Year in Review

2005
Started with Loverboy. Brad and Maria and Ryan and Chiara in Vancouver BC.
Moved to April when I, with very little fanfare, achieved my BA in Communications from Simon Fraser University along with my Community Economic Development Certificate.
A week later I was being stripped to the boxers and stripped of my glasses and dignity by friends who dragged me to an island to have a manly Canadian send off, involving foosball, geese, clay and other stuff.
Then I took a plane to Europe, wandered around having pints in London with David Frederick Symonds, got back on a plane and ended up in the arms of Chiara in Rome Italy.
Very soon thereafter (after being denied the opportunity to teach English to these Italians) I began work as a tour guide in this big old city. All summer was spent hustling the tour guiding. Much time was and still is being spent getting used to the city, the language, the people, the culture etc. The Italians call foreigners stranieri and it’s often an accurate description of how I feel. However I’ve made a few friends, many of whom are fellow stranieri. Many of whom have returned to their respective cities.

Then I did more tour guiding. Went on holiday with Chiara to Amsterdam where I got to tread the Boom Chicago boards once again, and then back to Rome.
Also, Chiara and I moved, very recently. I got a new jacket. My Italian is improving, though not necesarily in that order. PLus I got a Playstation. Imagine all of this as more exotic. Please.

Greater examination of the trends show that I’ve rapidly adapted to having alot of disposable income. It took no time at all for me to get used to having money to blow on dinners, clothes, student loans, etc. Also, learning this Italian has caused me to come up against two weaknesses, laziness, and ego. I don’t always feel like hitting the books, though I get tired of not understanding everything that happens around me. Bit by bit it gets better, though I’m not as good as I’d like to be. And for every experience where somebody is surprised and impressed by my prowess there’s two where somebody stares me in the face and says “Che cosa!?!” Back to the textbooks. Maybe.

By Liesbeth Smit|2005-12-31T16:34:00+00:00December 31 2005|

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

Imaan, 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

“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

“Absolutely brilliant! Exceptional work!”

Anonymous, Impro Hotel

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

Furio S., Berlin

“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

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

Natasha, 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 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 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

“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

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

Marton, Budapest

“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

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

Derek, 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,

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

Samora, 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

“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

“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

“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

Year in Review

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Contact Ryan Millar

Year in Review

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