Ryan Shaefer

Born in Northampton, MA; raised in Waterbury, VT. Ryan developed a taste for music in primary school, and pursued choral and instrumental extracurricular activities all throughout his youth and teenage years. Focused on his development as an oboist, he spent years in the Green Mountain Youth Symphony and the Vermont Youth Orchestra. As he laid foundations for a future in music, he was encouraged to audition for his high school's annual musical, where he discovered a love for acting. He began to realize a greater passion for theatre and acting as he continued to take advantage of the opportunities his high school provided. Under the guidance and tutelage of actor Peter Boynton, Ryan opted for a career in musical theatre. Ryan spent 4 years at Coastal Carolina University and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Musical Theatre in the year of 2012. His acting coaches include: Robin Russell, Monica Bell, Sandi Shackleford, Guy Molnar, John Woodson, and Barbara Hartwig; his vocal instructor was David Bankston. Since graduation, Ryan performed briefly in regional theaters before moving to New York. In the summer of 2013, Ryan began a relationship with Fuerza Bruta, an off-Broadway, avant-garde physical theatre performance. He performed in the city for three years, and then began touring internationally with the same show. Another 3 years and 9 countries later, he continues to live in New York City, pursuing the life of an actor, and an artist. Ryan is a rock climber, and sets at his local gym in New York City. He's also an avid gamer.