Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Stana

Hi Ryan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

From a young age, I had two big dreams: to be a teacher and a performer. My parents supported me in making those dreams a reality, even building me a little schoolhouse. Their encouragement taught me that, with hard work, anything I dreamed was possible.

After earning my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts from Point Park, I moved to New York to focus on production work. I quickly landed a job as an associate producer with a company that produced corporate and retail events across the U.S. While it was a good job, I knew I would approach things differently.

I noticed that much of the entertainment lacked polish and professionalism, and I saw an opportunity to raise the bar. I believed then, and still do, in delivering not just quality but innovation.

One day, I decided to quit and start my own business. That same day, I took a cab to Staples, bought office supplies and set up a desk in the corner of my apartment. In 2003, I launched RWS.

21 years later, RWS Global has not only set the standard for high-quality entertainment in the attractions, hospitality and leisure industries but has also made a lasting impact on the broader entertainment industry.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Any business that has thrived for over 20 years will have faced its share of challenges.

When we first started in 2003, we focused on providing entertainment for theme parks. As the industry evolved, so did we. Staying ahead of trends and expanding into new markets, regions and industries has been key to maintaining our relevance in the ever-changing landscape of hospitality, leisure and entertainment.

Today, our reach extends far beyond theme parks to cruise ships, museums, sports venues, zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, retail centers, branded attractions and more. While this growth has been extraordinary, it has come with its hurdles.

As we expanded, the company grew internally at a pace I never imagined. While this rapid growth is a testament to our success, it also introduced complexities. Integrating diverse cultures, technology and procedures and ensuring clear communication across departments and regions have all required thoughtful planning, teamwork and execution. With our team spread across multiple time zones, we have had to adopt new tools and leadership strategies to foster collaboration and keep everyone aligned on shared goals.

Along the way, we’ve also found opportunities to enhance operational efficiency. This has meant streamlining processes, adopting cutting-edge technology and investing in our people through training and development. It’s been a challenging yet rewarding journey, and each obstacle has driven us to improve, innovate further and be more cohesive as a team.

As you know, we’re big fans of RWS Global. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?

As the world’s largest producer of groundbreaking live experiences, RWS Global creates meaningful connections and customized experiences spanning from theatrical productions to events, multimedia and more. Earlier this year, we expanded our capabilities into live sporting events.

Headquartered in New York, London, Cincinnati, Sydney, Shanghai and Orlando with dedicated RWS Studios in NYC and the UK to serve our vast talent pipeline and client base, we serve major brands and corporations, theatres, cruise lines, sports properties, live venues, parks, resorts and more. Offering end-to-end services from ideation to operations, our team of world-class designers, creators, producers and visionary talent provide unrivaled scale, producing over one million live moments every day.

We specialize in delivering immersive, scalable and cost-effective experiences. Every environment we create is thoughtfully designed to engage all five senses and deliver an impactful return on investment. Whether it’s through unique performances, food and beverage experiences, interactive merchandise opportunities, or personal engagement, we build worlds that fully immerse audiences and keep them coming back for more.

At the heart of RWS Global is a commitment to making the impossible possible. We’re known for taking bold ideas and turning them into reality, offering everything a client needs to deliver exceptional guest experiences—no matter the scale or location.

One of the things we’re most proud of is the impact we have on our audiences, particularly the next generation. We are often a child’s first touchpoint into the world of arts—whether seeing a show on a cruise ship, walking through a holiday activation at a theme park, participating in a live event at a sports game, or engaging with an educational experience at a museum. We don’t just entertain. We inspire future musicians, dancers, designers, actors and even entrepreneurs. At RWS Global, we’re shaping the future of entertainment to leave a lasting legacy.

What are your plans for the future?

We’re expanding rapidly and this momentum will continue as we grow in team size, scale, geographic presence and the industries we serve. As we keep growing, we’re exploring the opening of additional office locations, exploring potential mergers or acquisitions and expanding into new marketplaces.

We’re always looking to explore new capabilities and extend our current offerings, looking for innovative ways to enhance our effect on the guest experience. We’re proud of being at the forefront of the experiential space

There are several plans lined up for 2025, but before that, we’re gearing up for one of our busiest seasons of the year. As the world’s largest producer of seasonal experiences, we’re delivering some of the most immersive and magical holiday experiences globally. This is an exciting season, and we can’t wait to share what’s next!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rwsglobal.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwsglobaltalent/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/experiencerws/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rws-global/

Image Credits

Joe Moscheck, Keith Macaskill, Nile Scott Studios, Maggie Hall