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Bill Schwartz for Dummies

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Bill Schwartz for Dummies

 

 

Introduction to Bill Schwartz.   1:53 min.  Interview:  Raymond Elman.  Post-Production:  Lee Skye.  Music: Joseph Elguera,  Recorded via Zoom:  11/08/2024, Miami.

 

BILL SCHWARTZ is an actor, playwright, ventriloquist, and retired police officer. He served as Commander of the Miami Police Public Information Office for 14 years, fostering strong connections within the community. As PIO, Bill was on the scene for many high-profile cases, from serial killers to the Elian Gonzalez saga. After retiring in 2008, Schwartz rekindled his passion for the performing arts, as an actor and a playwright. Schwartz has subsequently starred in various theatrical productions, including his play, “The Naked Ventriloquist,” in which he combines his talent as a ventriloquist and an actor. His remarkable transition from law enforcement to the stage showcases his versatility and unwavering dedication to storytelling and theatre.

WHAT: “The Naked Ventriloquist,” a 90-minute, one-act play

WHERE:  Main Street Playhouse, 6812 Main Street, Miami Lakes, FL

WHEN:  2024

Friday, Nov. 22, 8 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 23, 8 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 24, 2 p.m.

 

The videos below were recorded via Zoom, are organized by Success Factor, and run between 30 seconds and 9 minutes. Click on any video. You must be connected to the Internet to view the videos.

 

INSIGHT & INSPIRATION:   0:45 sec.

Where did you grow up and what was your first awareness of art of any discipline?

 

OVERCOMES CHALLENGES TO SUCCEED:    0:27 sec.

Growing up in Baltimore, did you have a pronounced accent?

 

DEVELOP A VOICE:   2:12 min.

What was your introduction to ventriloquism?

 

SEIZES OPPORTUNITIES:   1:04 min.

How much progress did you make as a ventriloquist before you went to college?

 

UNDERSTANDS THE BUSINESS OF ART:   1:34 min.

One of the most successful ventriloquists was Candice Bergen’s father, Edgar Bergen, but on television, he did not do a good job of concealing the movement of his lips.

 

INSIGHT & INSPIRATION:   3:17 min.

What happened to your budding ventriloquism career when you enrolled in college?

 

CREATES A UNIQUE PERSONAL BRAND:    0:53 sec.

The concept of a cop acting a variety of roles to control situations is very interesting.

 

INNOVATION:   0:43 sec.

Has any police department hired an acting coach to teach police officers how to play different roles?

 

PERSEVERANCE FURTHERS:   2:02 min.

Following your epiphany in the snow in New York, why did you move to Miami to pursue a career in law enforcement?

 

SEIZES OPPORTUNITIES:   3:29 min.

What was the arc of your career as a police officer?

 

CREATES A UNIQUE PERSONAL BRAND:    0:32 sec.

How did your press conferences differ from those of other police officers?

 

SEIZES OPPORTUNITIES:   4:08 min.

When did you start to consider returning to the theatre?

 

CREATES A UNIQUE PERSONAL BRAND:   8:29 min.

Tell us about “The Naked Ventriloquist.”

 

INSIGHT & INSPIRATION:    0:51 sec.

Your PR company sent me some nude photos of you. You look fantastic !

 

CRITICAL THINKING:    2:26 min.

One of your characters in “The Naked Ventriloquist” is an African-American named “Dan the Man.” How do you navigate all the issues inherent with a White man voicing a Black man?

 

COMMUNITY VALUES:    1:15 min.

How did your fellow police officers react when they learned that you are an actor and a ventriloquist?