Member News

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Jan. 14, 2020) – Chocolates are a time-honored Valentine’s gift, so why not give everyone on your list some Norman Love with Norman Love Confections hand-crafted gourmet chocolates.

The 2020 Norman Love Confections’ Valentines Collection features flavors to love: Caramel Passionfruit (milk chocolate – caramel, passionfruit and white chocolate ganache),  Peanut Butter Caramel (milk chocolate – creamy peanut butter and caramel), Mango Orange (white chocolate – mango, orange and white chocolate ganache), Raspberry Marzipan (dark chocolate – raspberries and almond marzipan), Lemon Raspberry (white chocolate – tart lemon and raspberry), Chipotle Lime (dark chocolate – lime ganache and smoky chipotle), Coffee Hazelnut (milk chocolate – hazelnut praline and coffee), Dark Chocolate Strawberry (dark chocolate – chocolate covered strawberry), Pineapple Rum (white chocolate – fresh pineapple with dark rum), Vanilla Rum (dark chocolate – Tahitian vanilla and spiced rum).

Norman Love Confections’ 2020 Valentine’s Collection is available online at normanloveconfections.com or in Norman Love Confections’ chocolate salons in Fort Myers, Naples and Estero, Florida from Jan. 27 to Feb. 14, 2020. An assortment of the flavors along with a selection of Norman Love’s award-winning signature flavors will be included in a 10-piece heart-shaped box, 24- piece heart-shaped gift box, and 5- and 50-piece green signature gift boxes. The gift boxes are priced from $13.75 to $100. In addition, gift baskets filled with a variety of gourmet chocolate items will also be available, including the monthly “mystery boxes” filled with a themed assortment of four to five chocolate treats and limited-edition offerings, delivered to the recipient’s home. Gift towers filled with love and sweet Valentine’s Day desserts and chocolate-covered strawberries are available. Pre-order specialty desserts and custom cakes at least 48 hours in advance to ensure availability.

“How can you go wrong with a Valentine’s Day gift that has love in the name and is crafted with love?” said Norman Love, president and founder, Norman Love Confections. “Show your loved ones how much you care with the finest, freshest ingredients in our handmade, artisanal chocolates.”

About Norman Love Confections

Founded in 2001 by Norman and Mary Love, Norman Love Confections creates and distributes handcrafted artisanal chocolates from its corporate headquarters at 11380 Lindbergh Blvd. in Fort Myers, Florida. The award-winning Fort Myers-based chocolatier has been lauded more than a dozen times by a leading consumer ratings magazine, including recognition six times for producing the best ultra-premium chocolates in the nation. Forbes.com included Norman Love Confections BLACK line on its list of the nation’s top 10 truffles; The Huffington Post listed it among the six best U.S. destinations in its Chocolate Lover’s Travel Guide; and USA Today named Love as one of its top 10 entrepreneurs for 2014. Love was named the inaugural inductee of Dessert Professional Magazine’s Chocolatier Hall of Fame, partnered with local chefs to present a six-course meal at the James Beard House in New York and Norman Love Confections was ranked among the top 10 shops in the world for chocolate lovers by U.K. media outlet Daily Telegraph.

Norman Love Confections has Chocolate Salons in Fort Myers, Estero and Naples, including a pastry shop and café at Whole Foods Market in Fort Myers salon. Chocolates, gift baskets, sipping chocolate and Love’s book, “Artistry in Chocolate, A Story of Love,” also can be ordered online at www.normanloveconfections.com. In addition, Norman Love Confections chocolates and desserts are offered on 18 Princess Cruises’ ships through the “Chocolate Journeys” partnership and at independent retail locations throughout the U.S. For more information visit www.normanloveconfections.com or call 239-561-7215.

Fort Myers family to receive impactful home renovations
FORT MYERS, Fla. (Jan. 14, 2020) – Lee BIA Builders Care recently hosted its third annual Charity Clay Shoot at the Bermont Shooting Club in Punta Gorda, helping raise impactful funds to support a local family in desperate need of home repairs.
During the event, guests raised $15,300 for a special Builders Care project that will provide much-needed home modifications to help a 70-year-old Vietnam War veteran with Parkinson’s to live more comfortably.
Fort Myers homeowners George and Penny Phillips are in need of critical home repairs to provide wheelchair access for George, who is no longer able to access his bathroom safely. Thanks to the generous support of Charity Clay Shoot attendees, Builders Care will provide a bathroom remodel and new front entry. These renovations will create a world of difference for the Phillips family, allowing Penny, George’s primary caretaker, to more easily care for George. The project will be completed in early 2020.
“The critical need for housing repairs within our community continues to grow each year, and with support from our generous participants and sponsors, we’ll be able to help even more deserving families live safely and comfortably in their homes,” said Becky Swift, executive director of Lee BIA Builders Care. “This event would not be possible without the support of our board, volunteers, sponsors and donors, and we’re thankful for all who came out and donated in support of this special project for the Phillips family.”
The sold-out tournament on Dec. 6 brought 42 teams and 168 participants out to contend in a 14-station course with optional shoot out and station competitions. Following the tournament, teams enjoyed a barbecue luncheon catered by Jonezes BBQ with live music performed by The Electric Mud, an awards ceremony to name the top individuals and teams, and prize drawings to win a variety of top items.
Category winners include:

• First Place Team: Grant Girtman, Brent Addison, Neil Newton and Trevor Hinote
• Second Place Team: Mike Meyers, Scott Bland, Matt Brosious and Chris Ryan
• Third Place Team: Marcus Henderson, Rob Wells, Susan Chicone and Pason Gaddis
• Top Shooter: John Stinauer
• Top Female Shooter: Susan Chicone
• Judge Shoot Out Winner: Derek Mecko
• Turkey Shoot Out Winner: Alex Lopez
• Green Bird Station Winner: Grant Girtman
• Specialty Gun Raffle Winner: Jeff Krull

The Charity Clay Shoot was presented by LSI Companies. Other event sponsors included Saint Raphael Roofing as breakfast and lunch sponsor, Barraco & Associates as beverage sponsor, Paul Homes    as Judge Shoot Out sponsor and JT Ventures Trucking as Turkey Shoot Out sponsor. Big shot sponsors included Argos RMX, Better Buildings, Bonness, Busey Wealth Management, Everglades Equipment Group, Gulfpoint Construction, HONC Industries, Kitson & Partners, Liberty Aluminum, Modern Tile & Carpet, Preferred Materials, Service Contracting Solutions, Stock Development and Waldrop Engineering. Station sponsors included Haines A/C & Refrigeration, Neubert Construction, Pulte Homes and Thread Source. In-kind sponsors included Aqua Systems, Coastal Beverages, Everglades Equipment Rental, Fort Myers Brewing Company and Priority Marketing.
About Lee BIA Builders Care
The mission of Lee BIA Builders Care is to provide emergency construction services at no cost to needy and deserving elderly and/or disabled homeowners, and their families, who cannot obtain repairs through traditional means. Lee BIA Builders Care offers a full range of no-cost emergency construction services to improve the safety and health for needy seniors and disabled individuals of all ages by enlisting the expertise and donated services and materials of contractors, sub-contractors and businesses. To date, Lee BIA Builders Care has put more than $4.75 million in construction services back into the community at no cost to homeowners in need. Builders Care is funded through financial donations, grants and donated services and materials to provide emergency construction services to qualified homeowners throughout the community. Lee BIA Builders Care is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization under the charitable arm of the Lee Building Industry Association. Lee BIA Builders Care is headquartered at 6835 International Center Blvd. #4 in Fort Myers. Donations can be made online at www.LeeBuildersCare.org. More information is available by calling 239-938-0056, and by following Builders Care at www.Facebook.com/LeeBuildersCare.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Jan. 14, 2020) – Pablo Ferreira has joined Stevens Construction as estimator, announced Mark Stevens, company president.

Bringing 12 years of construction experience, Ferreira manages the bid process for the Fort Myers office, creating and distributing bid packages while soliciting and qualifying subcontractor proposals. As estimator, Ferreira produces bid scopes, constructability reviews and maintains historical cost data. He also continuously builds the company’s subcontractor database while developing subcontractor relationships.

A certified AutoCAD specialist, Ferreira earned his associate degree in the pre-engineering transfer program from North Shore Community College in Massachusetts.

Ferreira is among the growing preconstruction department of Stevens Construction. Stevens Construction specializes in preconstruction services, which when engaged early in the project, the client achieves budget, schedule and quality goals, 100% of the time.

About Stevens Construction

With offices in Fort Myers, Tampa and Orlando, Stevens Construction specializes in providing construction management, general contracting and consulting services to clients and design professionals. Other services include site and design team selection, budgeting, project scheduling, permitting, cost and quality control and warranty service. The company builds healthcare, commercial and hospitality facilities. For information, visit www.stevensconstructioninc.com or call 239-936-9006.

FORT MYERS, FLA., January 13, 2020– The most successful opera company in Europe and the U.S. will be in Fort Myers February 3 to perform La Traviata, one of the world’s most famous stories of unrequited love.
Teatro Lirico D’Europa will perform at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on the Fort Myers campus of Florida SouthWestern State College, as part of the Fort Myers Community Concert Association 2018 season.
Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. concert are available at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall by visiting https://barbarabmann.ticketsoffice.org or by calling the box office at 239-481-4849.
Prices are $35 for lower balcony and $25 for upper balcony seats.  A limited number of orchestra and mezzanine seating is available at $55 each.
“This is an amazing and very rare opportunity to hear these musicians in concert,” said Fort Myers Community Association President Mary Lee Mann.  “La Traviata has been playing to rave reviews throughout the country.”
La Traviata is the classic tale of unrequited love taking place in and aroiund Paris during the 1840s. Teatro Lirico D’Europa travels with a full orchestra of 47 to 50 members and a chorus of 40 singers.
Teatro Lirico D’Europa was created in 1988 by the late Yves Josse, a former ballet dancer and French arts promoter, and George Lalva, a young Bulgarian opera singer.  The collaboration was a huge success in a very short time, resulting in tours with more than 250 performances in a single season throughout France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Denmark, Spain, Italy, Sicily and Portugal.
La Traviata is the third of five classical performances to be presented this season by the Fort Myers Community Concert Association.
The two remaining concerts are:

• Russian State Symphony Orchestra – February 10, 2020
• Russian National Ballet – March 2, 2020

The Fort Myers Community Concert Association, now in its 71st concert season, is an all-volunteer not-for-profit organization founded by the legendary Barbara B. Mann in 1949 to bring world-class entertainment to Southwest Florida at affordable prices.  The association consists of more than 1,700 members, underwriters and sponsors.  Performers brought to Fort Myers in the past by the association include The Israel Ballet, Violinist Itzhak Perlman, The Boston Brass, Minnesota Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, Vienna Boys Choir, Pianist Andre Watts, Violinist Joshua Bell with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and many others.  For Community Concert Association membership information, visit www.fortmyerscommunityconcerts.org.
 
About the Fort Myers Community Concert Association
The Fort Myers Community Concert Association is an all-volunteer not-for-profit organization founded by the legendary Barbara B. Mann in 1949 to bring world-class entertainment to Southwest Florida at affordable prices.  The association consists of more than 1,700 members, underwriters and sponsors.  Performers brought to Fort Myers in the past by the association include The Israel Ballet, The Boston Brass, Minnesota Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, Vienna Boys Choir, Violinist Itzhak Perlman, Flutist James Galway, Pianist Andre Watts, Violinist Joshua Bell with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and many others.
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FORT MYERS, Fla. (Jan. 10, 2020) – The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon on Jan. 16 will provide business leaders greater insight on an industry analysis tool from the Lee County Economic Development Office (EDO).

Guest speaker John Talmage, director of Lee County EDO, will share information about SizeUp Lee, a dynamic benchmarking tool developed by GIS Planning. SizeUp Lee enables any local business, regardless of size or industry, to see how it can most efficiently do business in Lee County. The easy-to-use, data-rich platform allows a user to better understand the competition, consumer expenditures, underserved markets and much more. Talmage also will recap the EDO’s progress.

Attendees of the Chamber luncheon will learn how to use this free business tool to help their businesses perform their best.

Talmage has spent his career working in economic development for both municipal governments and research organizations. Before he was named director of the Lee County EDO in February 2019, he previously served as CEO of Social Compact, a research organization serving the Federal regulatory community, cities around the country and community development organizations. He also served as the deputy director for Economic Development in New Orleans, where he focused on business development issues including workforce development, international trade and business recruitment and retention. Before that, he worked in New York City, where he primarily focused on communities throughout North Brooklyn to address economic development matters.

The Chamber luncheon will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16 at the Crowne Plaza at Bell Tower, 13051 Bell Tower Drive in Fort Myers.

The January luncheon is sponsored by Prima Luce on the Waterfront, A MacFarlane Barney Company. Admission is $25 for Chamber members and $35 for future Chamber members. To learn more or to register for the event, visit FortMyers.org or call 239-332-2930.

About the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce:
Serving Lee County and surrounding areas since 1989, the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, Inc. is a business organization of professionals who support and promote a progressive, sustainable community. The Chamber represents nearly 800 businesses, professionals, and individuals throughout Lee County, providing opportunities for members to participate in a variety of meaningful networking, educational and community- and business-focused programs and events. The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce is located at 2310 Edwards Drive in downtown Fort Myers. For additional information regarding membership opportunities or events please call 239-332-2930 or visit www.fortmyers.org. For the latest news and updates, follow the Chamber on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gfmcc or Twitter at @FtMyersChamber.

Florida Hosts Competition to Remove Invasive Pythons from America’s Everglades
Today, the Florida Python Challenge™ 2020 Python Bowl officially kicked off in South Florida with more than 550 people registered for the competition to remove as many pythons from the wild as possible. Native to Southeast Asia, pythons pose a significant threat to Florida’s native wildlife.
Under the direction of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) have teamed up with the Miami Super Bowl Host Committee and other partners to support the Committee’s Ocean to Everglades (O2E) initiative, which features the Python Bowl.
“Today kicks off the 2020 Python Bowl, where participants will head into the Everglades to remove invasive Burmese pythons,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I am hopeful the Python Bowl brings much-needed public awareness and engagement on this critical issue: pythons are severely disrupting natural food chains and continue to threaten endangered species.”
This Python Bowl is just one facet of the overall rescue mission to protect the native wildlife of the Everglades from the invasive Burmese python,” said Rodney Barreto, Chairman of the Miami Super Bowl Host Committee. “The Miami Super Bowl Host Committee is privileged to work with the State of Florida to bring much-needed public attention to this important issue.”
Starting today, participants in the 10-day Python Bowl begin removing Burmese pythons from the Everglades for a chance to win prizes for removing these nonnative constrictors from public lands in South Florida.
Participants who remove the most pythons in the “Pro” and “Rookie” category will win a Tracker 570 Off Road ATV, provided by Bass Pro Shops. Those who remove the longest snake and heaviest snakes in each category will be awarded a cash prize. More details about prizing is available at FLPythonChallenge.org.
Every participant who turns in at least one python as part of the Florida Python Challenge™ 2020 Python Bowl will be eligible for a random drawing for additional prizes including cash and python skin items. Active duty military personnel and veterans who register for the competition will be eligible for additional prizes.
Prize winners will be announced at the Python Bowl awards ceremony on Jan. 25 at the Super Bowl Live event at Bayfront Park in Miami. Participants must be present to win, and the general public is welcome to attend the free event.
“We are grateful for the support from Governor DeSantis and our many partners including the South Florida Water Management District, our sponsors Bass Pro Shops and the Bergeron Everglades Museum and Wildlife Foundation and the members of the public who have stepped up to help us to remove these invasive snakes,” said FWC Executive Director Eric Sutton. “It definitely takes a team to tackle this important conservation issue.”
“We are taking aggressive action to restore the Everglades and eliminate invasive pythons from the Greater Everglades Ecosystem,” said SFWMD Executive Director Drew Bartlett. “The South Florida Water Management District, the FWC and many other partners have removed more than 9,700 pythons from the state of Florida. With the public’s help and partnerships with FWC and the Miami Super Bowl Host Committee, we’ll have record success during the Florida Python Challenge. We’re proud to kick off the Florida Python Challenge today and appreciate Governor DeSantis and our partners for their strong commitment to Everglades restoration.”
It’s not too late! People interested in taking part in the Florida Python Challenge™ 2020 Python Bowl can still register at FLPythonChallenge.org. A registration fee of $25 and an online training course are required.
The Florida Python Challenge 2020 Python Bowl is hosted by the FWC and the SFWD. Prizes will be awarded by the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida with funding and prizes provided by Bass Pro Shops and Bergeron Everglades Museum and Wildlife Foundation. For a complete list of rules, prizes, training or registration information, visit FLPythonChallenge.org.
About invasive Burmese pythons
Burmese pythons are not native to Florida and negatively impact native species. Wildlife biologists believe Burmese pythons were originally introduced into South Florida as a result of the pet trade. These constrictor snakes are originally from Southeast Asia and thrive in the Everglades ecosystem, an area similar to their native habitat. They are found primarily in and around the Everglades ecosystem in South Florida where they prey on birds, mammals and other reptiles. In 2017, the State of Florida created paid removal programs and has successfully removed more than 3,500 pythons to date. Under the leadership of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, the state has more than doubled its resources to move the harmful pythons from the Greater Everglades Ecosystem.

Full-day of professional development for PR, marketing and communication professionals to be held Feb. 21, 2019
 FORT MYERS, Fla. (January 9, 2020) –  The Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) is bringing its annual professional development conference to Florida SouthWestern State College, 8099 College Parkway, Fort Myers, on Friday, Feb. 21, 2020 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. This year’s event “PR University 20/20: Focus on Best Practices” will include presentations on crisis communications, internal communications, social media, working with influencers and more. PR University sponsors include CONRIC PR & Marketing, iPartnerMedia, LCEC and M&M Multimedia.
PR University is open to the public and provides seasoned and young professionals, business owners, and anyone who communicates to internal or external customers, real-world tools they can use in their daily work. Attendees will gain clarity and insight into today’s changing marketplace and enhance their communication skills to effectively integrate new media with traditional communication elements. Professionals accredited with their APR earn two continuing education points toward maintenance requirements.
Speakers for PR University include Mary Briggs, APR, CPRC, System Director, Strategic Communications & Public Relations, Lee Health; Betsy Clayton, APR, Director of Communications, Lee County Government; Ana Hoyos, Area Director – Southeast U.S. and Latin America, Meltwater; Lonny Kocina, CEO, Media Relations, Inc.; Kristin McClement, Director, Public Relations and Social Marketing, Chico’s FAS; Alyson Seligman, Owner/President, SBS Agency; and Breanne Winter, CEO and Training Specialist, Speak Up Consulting & Coaching.
Along with presentations from a lineup of dynamic speakers, PR University offers valuable education, professional development and networking opportunities.
Early registration is open now through Jan. 31 and is $75 for FPRA members, $95 for future members and $55 for students. The price after early registration closes is $99 for FPRA members, $129 for future members and $65 for students. Event registration closes Feb. 14. For more information and to register to attend, go to the events page at fpraswfl.org.
DIGITAL MEDIA ASSETS
Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/2456787384640636/ 
PR University banner: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oK5B8PCveoDpFYUbA46L3eM8cTyBdQCK/view?usp=sharing 
FPRA Southwest Florida Chapter logo: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ntc8iEQPeRDORU6HR0BjBw9UAoxlV_zg/view?usp=sharing
About Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association
Established in 1938, the Florida Public Relations Association is the oldest public relations organization in the United States. FPRA is dedicated to developing public relations practitioners who, through ethical and standardized practices, enhance the public relations profession in Florida. The Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association is dedicated to programs and activities that enhance the success of public relations professionals in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. For information about upcoming events or to become an FPRA member, please visit www.fpraswfl.org or www.facebook.com/FPRASWFL.
 

Full-day of professional development for PR, marketing and communication professionals to be held Feb. 21, 2019
 FORT MYERS, Fla. (January 9, 2020) –  The Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) is bringing its annual professional development conference to Florida SouthWestern State College, 8099 College Parkway, Fort Myers, on Friday, Feb. 21, 2020 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. This year’s event “PR University 20/20: Focus on Best Practices” will include presentations on crisis communications, internal communications, social media, working with influencers and more. PR University sponsors include CONRIC PR & Marketing, iPartnerMedia, LCEC and M&M Multimedia.
PR University is open to the public and provides seasoned and young professionals, business owners, and anyone who communicates to internal or external customers, real-world tools they can use in their daily work. Attendees will gain clarity and insight into today’s changing marketplace and enhance their communication skills to effectively integrate new media with traditional communication elements. Professionals accredited with their APR earn two continuing education points toward maintenance requirements.
Speakers for PR University include Mary Briggs, APR, CPRC, System Director, Strategic Communications & Public Relations, Lee Health; Betsy Clayton, APR, Director of Communications, Lee County Government; Ana Hoyos, Area Director – Southeast U.S. and Latin America, Meltwater; Lonny Kocina, CEO, Media Relations, Inc.; Kristin McClement, Director, Public Relations and Social Marketing, Chico’s FAS; Alyson Seligman, Owner/President, SBS Agency; and Breanne Winter, CEO and Training Specialist, Speak Up Consulting & Coaching.
Along with presentations from a lineup of dynamic speakers, PR University offers valuable education, professional development and networking opportunities.
Early registration is open now through Jan. 31 and is $75 for FPRA members, $95 for future members and $55 for students. The price after early registration closes is $99 for FPRA members, $129 for future members and $65 for students. Event registration closes Feb. 14. For more information and to register to attend, go to the events page at fpraswfl.org.
 
DIGITAL MEDIA ASSETS
Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/2456787384640636/ 
PR University banner: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oK5B8PCveoDpFYUbA46L3eM8cTyBdQCK/view?usp=sharing 
 
FPRA Southwest Florida Chapter logo: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ntc8iEQPeRDORU6HR0BjBw9UAoxlV_zg/view?usp=sharing
About Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association
Established in 1938, the Florida Public Relations Association is the oldest public relations organization in the United States. FPRA is dedicated to developing public relations practitioners who, through ethical and standardized practices, enhance the public relations profession in Florida. The Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association is dedicated to programs and activities that enhance the success of public relations professionals in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. For information about upcoming events or to become an FPRA member, please visit www.fpraswfl.org or www.facebook.com/FPRASWFL.

FORT MYERS, FL (January 9, 2020) – In light of recent events, The Laboratory Theater of Florida is hosting a Community Holocaust Remembrance January 27th at 7 pm.
This is a solidarity-focused event to unite residents and visitors to remember the Holocaust and reflect on atrocities committed based on fear, hatred, and ignorance.
A Holocaust survivor will be joined by Jewish, Muslim, and Christian religious leaders and laypeople who will share their thoughts and experiences with patrons who will have the opportunity to not only remember, but learn and connect with others of similar and varying faiths. Attendees will have the opportunity to light an LED candle in remembrance of those whose lives were lost or forever altered by the Holocaust.
Philosopher George Santayana once remarked that “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” The Laboratory Theater of Florida has earned a rare endorsement from the Florida Holocaust Museum for its efforts to ensure that these stories are told and retold in a manner that encourages unity and not discord.
Lab Theater board member Ella Nayor will moderate the discussion. Ella is a noted author and freelance journalist dedicated to inspiring change and raising awareness of just how connected we truly are in the universe.
This is a free event, with collected donations benefitting the Florida Holocaust Museum.
Reserve a seat by calling the box office at 239-218-0481.
 
ABOUT THE LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA
The Laboratory Theater of Florida, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is dedicated to the promotion of the performing arts, through live performance, education, community outreach, experimentation, and the development of ensemble work. The company features ensemble productions, produces classic works, takes artistic risks, which both feature and challenge local performers. For more information visit www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com or the physical location at 1634 Woodford Avenue, in the Fort Myers River District.

FORT MYERS, FL (January 9, 2019) – New York director, acting coach, and Sanford Meisner-alum Steven Ditmyer will offer both a workshop and a Meisner Level One certification course at The Laboratory Theater of Florida. The 3-hour Meisner taster workshop will be January 25th from 2 – 5 pm at the theater. The 20-hour certification course will be held over 4 days, Feb. 1, 2, 8, and 9, from noon until 5 pm each day.
As an actor, Steven has worked with the likes of Al Pacino, Arthur Miller, Tony Randall, Ron Rifkin, Sam Waterson, Dianne Wiest, and more. As a director, he has worked with Alec Baldwin, Charles Durning, Jack Klugman, and many more. This spring he will be directing Sarah Ruhl’s How to Transcend a Happy Marriage at The Laboratory Theater of Florida.
The Meisner Technique is a foundational part of acting. Sanford Meisner said, “Acting is the ability to live truthfully under given imaginary circumstances.” It is one of the systemic and complete acting techniques in the western world. This technique not only changes the way the actor responds to other actors on stage but in every aspect of character development.
The 3-hour Meisner taster workshop will give actors 18 and up an in-depth glimpse into the Meisner method, which espouses living truthfully under imaginary circumstances.
Thanks to the support of generous sponsors, and as part of the Lab’s community outreach program, The Lab is able to offer this workshop for $10. Seating is limited.
The 4-day, 20-hour Meisner Level One certification course will be held from noon – 5 pm on Feb. 1, 2, 8, and 9th. Participants must attend all sessions to receive certification. This course is open to actors of all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, ages 18 and up.
Workshop: January 25, 2 pm – 5 pm, $10
Course: February 1, 2, 8, 9 noon – 5 pm. $325 for non-members, $250 for Lab members.
Tickets are available to purchase by calling the box office at 239-218-0481. For additional savings, guests may purchase an annual membership.
ABOUT THE LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA
The Laboratory Theater of Florida, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is dedicated to the promotion of the performing arts, through live performance, education, community outreach, experimentation, and the development of ensemble work. The company features ensemble productions, produces classic works, takes artistic risks, which both feature and challenge local performers. For more information visit www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com or the physical location at 1634 Woodford Avenue, in the Fort Myers River District.