Education Overview
Mr. Reynolds began teaching in 1979 when he organized his first acting classes in Jupiter. The classes eventually evolved into the Burt Reynolds Institute of Theatre Training (BRITT) that unfortunately was dissolved in 1997. Recently Mr. Reynolds and the museum revived his past efforts of theatrical training by offering seasoned actors intense acting workshops at the museum. During the intense three week class Mr. Reynolds spent over fifty hours with the 14 aspiring actors, lecturing, directing and bonding with them. Mr. Reynolds was their confidant, coach and mentor. "Establishing this type of rapport," he explains, "is key to this special kind of education."
These one-of-a-kind classes were held in the heart of the museum on an eight by sixteen foot stage built by the volunteers. Though a small stage it was transformed into a magical platform when Mr. Reynolds occupied it. He would start teaching at 7 p.m. each evening and sometimes wouldn't quit until three or even four in the morning, students stayed mesmerized by Mr. Reynolds unique form of teaching.
"Each night I couldn't wait to get to my new 'family' at the museum where I was surrounded by people who were rooting for me and where there was no fear of failing. Here is this legendary teacher conducting class and behind him are so many radiant trophies of his professional career and encased in mirrored displays accented by marble, granite, coquina and varnished mahogany." -Kathleen Kozinski, student and Jupiter Councilwoman.
"On a small well-lit stage in the middle of the gallery Mr. Reynolds started each class with anecdotes from his career, ultimately focusing on the art of 'behavioral' acting. The caliber of teaching is extremely important because if there is no respect for the work and what is said, how is the acting student going to implement anything learned in the class? He had the most wonderful way of critiquing us and leaving us whole. Not taking away, making you think less of yourself, but adding more to you." - J. Kelly Dennehy. |
