As Ohio becomes a hotbed for independent cinema, one actress has had the opportunity to work with an abundance of up-and-coming directors.
2012 Sinclair alum, Erin Ryan has had the opportunity to work in movies of all genres, ranging from horror to comedy to western.
“ I didn’t catch the acting bug until I joined an acting camp in Oakwood at age 12,” Ryan said describing her beginnings. “After playing the gingerbread witch in the camps production of Hansel and Gretel, I knew that acting was what I wanted to do and decided to join the Dayton Theatre Group.”
Ryan has starred in over 30 films with an abundance of them being in the horror genre, which could define her as a scream queen, an actress who is closely associated with said genre.
“I think it is a serious title and I have been defined as such by some but to be honest, I’m not sure I define myself as such,” Ryan said.
When asked what hardships she has overcome as an actress, Ryan answered, “I had to realize that film has a very specific medium. In movies, if you don’t fit the criteria of some people, your roles can become limited. I never had this problem when I did theatre because people are seeing from different angles, but in a movie, the camera can zoom in on you, showing the audience how flawed you think you are.”
When asked who her influences are, Ryan recalled back to time at the theatre camp .
“Teresa Connair, who is a local actress and a teacher at the acting camp I attended. She influenced me with her energy and to this day, we are still friends,” Ryan said. “As for more known actresses, my influences are actresses Julianne Moore and Barbara Crampton. I just love how fluid the both of them can be in any role they play.”
Ryan said she’s always busy, and looking forward to future projects.
“I’m actually quite busy. I just wrapped filming “Calamity Jane’s Revenge,” a western directed by Dayton director Henrique Couto,” Ryan said. “I’ll begin working on
Henrique’s next film, “Making Out,” a romantic comedy, later this month and “Ladies’ Night,” a film by Ryan Stacey later this year.”
Not only do actresses influence Ryan, but she also gives credit to Sinclair as playing a big role in her life.
“I feel that Sinclair gave me drive to go out and take chances, but with discipline. The atmosphere and faculty really helped me value my experience there. Marc Allen Smith of the Biology department was a huge help in me becoming the person am I today,” Ryan said.
Jimaur Calhoun
Arts & Entertainment Editor