Biography
|
Renée Elizabeth Turner, a South Florida native, was born in Miami, FL. Though her mother Elizabeth deemed her "A Little Actress" at the age of 4, Renée has been enamored with the theatrical arts since she saw her first movie-musical "GREASE"; shown to her by her older sister Tara. It changed her life! In High School, Renée as an A.P. Honors student was voted President of the Drama Club. She was the First African-American student to receive this prestigious title at her school. During this time she won District I.E. Superior trophies for Monologues and Playwrighting, as well as an All-Star Cast Member trophy for her performance in the One-Act play "Admissions." The versatility and range that was shown in her performance solidified her fondness and fascination with the International Phonetic Alphabet, the Linklater Technique, and the poetic power of language. Thus, serving as a monumental tool in her professional career as a classically-trained actress, vocalist, and Leading Lady.
Her innate connection and love for theatre naturally propelled her forward as she was a multi Vocal Scholarship recipient from the school of Music at Broward College. There she had the esteemed honor of performing the National Anthem at every Commencement ceremony during her time enrolled. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BA in Theatrical Performance from Florida Atlantic University; receiving numerous Acting Scholarships as well as being named on the President's/Dean's list every semester due to her consistent academic achievements. As a Broward College Alumna in the midst of her professional career, Renée was bestowed the distinguished honor of once again performing the National Anthem. This time it was at the Florida Gubernatorial Debate (now famously known as #FANGATE) hosted at the beautiful Bailey Hall. It was one of the most symbolic and "full-circle" moments of her career. |
This photo was taken in Renée's Junior Year of High School at the District Thespian IE Festival with her friends from Drama Club. A year later she would be elected the First African-American President of that same Drama Club!
Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get.” - Forrest Gump 
* Renée is a 2020 Broadway World Miami PERFORMER OF THE DECADE Nominee for her performance as "Elizabeth Hartley-Trumpington" in the British Comedy MURDERED TO DEATH. (See photo below)
|
|
Renée has had the incredible pleasure of working with world-renowned Multi-Award Winning Composer/Lyricist Marc Shaiman, Broadway Stars Sean McDermott, Avery Sommers, Tony-Award Nominee John Tartaglia, Leslie Ann Wolfe, Douglas Walker, and Micahel McKenzie, TV Icons Amanda Bearse and Teresa Ganzel, beloved UK actor Barrie Ingham, prolific playwrights Michael McKeever and Michael Leeds, New York Classical Accompanist Roger Rundle, Operatic Soprano Irini Kyriakidou Hymel, and Donald Sartain of The Young Vic in London, England, just to name a few!
She has continued to receive acclaim for her extensive and versatile range as an actor and as a Lyric Coloratura Soprano; having found success in various areas of the performing arts including: plays, musicals, TV/film, opera, voice-over, Shakespeare/Commedia Dell'Arte, writing, and modeling. She has been a part of numerous inaugural productions, and world premieres; originating countless roles. Renée truly believes that "Variety is the Spice of Life!" As an artist that was bit by the "theatre bug" at a young age, she thoroughly enjoys giving back to the community. Renée has performed in a plethora of benefit productions, charity concerts, and fundraisers as well as being a mentor, advocate, and a "Young Talent Big Dreams" Competition Guest Judge to the next generation's stars of tomorrow. She Thanks GOD for Blessing her with the many gifts that he has bestowed upon her, and is so grateful for every opportunity that she has to share them with the world! She thanks her amazing parents, Clarence and Elizabeth, for teaching her the immense importance of having a strong work-ethic, maintaining discipline and respect for her craft; never giving up, and always being a team-player. She thanks her sisters: Tara for constantly encouraging her to Dream Big; reminding her that anything is possible, Lizette for showing her how to find the Fun and Joy in all she does, Natacha for being an example of Strength and Perseverance, RueShocka for her limitless Positivity and endearing smile, and her brothers, Clarence Jr. for showing her the power of being Patient and Resilient; especially while playing "Super Mario", and her brother Marvin for helping her to establish Confidence in herself and abilities. ♥ |
*Recently seen in Art & Culture Magazine's FALL 2020 ISSUE; showcasing a stage photo from A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE in celebration of Palm Beach Dramaworks' 20th Anniversary Season.
|
Reviews, Awards, Nominations...
|
INTO THE WOODS (THE WITCH)
" Renee Elizabeth Turner shines as the witch whose curse throws the characters into turmoil...Turner makes us recoil at this woman's meanness, but she also makes you sympathize with this well-meaning, yet over-protective mother. It's a part to her to which many can relate. Turner shows her versatility. She growls at times and when she sings her lowest notes, we hear sincere anger and grave warning. In her upper register, Turner's voice soars..." - Aaron Krause (Florida Theatre On Stage) THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE (KATE) *Broadway World Miami BEST ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL Nominee "The sisters are all a hoot, but one must single out..Renee Elizabeth Turner (who, in addition to having a gorgeous soprano, has the biggest smile) for lighting up the stage..." - Jeffrey Bruce (Talkin' Broadway) HELLO AGAIN - FLORIDA PREMIERE (SALLY "THE ACTRESS") * Broadway World Orlando BEST LEAD ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL Nominee " Renée Elizabeth Turner's rich lyrical soprano and soul make for a perfect blend to reprise a role made famous by Broadway legend Audra McDonald." - Luis G. Diaz (Orlando Arts Producer/Entrepreneur) RAGTIME (SARAH) *Broadway World Miami BEST ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL Nominee " The Gorgeous Renee Elizabeth Turner doing what she was born to do...in a role she was born to play." - Christine Barclay (Theatre Owner/Artistic Director) " [Renee] You are a STAR" - Jeffrey Bruce (Theater Critic/Director) " Renee Elizabeth Turner, A Voice from GOD." - Michael DeMarco (Producer/Cabaret Artist) THE SOUND OF MUSIC (SISTER MARGARETTA) " The Wick has another 12 actors in the cast, all with fine voices, notably Renee Elizabeth Turner as the kindly Sister Margaretta..." - Bill Hirschman (Florida Theatre On Stage) MURDERD TO DEATH (ELIZABETH HARTLEY-TRUMPINGTON) *Broadway World Performer of the Decade Nominee " The interlopers turn out to be the most fun: a Frenchman...and his cohort, Renee Elizabeth Turner who has a ball..." - Jeffrey Bruce (Talkin' Broadway) YOUNG TALENT BIG DREAMS (GUEST ACTING/VOCAL JUDGE) " Renée, thank you so much for supporting Young Talent Big Dreams! We all appreciate your beautiful energy, wisdom, and expertise!" - Melody Fakhourie (Actors' Playhouse YTBD Coordinator) Center For Spiritual Living Ft. Lauderdale Service (GUEST SOLOIST) " All Three songs were beautifully sung. Of my favorite was the Sondheim [No One is Alone]. A difficult emotion filled piece and you nailed it!!" - David M. Lile (President, The Prince Street Players/Center for Spiritual Living Director of Music) " A True Coloratura Soprano. Love the color of your voice, the natural ease of your coloratura and the extension...."- Xavier Garcia, Baritone *Featured in the Carbonell Awards Video Salute to 39 Years of Influential and Celebrated South Florida Actresses. *Featured in Volume 21 #1 Issue 107 of "RENAISSANCE FAIRES and CULTURE" Magazine as Columbina (Shakespeare Commedia Dell'Arte Performing Artist) *Originated the role of "MANDY" in Leah Barsanti's Two-Person Dark Comedy BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR PART 287: THE RETURN OF THE MONKEY PAW; featured in Micro Theatre Miami's BEST OF THE BEST 50th Anniversary Season and is now listed on NEW PLAY EXCHANGE. *Originated the role of "CECILY" in NYC-based Distilled Theatre Company's DTC Radio Play, HELL AND HIGH WATER. (Now Available on ITUNES) |
MARC SHAIMAN REVUE (GUEST SOLOIST)
" To state the obvious, you are great!...What a gift for words you have! Not to mention a gift for music and performance. Thank you Renee, you were Glorious, and I am so very grateful." - Marc Shaiman (Legendary Composer/Lyricist) SHE LOVES ME Audience Reviews (AMALIA BALASH) " Was mesmerized by Renée Elizabeth Turner in She Loves Me...the true definition of a triple threat, a star, and the Perfect Amalia Balash!" - Bonnie Maier Powers " A Stunning portrayal of the role [Amalia]...Riveting!" - Roger Rundle "Renée Elizabeth Turner is Outstanding...!" - Lewis Singer " Renée Elizabeth Turner is amazing. It was my first time seeing She Loves Me and I can't imagine it any other way. It was a beautiful performance and she brought it!" - Sarah Milligan NATIONAL ANTHEM SOLOIST " Renee, thank you for singing the National Anthem. Your beautiful voice captivated everyone in attendance as it resonated throughout the room and instilled an inspiring mood for the duration of the evening. The feedback from your participation has been outstanding...Thank you again." - Bob Swindell (President and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance) SHORTS GONE WILD 2 (ALEXA) "A Bump Between Friends", Fielding Edlow's play about long-lost love...Turner owns this one as the friendly pal who shows up for lunch..." - Michelle F. Solomon (MiamiArtZine) ARIA: "THE SOLIDER TIR'D" ( Live Performance Reactions) "An exciting, dazzling display of Coloratura!" - Florida Suncoast Opera Guild "Renee, your voice SPARKLES." - Laura Vicari, Madrigal/Opera Soprano THE WINTER WONDERETTES (MISSY) "Missy (Renee Elizabeth Turner) adding her voluptuous operatic voice to several scene steals. " - Jesse J. Leaf (Around Town Theatre Critic) PARADE (MINOLA" MINNIE" McKNIGHT/ANGELA) "A duet with Renee Turner (another standout) in A Rumblin' and a Rollin' is a highlight." - Michelle F. Solomon (MiamiArtzine) "Others in the cast include...Renee Turner who does a hilarious duet with Brown..." - Bill Hirschman (Florida Theatre On Stage) "Jerel Brown and Renee Turner bring down the house with their explosive A Rumblin and a Rollin. "- Ron Levitt (Florida Media News) THE MUSIC MAN (ETHEL TOFFELMIER) " Renee, You have the BEST smile in the world!!!" - John Tartaglia (Tony-Award Nominee) "So much Talent, South Florida is blessed to have you!" - Cynthia O'Brien (CSCA Director) "If only I could photograph that gorgeous voice of yours!" - Amy Pasquantonio (Wick Theatre Resident Photographer) ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ * V-Day Ft. Lauderdale Award Recipient for Visionary Performance and Participation in "The Vagina Monologues" as The Little Coochie Snorher That Could. *Honored to be the First African-American Artist to perform with and be selected for ROMANZA LYRIC OPERA'S Young Artist Opera League. *Honored to be the First African-American Artist to perform in both the inaugural Mainstage (THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Sister Margaretta) and inaugural Children's Theatre Production (JACK AND THE BEANSTALK, Giant's Wife) at The Wick Theatre, as well as the First African-American Artist to have performed in the inaugural "Musical Theatre Masters Series" at Palm Beach Dramaworks (CAMELOT, Lady Sybil). *Honored to be the First African-American Artist to perform in ISLAND CITY STAGE/ CITY THEATER MIAMI'S collaborative LGBT themed SHORTS GONE WILD Short Play Summer Series. *Honored to be the First African-American Artist to perform in the Florida Renaissance Festival's Shakespeare Commedia Dell'Arte Acting Troupe, TEATRO COMMEDIA as "COLUMBINA", as well as being the First African-American artist to portray the role of "HELENA" in the Florida Renaissance Festival's musical adaptation of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM. |