Burt Reynolds Institute Announces Fall/Winter 2015-16 Courses

The Burt Reynolds Institute for Film & Theatre recently announced its fall/winter schedule, which includes a new and exciting intensive on-camera Acting in Commercials course taught by television and radio personality Jo Ann Pflug.

Pflug, who is remembered for her role as Lt. Dish in the popular film M*A*S*H as for her appearance in over 250 television shows, will direct the class in the fine points of commercial auditioning and performance. This is a limited enrollment class which will run on two consecutive Friday evenings -- September 18 and September 25 -- from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Students are required to bring a memory card on which their performance will be recorded. The cost of the class is $99.00.

The ever popular Fundamentals of Acting (FOA) meets on Sunday afternoons from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. FOA allows novice and intermediate performers to learn and perfect the finer points of acting for film and theater. Advanced actors also benefit by the opportunity to hone their skills under the expert eye of instructor/actor/director Sherman Roberts. The class is ongoing and costs $25.00 per class.

Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. also mark the return of Teleprompter Proficiency. This six-week course provides training in one of the most requested skills for actors by South Florida casting directors and talent agents. Knowing how to use a teleprompter is also beneficial for the business executive whose presentation skills will be enhanced, allowing for a speedier climb up the corporate ladder. An intensive two hour one-on-one course is available for those unable to commit to a six week course. Teleprompter is helmed by Patty Serrano, owner of Little Panther Prompter. Serrano has more than 20 years experience in film and television. The cost is $150.00. Class size is limited. Early registration is strongly suggested.

Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m. offer the opportunity for beginning, intermediate and advanced actors to become comfortable in their own skin. Scene Study and Character Analysis is a multifaceted course with actor/producer/director Todd Vittum. The course begins with students learning how to deliver a memorable monologue by developing an emotional connection to the character they are portraying. Students then progress to scene work, which is the foundation of all performance. Vittum's class also teaches the vocabulary of acting and how to respond to a director's instructions. The cost is $25.00 per class.

Creative Writing on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. is an on-going think tank environment for the serious writer. The class, which requires a commitment to attend on a regular basis, is moderated by author/playwright/journalist Donna Carbone. Carbone encourages both her novice and experienced writers to "listen to the voices in their heads." Any form of writing-novel, screenplay, stage play, memoir, etc.- is welcomed. The cost is $25.00 per class.

For those 16 years of age and older interested in the Art of Improvisation, the Institute offers a class on Thursday evenings from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The cost is $25.00 per class and is taught by Todd Vittum, who is himself an experienced improvisation performer. Improvisation is a guaranteed confidence builder and teaches participants to "think quick" when the need arises.

On Saturday mornings, Side by Side 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. Class hours are 10:00 a.m. to noon and the cost is $20.00 per week. The class is taught by actor/producer/director Todd Vittum.

Classes at the Burt Reynolds Institute are held in the Lake Park Town Hall located at 535 Park Avenue, Lake Park, Florida. This is a class location only. There is no business office for the Institute on site. Prior registration is required for all classes as some have limited enrollment. For information and registration, contact Donna Carbone at 561 743-9955.

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