We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ryan Hunt. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ryan below.

Ryan, appreciate you joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

In my business, it pays to listen. Listen to what the industry is saying or where it is heading. Listen to your fellow artists as you collaborate with others in every aspect of the arts. I have one example: years ago I was auditioning for a show and was in a few rounds of callbacks for a couple of different roles. I had been given a role that they never asked me to do by the final callback. I had spent rounds of auditions listening to the director give the same notes to every person reading for that role. No one seemed to be taking the note. So…at the very need of the callback, I was kept to read with two other actors and was given that role I had not yet done. Well, I incorporated all those notes I had been hearing for several rounds and was offered the role less than an hour later. This story is not to brag. Instead it is a lesson that, if you are open and listening, someone will probably tell you how to get the job. No job in the arts is guaranteed. But the more you listen and adapt, the better your chances are to work!

Ryan, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I was born and raised in Evansville, Indiana. I had a wonderful childhood with lots of opportunities both in sports and the arts. My parents performed and, as much as I fought it, I decided at age 15 that performing would be my life. I have not looked back since. Incidentally, my parents met performing together. So, you might say, without theatre, I would not be here. I also found my way into a small photography career to keep my creative juices flowing when not in a show.

I am most proud of the fact that I have made my living entirely through employment in the arts. Whether that be teaching, designing, singing, dancing, acting. Being trained to do many things has kept me employed in the arts exclusively. I have had little side jobs from time to time, but my career has been in the arts.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I have been fortunate to be in several national tours in my career. In 2019 I decided I wanted to stay put in Mew York City for a while. I would entertain the idea of leaving for a short contract but I needed to be home. I was fortunate to get a job as an admissions representative at a university specializing in visual and performing arts. So, even though I was not going to travel as much, I was able to make a living talking about the arts! I’ve been at that job ever since and continue to perform while maintaining that career, as well.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn others’ definition of success. My path was never going to be like anyone else’s. I had to realize what was important to me and how I might continue to stay positive and mentally healthy in a business that is not guaranteed or easy in any way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ryanmhunt.com
• Instagram: ryan_m_hunt
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RMH79/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-m-hunt-46a307196
• Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UChJHQoTqmRfqeSgknR5ZN5g

Image Credits

Jessica Osber Photography & R.M.Hunt Photography