Biography
Rita was the spokesperson for the National American Heart Association's Heart Walk for 2003, with her son Grant Manyette. After seeing her son come through 6 heart surgeries, Rita decided to give film acting a try. Rita pointed out "I saw first hand how precious life is and I didn't want to end up on my death bed saying what if". Rita landed her first role as the lead in "The Words Not", a University of Miami Graduate Student's film project. After that she went to Orlando to appear in KSfilms project "Wish". Wish is the winner of the dMAC film slam in Orlando. Rita took on a demanding role in "Schune", her first horror film. One week later she played a shrewd lawyer in "Perspectives". The lead role was offered to Rita in "After the Storms" shortly after she wrapped "Perspectives". "Celebration" marked Rita's 4th lead role and her 1st film in Jacksonville, Florida. This was a welcome change from filming in Orlando and Miami and gave her a chance to work close to home. "Children of the Concrete" brought Rita back to Orlando. In February of 2005 Rita had a small but very comical role in "Our Girl" for Sugarfree Films. This film will open at the 2005 Venice Film Festival in Italy in late August. Rita’s work on her 3rd horror film entitled "Into the Shadows" will bring her together with a wonderful director and actor, N. Quin Serenati, and an equally talented Producer Rob Cobb. This film is in conjunction with Tiger Paw Productions and Run Fast Jump High Films. Rita has also agreed to take on a principal role as Shelia Melborn in "Tomorrow Morning" in mid October of 2005. Rita will also be branching out this year to include on her resume Casting Director. Rita has cast "The Creeek", a short film shot in Jacksonville. She has also cast a Hollywood horror film called "Automaton Transfusion". 2005 is shaping up to be a very good year for Rita. Besides all the film projects, Rita is signed with 4 of Florida's top agencies and has shot many commercials, industrial videos, and infomercials along the way. If you would like to see Rita's on-line demo go to
http://www.RitaManyette.com.
A Letter of Recomendation from Dr. Linnda Durre'
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
As an acting coach and a licensed psychotherapist for 26 years, I am delighted to write a letter of recommendation for actor Rita Manyette.
As to my credentials, I have been admitted to WGA, AFTRA, and ASCAP, and was a judge for the ACE Awards before they were absorbed into the Emmys. I sold a TV series to Aaron Spelling, and I currently have letters of intent from two time Emmy winner, Edward Asner, and Oscar nominee Bruce Davison to star in my original screenplay, "Meant To Be."
Combining my skills in the field of psychology and my experience as an actor, director, producer, writer, lyricist, and acting coach has been and is ideal for me and I love my work. It is a joy to work with such exciting actors as Rita.
Rita Manyette is a very talented actress who attended one of my all day Acting Workshops on January 30, 2005. She came well prepared and delivered her dramatic and comedic monologues with sensitivity and energy. Her scenes with other actors demonstrated her ability to listen and respond in the moment.
Her improv work in class was fearless and she was able to open herself up to new emotional levels that have enriched both her work and her life.
Rita is very receptive to feedback, with the genuine desire to challenge herself, to explore new areas of _expression, and to expand her range and technique.
Being able to listen, understand, and adapt are all important qualities of a professional actor and Rita demonstrated these traits in her flexibility to change interpretations of a reading to add new dimensions to her readings.
I also had the pleasure of working with Rita in a 35 mm student film at Full Sail, entitled, "Perspectives," where she played an attorney, and I played a judge. I found her work energetic, powerful, and exciting to watch. Her portrayal of the lawyer was exactly right for the character.
I have also seen her film and TV work and know that she has talent that is well suited for the stage, television, and screen. She has the ability to adapt to any medium she is in and she takes direction well.
It was a pleasure working with Rita and having her as one of my acting students.
I know she has a bright future and her enthusiasm and love of acting assures her success in the entertainment field.
If you have any questions, please contact me. You may also click on my website: www.DrDurre.com, where testimonials from my acting students are listed.
Thank you for the opportunity to recommend Rita Manyette. You will enjoy working with her as much as I have.
Sincerely,
Linnda Durre'
Thank you Linnda! I had a boo hoo fest in her class after an improve. A great Teacher and Friend!