Shawn Fornari
Shawn Fornari is an American educator, director, and stand-up comedian. He is known for his work as an instructor at the Burt Reynolds Institute for Film & Theatre (BRIFT) in Jupiter, Florida, his involvement in civic leadership in Canoga Park, California, and his career in comedy.
Early life and education
Fornari was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He earned a bachelor's degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and later obtained a doctorate in organizational leadership from the University of Phoenix.[1]
Career
Film and theatre
Fornari worked with actor and filmmaker Burt Reynolds at the Burt Reynolds Institute for Film & Theatre (BRIFT) in Jupiter, Florida, where he taught screenwriting and production courses.[2][3] He has worked in various filmmaking roles, including as an assistant director on multiple independent productions.[4] Fornari is the author of Writing YOUR Story for the BIG Screen, a screenwriting guide used in his BRIFT courses.[5]
Fornari's early on-screen work included a role as a Secret Service agent in the pilot episode of the television series The West Wing (1999).[6] Before moving to Los Angeles, he worked at Universal Studios Orlando, where he collaborated with performers in both live entertainment and production settings.[7]
Education and community service
After relocating to California, Fornari became active in public education. He teaches social studies at Canoga Park High School and has served as a board member on the Canoga Park Neighborhood Council, representing schools and community interests.[8][9]
Comedy
In addition to his teaching and directing career, Fornari performs as a stand-up comedian, appearing at venues including Flappers Comedy Club in Burbank, Ha Ha Comedy Club in North Hollywood, and the Ice House Comedy Club in Pasadena, California.[10]
Publications
- Writing YOUR Story for the BIG Screen (self-published, Amazon, 2021)[11]
References
- ↑ "IUP Alumni Newsletter" (PDF). Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Retrieved October 16, 2025.
- ↑ "BRIFT Instructor Listing". Stage32. Retrieved October 16, 2025.
- ↑ "BRIFT Workshop Program". Stage32. Retrieved October 16, 2025.
- ↑ "IMDb Profile". Retrieved October 16, 2025.
- ↑ "Writing YOUR Story for the BIG Screen". Amazon. Retrieved October 16, 2025.
- ↑ "IMDb Profile". Retrieved October 16, 2025.
- ↑ "IMDb Profile". Retrieved October 16, 2025.
- ↑ "Board Member Listing". Retrieved October 16, 2025.
- ↑ "Canoga Park High Staff". Retrieved October 16, 2025.
- ↑ "Stage32 Profile". Stage32. Retrieved October 16, 2025.
- ↑ "Writing YOUR Story for the BIG Screen". Amazon. Retrieved October 16, 2025.
External links
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