roman around Archives

Historical Excursions in Modern Rome

A monument all the more affecting due to the effects of timeRome is a city full of history. In some ways, it practically invented history. It is full of ancient monuments and powerfully traditional ways

By Liesbeth Smit|2017-09-14T08:43:43+00:00May 3 2013|

Countdown to Edinburgh Fringe 2011

ImagelinkIn just one week's time I'll be back in Edinburgh for another kick at the Edinburgh Fringe. You may remember last year's encounter with the fringe as a thoroughly exhausting, and deeply rewarding experience.And so,

By Liesbeth Smit|2017-09-14T08:43:51+00:00July 27 2011|

Cycling London on a Boris Bike

PhotocreditI'm a people person. So you'd be forgiven for thinking that I like to spend a bunch of hours a day standing nose-to-shoulder on the bus or tube.I don't though.What I do like is getting

By Liesbeth Smit|2017-09-14T08:43:51+00:00July 14 2011|

An Edinburgh Fringe Moment

ImagelinkFrom my Edinburgh Fringe notes of August 7, 2010.I arrived at Fringe Central early – at around nine, as has become my custom. I was seated, coffee in one hand, stapler in the other, with

By Liesbeth Smit|2017-09-14T08:43:52+00:00February 4 2011|

The Warehouse in Brussels

When I arrived at The Warehouse Theatre in Brussels on Friday evening I was struck by the size of the stage. It's huge. Without any backdrop curtain the theatre is absurdly deep. And it's always

By Liesbeth Smit|2015-02-03T16:01:55+00:00December 13 2010|

Portrait of a Tour Guide

There's a 'Portrait' of me in this week's Brussels Unlimited, a "weekly listings magazine highlighting the best of arts, entertainment, TV and film." I think I fall under the 'arts' and 'entertainment' categories.It's written in

By Liesbeth Smit|2017-09-14T08:43:52+00:00December 10 2010|

Roman Around… to Brussels

ImagelinkExciting news for anyone who is interested in Roman Around, and especially those who "like" the show.Roman Around: A Guided Tour of the Eternal City will be showing in Brussels for two nights only. December

By Liesbeth Smit|2015-02-03T16:02:02+00:00November 23 2010|

Reporting Edinburgh: Critics, Comics & Bloggers

I wrote an article for the European Journalism Centre on my Edinburgh Fringe experience, and more generally, the relationship between performers and critics.“Analyzing humor is like dissecting a frog. Few people are interested and the

By Liesbeth Smit|2017-09-14T08:43:53+00:00September 28 2010|

I Have Been Roman Around

After the last six months of intense Roman Around, it has come to an end. By 'end' I mean 'hiatus'. One that's been a long time coming. Especially considering that I've spent the last couple

By Liesbeth Smit|2015-02-03T16:02:20+00:00September 7 2010|

Roman Around: Reviews

They say 'never read your reviews'. I always thought that was because if the reviews were bad, it could throw your confidence and affect future performances, etc.That's true, but there's also a flip side: getting

By Liesbeth Smit|2015-02-03T16:02:26+00:00August 25 2010|

“Ryan’s improv workshop is incredibly fun but also ruthlessly effective. Participants are taught to drop their inhibitions, let their imagination flow and and embrace the positive attitude at the heart of improv. They are also treated to Ryan’s personal blend of enthusiasm, wit and generosity.”

Jeremy, Brussels

“Working with you was an absolute blast! I’ll take your writing advice with me wherever I go.”

Marton, Budapest

“Ryan is an incredible teacher. He took a straggling group of beginners and turned us into a viable company of improvisational actors who regularly perform together – in front of actual, paying, repeat customers.”

Carrie, Brussels

“Plenty of energy, enthusiasm, good clear guidance on how to make the scene ‘deliver results’ without killing the improviser… Ryan’s enthusiasm for improv is infectious.”

James, Brighton

“I’ve benefitted immensely from this journey which I would recommend to anyone looking to learn more about themselves in a fun, immersive way.”

Simon, Amsterdam

“The skills I learned from those two weekends, which were two of the most enjoyable weekends I’ve ever had, have been an invaluable tool I use to this day in my daily life, both at work and in personal interactions.”

Andy, Brussels

“Ryan is an extremely qualified, talented, and professional teacher and coach. I’d recommend Ryan’s services to anyone!”

Derek, Amsterdam,

“Ryan’s coaching sessions really improved my public speaking skills and made my presentations much more interesting for my audience.”

Furio S., Berlin

“Thank you so much for passing your writing knowledge onto me. I learned a lot and had a lot of fun too.”

Larissa, Amsterdam,

“Very inspiring and useful workshop. Picked me up from where I’m at and helped me develop strategies to improve developing scenes and my performance skills.”

Anonymous, Switzerland

“Your Taking It Easy session helped me relax more into the truth of a scene and let it grow more organically instead of pushing too hard to make it funny or dramatic. I loved that you were really clear about what you wanted us to get and how the exercises played into the scene work we did later. I really got a lot from one short session.”

Andrew, Brighton

“Ryan really made the most out of the workshop. No time-wasting. He gets to the point quickly, in a clear and effective way.”

Pedro, Lisbon

“I LOVED the fucking GREAT and positive energies in the workshop. They so got me going. Perhaps the highest moment during this festival was laughing in the workshop (to the dances… :)).”

Ben, Tel Aviv

“Because of you my fear of speaking or presenting in front of an audience has lessened a great deal.”

Samora, Amsterdam

“Absolutely brilliant! Exceptional work!”

Anonymous, Impro Hotel

“As a coach Ryan’s ability to zone in and identify the main agenda for each sessions was amazing. His coaching helped me reflect, make decisions and make positive changes in my business.”

Tracy, Dublin

“I especially enjoyed the clarity in all of what you were doing – I always understood what it was that you were teaching. I never felt lost. That was really awesome.”

Martin, Tampere

“I loved loved loved your workshop. I liked the way it was structured and meaningful. Time flew unnoticed. I liked the shortness of the exercises, the surprise and fun, and the fact that you gave me so much to explore. I now can be in an empty prison cell or in a desert island and never feel alone or bored anymore. Now I can expand my world.”

Elsa, Lisbon

“I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop. I learned how beautiful authenticity is, with such little moments as sharing your breakfast. Being in the moment is so amazing to see and to feel.”

Laura, Amsterdam

“I’ve learned so much from you and thank you for giving me that nudge to get out of my comfort zone.”

Imaan, Amsterdam

“I really admire your energy, creativity and knowledge and I’ve learned a lot from your training sessions.”

Natasha, Amsterdam,

“Ryan seemed to know just what to do to get the best from everyone. I would jump at the opportunity to do another workshop led by him.”

Calum, Brighton

“Ryan is a natural at teaching and you get the feeling he puts his heart and soul into helping others. I look forward to doing more workshops with Ryan.”

Shauna, Tunbridge Wells

“Thank you for your positive spirit, energy and creativity. Your public speaking sessions really helped me feel more comfortable standing in front of a group of people.”

Serena, Amsterdam

“Ryan is the most enthusiastic, positive workshop leader I have ever had the pleasure of working with. I’ve been to several of his workshops and after each session I came away with a sense of achievement and feeling that I had learnt something new.”

Chris, London

“Ryan is a great teacher, very serious (and very funny!) gives great coaching during scenes! I had a great time studying with him!!”

Alon, Tel Aviv