Pete Pryor Selected For Lunt-Fontanne Fellowship Program

Philadelphia actor Pete Pryor has been selected for the prestigious Lunt-Fontanne Fellowship Program, a widely acclaimed national program to serve regional theatre actors and the future of American theatre. Nominated by The Wilma Theater http://www.wilmatheater.org/> (where he's appeared in such productions as Amadeus, The Life of Galileo, and The Pillowman), Mr. Pryor is one of only nine actors in the entire country being honored as a 2010 Lunt-Fontanne Fellow.

"Pete is a joy to watch perform. Pete's range as an actor is remarkable not merely for his ability to embody such differing roles, but because of the nuance of characterization that he brings which is
both subtle and deeply engaging. He brings to his work and life a deep generosity of spirit and a very admirable humility. I have personally watched Pete grow into a passionate advocate for the arts and mentor for other artists, a performer who is deeply committed to his craft, never content to be merely good enough at what he pursues."
- Blanka Zizka, Artistic Director, The Wilma Theater

This summer, July 11-18, nine of the most respected actors in America, representing nine of the nation's premier regional theatres, will join revered actress Lynn Redgrave for an intensive weeklong master class and retreat at Ten Chimneys, the National Historic Landmark estate of Broadway legends Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, in Genesee Depot, Wisconsin (just outside of Milwaukee).

"What Ten Chimneys Foundation is accomplishing with this program is truly astounding. This kind of opportunity simply hasn't existed before, anywhere. And it's so important; it's so meaningful. I am proud and excited to be a part of the Lunt-Fontanne Fellowship Program." - Lynn Redgrave, 2009 & 2010 Master Teacher

In addition to the distinction of being selected and the immense value of participating, Mr. Pryor will receive a $2,500 cash fellowship in recognition of his exceptional contributions to Philadelphia and to the overall quality of American theatre. "We are proud to honor Pete Pryor as a Lunt-Fontanne Fellow," said Sean Malone, President of Ten Chimneys Foundation. "The Lunt-Fontanne Fellowship Program celebrates the top actors in America's top theatre communities - widely respected for their talent, dedication to craft, and passionate pursuit of excellence, the qualities for which Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne were so revered. This program celebrates people like Pete Pryor - the best of the best, our communities' theatre mentors."

TEN CHIMNEYS FOUNDATION - PROGRAM HOST

Ten Chimneys is the estate lovingly created by Broadway legends Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, widely considered the greatest acting couple in the history of American theatre. With no ropes and nothing under glass, modern-day guests at Ten Chimneys are treated to a VIP guided tour of a National Historic Landmark replete with original furnishings and overflowing with the romance of the 1930s and '40s. The estate is open to the public as a world-class historic site and a national resource for American theatre.

For much of the 20th century, Ten Chimneys was "the center of the theatrical universe" - an important place for the luckiest of artists to retreat, rejuvenate, and collaborate. Luminaries such as Helen Hayes, Noël Coward, Alexander Woollcott, and Katharine Hepburn were all frequent and devoted Ten Chimneys guests. In addition, the Lunts were known for their dedication to the next generation; they reveled in mentoring young actors. Legends such as Laurence Olivier, Uta Hagen, Montgomery Clift, and Julie Harris proudly considered themselves protégés of the Lunts. The Lunt-Fontanne Fellowship Program continues that tradition of mentorship.

2010 LUNT-FONTANNE FELLOWS AND "PARTNER THEATRES"

For the 2010 Fellowship Program, Ten Chimneys Foundation selected nine of the most prestigious and accomplished regional theatres in the country to serve as Partner Theatres for this groundbreaking program. Each Partner Theatre was invited to nominate the "master actors" of their communities, to be considered for recognition as Lunt-Fontanne Fellows.