PROJECT POLARIS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Bridge Alternative School Teacher
The South Dakota native has spent over a decade living in the Appalachian Mountains of Southwest Virginia. He brings with him more than 15 years of experience in education, theatre, and working with youth. While he has performed professionally in nearly 40 productions, Ryan has always been interested in the role theatre can play off the stage and in the community. Before starting Project Polaris in January 2020, Ryan spent seven years with Barter Theatre's education program, Project REAL. While with the program, Ryan worked with students in grades K-12 in multiple states (Virginia, Tennessee, West Virginia, and South Dakota). Alongside Project REAL founder Megan Hamilton, Ryan was able to practice and witness firsthand the impact of connecting the fundamentals of theatre to community and classroom learning. This personal connection resulted in more than just increased student comprehension. It resulted in deeper thinking, personal reflection, and an ability to identify and articulate one's thoughts, ideas, and emotions. Ryan shares this experience-along with his enthusiasm and sincerity-with every school and classroom he visits.