A Castle In Umbria
It’s 11 or so and Minori slips into the end of another tourist season. The temperate sun moves across the sky in a pattern I’m unfamiliar with. Church bells ring out the hour in a seemingly mythological melody. I’m sitting in a cafe watching small fishing boats drowsily float atop the Mediterranean. I begin to reflect on the last week and the memories that are fresh in my mind and will always have a special place in my being.
It was an actors retreat and the creation of a film set in the magnificence of the thirteenth century Castello di Magrano. Along with magnificence of the Castello there was the splendor of the Umbrian countryside and the majestic medieval city of Perugia.
Ms. Terry Ross, a friend of many years, was the creator of this experience. Through her tireless research and coordination of detail she succeeded in making this dream a reality.
It was a week or so of creation, imagination and the collaboration of new and old friends. A melting pot of humanity, as it always should be, story tellers bound by a common purpose. A common purpose that danced the dance of a dream, a vision, a story to be told.
The moments now departed still linger in the off handed compliments of remembering. I’m gently reminded by that which flows within and without us to give thanks for the gifts. So I speak out my thanks for this gift ! Because...........it was a castle after all!
~ Frank Papia
The retreat to A Castle in Umbria in October of 2019 was truly a transformative experience. Filming in Italy was an awakening to beauty and culture, as well as on-location acting with the great mentor, Terry Ross! I would absolutely recommend participation in a FAR project. A guaranteed amazing adventure!..it was a castle after all!
~ Lynn Aligner
I don’t even know where to begin! It was phenomenal and memorable experience. The cast and crew worked well together and it was well organized. Terry (the director) made me feel so welcome and comfortable that I didn’t get intimidated at all about my level of acting. I’m so happy with my experience that I plan to sign up again for the next upcoming retreat. No regrets here!
Exceptional experience all round. From the filming to the incredible accommodations gastro food and wine. The locations where the filming takes place are breathtaking. A very hard working crew and cast. Terry Ross has put an experience to enjoy and so much more. Thank you.
~ Angie Binns
This acting retreat was a dream come true. As a first time student of Terry I was nervous to sign up, but I am so beyond happy I did. I am grateful for this experience in so many ways. It was magic, and I learned so much from the experience, Terry, the crew and the amazing group of actors I got to share it with. The castle we got to stay at together was breathtaking!
The family meals we shared together will be something in itself I’ll never forget. Also, the people that hosted us became such a beautiful part of the experience as well. All around if you want to travel to a gorgeous place, with a group of people who are passionate, professional, kind & so much fun, and be a part of a once in a life time opportunity then this is it. Thank you Terry for leading me to this!