![President Todd Pfannestiel poses with Jeremy Thurston chairperson Board of Trustees [left] and former chairperson Robert Brvenik [right] after accepting the university's institutional charter.](https://uticatangerine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/unnamed.jpeg)
Utica University’s own Adrienne Smith was cast in the upcoming film “The Christmas Letter,” directed by Tori Hunter, alongside stars Chevy Chase and Randy Quaid. The movie, which is billed as a comedy and takes place in Central New York, found many local actresses and actors to be a part of their production.
Smith, who is Utica University’s social media and media relations manager, was cast as the ski kiosk attendant. She has been involved in acting and modeling since she was 12 years old, and now, at 25, she received her first official speaking role in a film.
“[I’ve] pretty much been pursuing [print modeling and acting] as a side hustle since I was 12 years old,” Smith said. “My mom and I were kind of like a tag team; she was my mom-ager.”
Smith attained the role not through her agencies but said, “It was all about connections.” She had a family friend who is a local acting coach connect her to this film. Originally, Smith auditioned for two roles: the ski kiosk attendant and the news co-anchor. However, she said she felt stronger in the ski kiosk attendant role that she was cast in.
Her particular scene took place at Woods Valley Ski Area in Westernville and was with one of the leads in the film, Randy Quaid. Smith said the set atmosphere was fun and relaxed.
“It was really fun to work with [Randy Quaid]; I felt very comfortable,” Smith said. “Everyone was super friendly and super welcoming, and they made it a point to make me and the other folks who were just coming in to film one scene on one day feel very comfortable.”
