Human Interest

Teen Shakespeare Company is Growing Stronger

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The Southeastern Teen Shakespeare Company (SETSCO) brings Shakespeare and theatre skills to teens in the Gulf Coast area. SETSCO provides an entertaining and unique opportunity for local teens. The company would welcome the chance to share the fun. SETSCO recently performed Henry IV, part 1 set in a post apocalyptic wasteland, ruled by warrior women. Company director, Michelle Hancock, joined Teen Shakespeare as the drunk and bumbling Falstaff.

teen Shakespeare cast of Henry IV, part 2

Pensacola, Fla (April 28, 2016) Henry IV, part 1 Full cast.

Pecha Kuchas are the latest way to offer a lot of information in a quick and visual format. 20 slides are shown for 20 seconds each to deliver the details. Public Relations guru, Dee Dee Brustad, uses the pecha kucha format to tell all about her capstone campaign for the Southeastern Teen Shakespeare Company.

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How is Shakespeare Still Shaping Our World?

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Shakespeare continues to influence modern world culture. This webinar explores the ways Shakespeare’s writing shapes language, literature, comedy, horror, and music. Studying and performing Shakespeare has many benefits that have been explored in many articles. This webinar looks at the fun to be found in Shakespeare’s works. His works are filled with insights into the human condition that are still relevant today. He created over 3000 words and phrases still in use.

MC Lars Ted Talk

MC Lars – Hey There Ophelia

Akala Ted Talk

Akala – Comedy, Tragedy, History

For more info

Teen Shakespeare membersCaroline and Hanson in their own world

2013 Gulf Coast Ren Faire- Caroline Sullivan and Hanson Thies

How Tech Savvy Teen Volunteers are Helping the Neighborhood

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Computers are found in our daily activities, from shopping and banking to business and entertainment. Many of our oldest community members cannot perform the simplest of computer tasks. For them, social media meant to connect is a source of isolation. These people need basic computer skills to participate in society. They still have a lot to contribute and should be given the opportunity to be included in the global community.

Teens are looking for a way to be included in our society. Many schools now require community service for high school graduation. It can be hard for teens to find volunteer opportunities outside of church settings. Many of these teens have amazing computer skills or social media know-how.computers_adults

The Connect IT App seeks to bring together tech savvy teens with those that could benefit from their wisdom. Student volunteers are paired with elderly patrons based on desired skills ranging from basic computer abilities, ecommerce and web design, or social platforms. Volunteers can teach on the patron’s computer or on the Connect IT supplied laptop each volunteer is equipped with.

The connect IT App is visually simple with large icons and easy navigation. Our website will link to community centers and the AARP. We will also place traditional flyers in public libraries, senior centers, and retirement homes. Teen volunteers will also be reached through high schools and the volunteer network website.

The Connect IT App will give seniors the skills they need to bridge the digital divide while allowing teens an opportunity to get their volunteer hours. This is adopt a grandparent 2.0.

Do You Know a Teen that Likes to Talk?

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The Southeastern Teen Shakespeare Company hosts its fifth annual Speak the Speech contest Saturday February 6, 2016. SETSCO has been providing teens a safe place to develop their acting and language skills since 2006. Michelle Hancock, company director says “Our mission is to provide teens in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties with instruction and performance opportunities that lead to their significant growth as artists, as community leaders, and as human beings.” SETSCO celebrated their tenth anniversary last season when past members joined the current company in a full length production of Hamlet. The company members range in age from 12 to 19. They perform at local festivals and stage a full length production every year.

Gulf Breeze, Fla (Sept. 14, 2014) Daisy Brustad performs Phoebe's monologue from Shakespeare's As You Like it at the Gulf Breeze Arts Festival. (Photo by SETSCO company coordinator DeeDee Brustad.)


Gulf Breeze, Fla (Sept. 14, 2014) Daisy Brustad performs Phoebe’s monologue from Shakespeare’s As You Like it at the Gulf Breeze Arts Festival. (Photo by SETSCO company coordinator DeeDee Brustad.)

The Speak the Speech contest will be held at the Old Sacred Heart Hospital building in the east tower at 2:00. Interested teens should fill out the application and pick a scene or monologue from any of Shakespeare’s plays. The selection must be at least 20 lines and no more than 5 minutes long. No experience, costumes or props required. All pieces must be memorized. First prize is a major supporting role in SETSCO’s full length production.

Come out and play!

Southeastern Teen Shakespeare Company Speak the Speech Contest

Who – 13 to 19 year olds interested in acting

When – Saturday, February 6,2016 from 2:00 – 4:00

Where – 1010 North 12 Avenue, Suite 211

What Thrills and Skills are Found at FSU’s Flying High Circus?

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The FSU Flying High Circus began in 1947 as an activity to combine men and women when the school became co-ed. Students are responsible for all lighting, costuming, rigging, and performing in this three-ring aerial extravaganza. Performers get a chance to try the Cloud Swing, the Spanish Web, the Chinese Pole, the Teeterboard, the Slack Line, and the Flying Trapeze.

The Flying High Circus consists of students from a variety of majors. There are as many math and science majors as theater majors.

“We have a lot of theater people and athletic people,” says Benny Brustad, FSU student and Slack Rope performer, “most of us are people who excel at school.”

The circus offers a lot of camaraderie and learning opportunities. After making it past two rounds of auditions, the selected students are put into one of the acts. Each act is responsible for their own choreography and rehearsal schedule.  Experienced performers help circus newcomers learn the skills required for their particular act.

“The circus is a good experience for learning how things work in the real world. Learning slack, I wasn’t really told what to do,” says Benny Brustad, “I jumped up on the rope and fell right off. I fell off that rope at least 63 times before I learned to stay on. Figuring it out for myself taught me perseverance.”

The opportunity to learn and teach new things is a big part of the circus experience. Brustad, who will be graduating with a math and teaching double major this spring, finds many similarities between circus life and the real world. He has learned teamwork and group management for reaching a common goal. The importance of self motivation is stressed.

Tallahassee, FLA.(April 19, 2014) Benny Brustad performs Chinese Pole in FSU Flying High Circus(Photo by PR by DeeDee owner, DeeDee Brustad)

Tallahassee, FLA.(April 19, 2014) Benny Brustad performs Chinese Pole in FSU Flying High Circus(Photo by PR by DeeDee owner, DeeDee Brustad)

“We all help out the new guy,” says Brustad, “but ultimately, you have to figure out what works best for you.”

For more information, please visit http://circus.fsu.edu

“It’s About Happiness,” says Mike Ortiz, of High Springs, Florida

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High Springs, Fla. Mike Ortiz in his home. (Photo by DeeDee Brustad)

High Springs, Fla. Mike Ortiz in his home. (Photo by DeeDee Brustad)

When High Springs, Fla resident Mike Ortiz came from Puerto Rico to America at 8 years old he was not very happy about it. He is now 73 and struggling with Alzheimer’s disease but he has found happiness with his wife of 30 years.

Mike Ortiz and wife, JoAnne Ortiz share nine children and more than 30 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He sits surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Occasionally he becomes confused and asks the names of the people in his living room. He is not always sure when he met the people near him. Most of the time, his bright eyes sparkle with glee and a hint of mischief. He greets each question with a warm and open smile. He is a man who knows the importance of love.

“It is good to see him doing so well,” said his granddaughter Daisy Brustad, age 13. “It makes me sad when he asks my name.”

Talking with loved ones and sharing stories helps him remember. It clears his mind so everyday tasks become easy again. He compares these visits with a shot in the arm that makes things better. He tells his grandchildren the secret to happiness is doing what is good for your family.

“You don’t have to go to church everyday to know God,” says Ortiz. “You can know God because you help somebody on the street, saved his life. That’s big time!”

Mike Ortiz stresses the importance of being kind to each other. He tells his family that sharing your knowledge and your time helps the world be a better place. There is not time for everything the world offers.

“All the good things that the world gives you, lends to you, you have to choose,” says Ortiz.

His final advice to his family is simple and emphatic.

“Love each other no matter what. The world leads you into things and it leads you away from family. No matter what,” Mike tells his grandchildren, “family first.”

Alicia Boyles’ Hypnotherapy is Coming Here to the Coast

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Gulf Breeze, Fla. Alicia Boyles, Gulf Coast Hypnotherapist, relaxes in her kitchen. (photo by DeeDee Brustad)

Gulf Breeze, Fla. Alicia Boyles, Gulf Coast Hypnotherapist, relaxes in her kitchen. (photo by DeeDee Brustad)

Alicia Boyles plans on teaching her Gulf Breeze clients to use hypnotherapy techniques to gain control of their lives when she opens her practice in the early part of 2016. Alicia has taken care of the people around her for most of her life. After spending two decades homeschooling her daughters she has spent the last two years learning everything she can about hypnotherapy techniques.

“It’s crazy how much sense this career choice makes for her,” says Skylar Boyles, Alicia’s youngest daughter.

When her primary job was that of caretaker to her daughters, husband, and mother Alicia spent her time empowering people and teaching them to see what worked best to bring them happiness. She has polished her skills with 500 hours of state-licensed training and certification in Clinical and Transpersonal Hypnotherapy through the Institute of Interpersonal Hypnotherapy, the first and only hypnotherapy school licensed through the Florida Department of Education.

“Hypnotherapy is so simple and available to everyone to change our outlook and how we respond to life,” says Alicia Boyles, local hypnotherapist, “It’s a simple matter of going inside and paying attention.”

That was her first certification. In the two years she has studied she has added many association memberships and certifications including Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist through the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners, Certified Hope Coach, and Integrative Life Coach.

“I want to grow a huge toolbox so that I can help any client that comes in to feel comfortable with how change can be made,” says Alicia.

Traumatic Release is one technique Alicia plans on adding to her toolbox. It is based on the idea that physical trembling after a disturbance can literally shake off the trauma.

Alicia was only seven years old when she realized that she wanted to help people. “I remember that moment very clearly. That was why I was here,” says Alicia, “to help people understand that they have a choice in how they feel about things.”

“My mother,” says Skylar Boyles, “She’s probably the most observant and compassionate person I’ve ever met.”

Gulf Breeze, Fla. Alicia Boyles, Gulf Coast Hypnotherapist, with Todd Boyles, husband, and Skylar Boyles, daughyer. (photo by DeeDee Brustad)

Gulf Breeze, Fla. Alicia Boyles, Gulf Coast Hypnotherapist, with Todd Boyles, husband, and Skylar Boyles, daughyer. (photo by DeeDee Brustad)

Alicia will be opening her home office in the beginning of 2016. She specializes in pain management and stress management. She also holds certifications in childbirth and sports hypnosis. The passion for learning that led to her success in homeschooling infuses her plans for further certifications and her style of client interaction.

“I love the idea of teaching someone that their day consists of patterns that build up to larger patterns,” says Alicia, “If they can just stop for a moment, they can shift what they are doing.”

 

For more information:

Hypnosis Motivation Institute

Medical Hypnosis Coaching Institute

International Association of Counsellors and Therapists

What Lurks in the Mind of One Local Artist?

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: DeeDee Brustad                                           

Public Relations

850-710-0868

dbrustad@fullsail.edu

           

 

What Lurks in the Mind of One Local Artist?

Techno Man Drawing by Kenneth James Brustad

Techno Man Drawing by Kenneth James Brustad

Pensacola, Fla. – Saturday, November 7, 2015 – University of West Florida Fine Arts student Kenneth James Brustad of Navarre, Fla holds his first public art show Feb. 27 and 28 from 7 – 10 p.m. at the Old Sacred Heart Hospital. This free event will explore the co-dependent relationship of man and machine. This young artist illustrates how technology is sometimes helpful, sometimes intimidating, or incapacitating in this aptly named show, Beyond the Screen. The drawings start with a picture of a healthy connection where technology benefits humanity. The last picture is an ominous take on what happens when technology takes over our lives. Kenneth James favors pen and pencil drawings in a surreal style reminiscent of the wild works of H.R. Giger.

 

Beyond the Screen art show takes place at 1010 N. 12th Avenue, Suite 211. There will be an opening reception Saturday night at 7 p.m. with the artist on hand to discuss his concepts. The artist says “some people are cripplingly dependent on their technologies while others use it as a pastime or a tool for communication. These works explore both sides of this issue.”

 

His unique art is sometimes disturbing but always thought-provoking. This quiet young man lets his art and his smile speak for him. “Drawing connects me to the world. Sometimes I look at one of my drawings and suddenly my thoughts are put in context to the rest of the world,” explains Kenneth James Brustad.

 

Come share Kenneth James Brustad’s vision and some wine and cheese at his show and reception Feb. 27 at 7 p.m.

 

About Kenneth James Brustad:

Navarre, Fla. Artist Kenneth James Brustad has been drawing as long as he can remember. His work is a wildly imaginative mix of science fiction and fantasy. He will graduate with a Bachelor’s degree from the Fine Arts program at the University of West Florida in May 2016. His art has accompanied productions ranging from Halloween scares to Shakespeare at the Pensacola Little Theater.

Please visit Kenneth James Brustad on Deviant Art or Facebook for more information.

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