VERO BEACH — Neal Stannard was a local broadcast legend, actor, author, and friend to many in Vero Beach. On August 18, 2012, at the age of 55, Neal passed away unexpectedly.
Neal was part of a big family at Treasure and Space Coast Radio. To keep Neal’s spirit alive, we have established a scholarship fund to honor him.
The Neal Stannard Memorial Scholarship Fund will provide scholarships to Indian River County seniors who want to pursue study in acting and writing, both which were passions for Neal.
Neal was a news anchor at WTTB-AM 1490 and had been involved in local broadcasting for 40 years.
Neal loved the stage and played many parts in local theatre at both The Vero Beach Theatre Guild and The Pineapple Playhouse. One of his favorite roles that he talked about often was the rabbi in the Theatre Guild’s 2010 production of “Fiddler on the Roof.”
Neal was teased often at the station as he grew his beard out for the part. Neal was not only a fixture on the guild stage, he was an active volunteer and board member.
Anyone who met Neal was greeted with a wonderful personality and sharp wit.
In 2010, Neal Stannard came out with his book, “Now & Then, the Movies Get It Right,” his examination of 12 classic films, the actors who starred in them, and how their personal lives impacted how they chose their role.
Neal did a book signing locally at Vero Beach Book Center, and he packed the house with fans of his writing who spent hours asking him questions about the book. When asked once for the company newspaper, Neal said this book was the biggest accomplishment of his life.
The book is available in local bookstores and on Amazon.
Neal also starred in a movie that was released in 2011, “Kill Zone.” The film was taped locally in Indian River County.
Neal was famous for his Hawaiian shirts, and when he wasn’t working, writing, or acting, you would find him enjoying a cold Budweiser at the local Irish pub Kelly’s.
The Vero Beach Theatre Guild was instrumental in selecting the 1st recipient of this award. Megan Callahan will be awarded $1,000 from the Neal Stannard Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Fund administrator Karen Franke said she is very excited to be able to award Megan with this scholarship. Neal knew Megan personally and thought she had a lot of talent. He would have been so proud of her to receive this.
Megan has performed at Riverside Theatre, Vero Beach High School, and with Musical Theatre International, and plans to continue in her studying of acting, dancing, singing, and musical performance.