Late July

Late July

i’m still here. Italy is still here with me and I’m enjoying my time experiencing new things but not all new experiences are barrels of monkeys.Last weekend Chiara and I went to church camp. It was not to my liking. For people who are really churchy and into non-stop songs espousing the “glory” and “joy” of “God” and “Jesus” this kind of thing would’ve been perfect. But to Chiara and I, who are less, shall we say, zealous, this was a little trying.

We went at the request of Chiara’s mom, who is friends with some(quite cool) nuns. They were having a retreat in the mountains. I thought, sure, i’m open-minded. Unfortunately, the collective spirit of church camp was really scary for me. Overenthusiastic keeners trying to devote every waking hour to some or other religious aspect. I thought somebody might toss a frisbee, or sing a song that didn’t involve the words “God” and or “Jesus” in the chorus. Sadly I was mistaken. And uncomfortable. Imagine camping with the Flanders kids and all their friends from Sunday School. In Italian.

However the nuns were cool, as I had been led to believe and camping in the park was nice. The other really redeeming factor was going horseback riding on Sunday.I had a horse named Chico and we got on quite well. Chiara’s horse Galleto was also a pretty good horse. Chico definitely had an adventurous free-spirit, but he kept it under wraps through heavy lidded eyes through almost the entirety of the tour. Except for a little unscheduled jaunt at the end. Fun!! I see why horses used to be such a popular form of transportation.It’s my birthday this weekend, (so it’s not too late to send your wishes). I’m turning 28. There’s nothing too big planned, but Chiara and I and a few friends and co-workers will enjoy the free comedy 7 Kings of Rome performed by the Miracle Players just above the Forum. I tried to get in with the Miracle Players to share some comedy with them, but I was too late. Instead i’ll enjoy their historical-comedy,or comedic-historical show. After that we’re hoping for a jazzy dinner in the park (as in jazz+ dinner). Maybe later a little dancing…but who knows, I am turning 28 and slowing down a little. Though i’d still like to have a little dancing. We’ll see.

Last night I got to play a little soccer. Actually calcetto.Mini-soccer on artificial turf. It was great to lace up the boots and trundle around in the not-terribly-skilled Canadian fashion to which i’m accustomed. I think i’ll be allowed back. I didn’t hip check anybody, and most of my tackles were not too poorly timed. As well I start giving the Vatican Museum/Sistine Chapel tour this week. Got some more studying up to do and then away to the races. I’m pleased to be learning so much about Rome while I’m here, although my language skills suffer from being poorly attended to. Chiara and I are currently planning a vacation for the end of August:Paris (never been!) and Bruxelles and Amsterdam. See some sites inParis and visit friends in Bruxelles (including my old friend Belgian beer) and then to Amsterdam for friends, bike riding and hopefully a little improv.That’s just a little news from my end; feel free to let me know how your life is.And if you’ve forgotten my email address just reply to this mail. My other address (for visitors and mailings) is
Signore Ryan Millar
Via della Magnetite
46Rome Italy00158
…feel free to send me your address, the pope and I may drop you a line.

xoxo
Ryan Fonzarelli

By Liesbeth Smit|2017-09-14T08:44:32+00:00August 9 2005|

“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

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

Furio S., Berlin

“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

“Absolutely brilliant! Exceptional work!”

Anonymous, Impro Hotel

“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 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

“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

“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

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

Samora, Amsterdam

“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

“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

“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

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

Marton, Budapest

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

Natasha, Amsterdam,

“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

“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

“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

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

Imaan, Amsterdam

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

Larissa, Amsterdam,

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

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

Derek, Amsterdam,

“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

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Late July

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How was working with Ryan?

Contact Ryan Millar