So San Siro

We heard it before we saw it.

Racing out of the metro we hit a wall of sound. The noise pulsating out of the San Siro. If I had to try to describe it I’d say it sounded like 80,000 people screaming, shouting, whistling, chanting, and chattering in the midst of an enormous swarm of giant energetic bees.

24 hours in Italy from the get-go was a risky plan. Fresh out of surgery, with about a thousand potential ‘known unknowns’ that could go wrong. Including one 3:45am wake up, followed by 6:45am the next day.

But first class, first knockout round tickets in one of the most storied stadia in the world don’t come around that often. When Johnny’s on the spot, he’s got to take the chance right?

So I got to hang out with the Dempsey brothers in Beautiful Bergamo. Being overtired doesn’t mean you can’t be up for a little adventurement.

I got to be the Italian expert, and rare is the time when I go to Italy and I’m the best Italian speaker.

And we got great seats at this amazing stadium to watch Liverpool overpower Inter Milan. Did I mention the Dempsey brothers are big BIG Liverpool fans? I was able to vicariously celebrate the victory, whilst partaking in a little bit of schadenefreude for one of AS Roma’s main rivals.

But the kiss in this picture is in the wrong direction, all kisses are for Shane and getting tickets.

Plus another one to his brother for coming all the way from Denver, Colorado (a fact which earned him handshakes from a whole group of serious fucking Liverpool fans. I mean guys that list their football allegiances as

“First, there’s Liverpool, then Liverpool Reserves, then the youth team, and then, maybe, you can talk about England.”

Plus a kiss to my nurse, for not letting the concern about my head wound stand in the way of a wonderful 24 hour Italian football adventure.

By Liesbeth Smit|2017-09-14T08:44:13+00:00March 13 2008|

“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

“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

“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’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

“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

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

Marton, Budapest

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

Furio S., Berlin

“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

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

Derek, Amsterdam,

“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

“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 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

“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

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

Imaan, Amsterdam

“Absolutely brilliant! Exceptional work!”

Anonymous, Impro Hotel

“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

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

Samora, Amsterdam

“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 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 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 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

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

Larissa, Amsterdam,

“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

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

Natasha, 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

“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

So San Siro

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So San Siro

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