The Power Force

What is a blog for, if not to toot my own horn, or to amplify the toots of others?

-toot toot-

I wrote a one act play this fall. Entitled ‘The Power Force,’ it is a misogynistic, imperfect, and hilarious snapshot of a publishing company. I drew on my inconsequential knowledge of the publishing world and coupled it with my years of inexperience as a playwright to produce a rough diamond I’m proud of.

My motivation for this act was partially the muse that lives in my brain, urging me on to ever greater heights of creative self-expression. The knowledge that if I completed it within one month I could enter the finished product in the American Theatre Company’s ‘One Act Playwriting Competition was also crucial.

I wrote. And rewrote. I finished. I entered. And my play won!

I am the winner of the ATC’s Playwriting Competition 2007.

I now have the opportunity to direct this show, or find someone to direct it, and have it performed this April. For a real live audinece.

I also win a certificate. And the encouragement that official recognition offers one who cares what other people think.

Here’s a sample:

ALICE: Sure. And this boyfriend… you’re going to need a place to hide out from him eventually, so it’s best you don’t live with him. But for now a place where you can have noisy, experimental sex without disturbing anybody will suffice. It’s a no-brainer really. Get a place on your own.

STACY: I guess you’re right.

ALICE: Of course I’m right. Truthfully though, do it. Get the studio. (Pause) How’s living at your aunts place? Tired of living out of your suitcase yet?

STACY: Yeah. Well, I do have a closet. But still, I don’t want to settle in out there; I didn’t move to the city so I could live in a distant suburb with people who are like my parents.

ALICE: No. You even lived at home while you were at college, didn’t you? (Stacy nods) It’s time for you to spread your wings.

STACY: Exactly, I can’t wait to get out of there. Plus it’ll be closer to work if I move to the city.

ALICE: Remember Stacy: this is isn’t work. It’s an internship.

By Liesbeth Smit|2017-09-14T08:44:15+00:00December 18 2007|

“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

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

Derek, 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

“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

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

Natasha, Amsterdam,

“Absolutely brilliant! Exceptional work!”

Anonymous, Impro Hotel

“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 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

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

Samora, 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

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

Marton, Budapest

“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 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

“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,

“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

“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

“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 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’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

The Power Force

How was working with Ryan?

Contact Ryan Millar

The Power Force

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How was working with Ryan?

Contact Ryan Millar