjoy! For more info visit facebook.com/unforgottenfilm.

Are you a current or former student of the Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and 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 info@burtreynoldsinstitute.org before the 25 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 25 OF EACH MONTH—no exceptions. We look forward to hearing about—and celebrating—your success!