MEMBERS of the entertainment team from Sandals and Beaches resorts in Jamaica recently participated in an acting intensive workshop facilitated by RuJohn Foundation in partnership with the Sandals Corporate University (SCU).

The two-day workshop, dubbed the Leah Daniels-Butler’s Acting Intensive, was led by actress, producer, and writer Chyna Layne, actor and dancer Rayan Lawrence, both of Jamaican parentage, and Marissa Brooks, vice-president of drama development at
CBS Studios.

The team took part in fun and engaging sessions designed to open their minds, boost their creativity, and build their onstage confidence.

They learnt techniques to enhance their acting, comedy, and improvisation skills. They also recorded audition simulations and performed scenes for Andrew “King Bach” Bachelor and a panel of casting directors and professional actors.

At the end of workshop, Layne expressed her immense pleasure at having the opportunity to give back to her Jamaican roots in such an impactful way.

“Over these last two days I’m reminded that there’s so much phenomenal, untapped talent in Jamaica. Bringing the Leah Daniels-Butler’s Acting Intensive to the Sandals and Beaches entertainment team is a dream that’s been fully realised.

“We all had a wonderful time and I know the members of the team may think that we inspired them, but true inspiration came to us from them. It was a blessing to be around these aspiring Jamaican actors who are versatile, phenomenal, good-spirited, and multifaceted. I look forward to seeing great things from them in the future,” said Layne.

Also present for the workshop was Gustav Neumann, corporate director, entertainment experience for Sandals Resorts International.

He expressed his joy at watching the team engage in the different activities and how immersed they were in the experience.

“This is a wonderful opportunity and I know it meant a lot to the team to have been a part of this. I watched some of them go from shy and uncertain to confident and sure. Our entertainment team is a dynamic blend of creativity and fun, always pushing boundaries to leave a lasting impact.

“This workshop, I believe, will have a lasting impact that they will take into our operations to brighten the lives of our guests. We are grateful to the SCU and RuJohn Foundation for coming together to make this happen,” said Neumann.

The RuJohn Foundation began in 2003 in honour of Ruth and John Tulloch, the grandparents of CEO Andrew “King Bach” Bachelor and President Christina Bachelor.

What started out as small efforts, such as donations of T-Shirts and hurricane supplies, evolved into sponsoring school lunch programmes, providing scholarship funds, and holding annual celebrity sports camps.

Over the years the foundation has helped dozens of schools and hundreds of children and adults while creating lasting partnerships with both Jamaican and American organisations.