I am Denise Ryan. I was born and raised in Vancouver Canada. Some of my fondest memories as a child was playing ‘Hair Dresser’, ‘Bank’, ‘Restaurant’, ‘Runway Model’ etc with my siblings. We would play make believe for hours. One day my eldest step sisters said they didn’t want to play anymore, I was crushed, however I intuitively knew I wanted to play for life. Fell in love in grade 12 in acting class. Love the challenge and feelings that came along with being on stage in front of people, and affecting them. Attended Vancouver Film School for one year, and trained with local teachers here in Vancouver. One of the 1st independent films I was on, I played a base commander – spent a few days on set, loved watching everyone work together, and seeing my director jump up and down during a take, beyond happy with findings. In different classes and set’s I’ve tapped into “THE ZONE”, the place where everything you do and say is truthful, raw, real and affective (feels so good). That’s what I look to achieve whenever I play a character.
Had 1st TV interview, talked about my film BRAVERY, & message behind it #AntiWorkplaceBullying #Bravery #StayTuned pic.twitter.com/8AFJmkr9b9
— Denise Ryan (@Deenie016) November 19, 2013
Did you study acting
I studied acting in grade 12, and loved the challenge of overcoming certain fears, and the joy felt playing and affecting people. We performed improv in front of the school – remember being so incredibly nervous, and using that energy into my work on stage. Will always remember the feeling of making people laugh, how it filled my soul with so much joy. The energy felt in the room, I was on a natural high for hours. I attended Vancouver Film School for one year, taking audition class, scene study, stunt work, camera class, film production etc. During the tough times I face as an actor, I think of the people that came up to me, giving me positive feedback after a performance and how it affected them. That’s what motivates me to keep going, and what’s important to me.
What acting technique do you use
For me, I like to stay open to different acting techniques, and what works best for the character I’m portraying. I love the idea that Johnny Depp has, by adding different ingredients to the character in order to tell the story. Spend a lot of time reading and analysing the scene, working on the characters motive and point of view. What is she fighting for, what’s in the way of that, and what’s the arc of the scene. Once I discover those ingredients within the scene, I personalize that for me specifically, especially circumstances that are not resolved. I find raw truthful and honest moments this way.
How do you keep fit as an actor
I have disciplines that I do daily, eat clean, drink lots of water, train 5- 6 days a week, incorporating strength and cardio. Also practice yoga as often as I can. I’ve been doing a lot of spiritual work, researching & searching for truth. I meditate twice a day, and practice meditation in action throughout the day. Learning a lot recently on how important it is to be present, how we create our own sufferings and greatest joys, it’s all up to us. It’s not easy work; it’s an internal job that will be ongoing for life.
How do you prepare for a role
While I spend time learning the lines, what’s more important is doing the analytical work of who, what, where, when, how, really understanding the character, her obstacles and point of view. Love to rehearse when it’s available, as you can find real gems this way, find different levels within the scene. With that said it maybe totally different when performing in front of the camera and or on stage; however the levels will be there. The work put in will show up, and as an acting teacher said “The acting gods show up”, meaning something will happen within the scene, synchronicities that propel and feed the scene.
How do you stay fresh on set
When possible, I like to spend time alone to regroup and recharge. Learning recently how important it is to stay grounded. Also love it when an actor/director wants to discuss the scene, go over lines etc, working together to create more magic.
Describe a memorable character you played
Played Shian in Bravery in 2012. Bravery is a film I wrote, produced and starred in. The film is about workplace bullying, facing challenging moments, which I know for a fact many people go through. I wanted to shed light on a global issue that too many people face in the dark. My hope was to get people to talk, and inspire change for the better. Was interesting timing for me personally; recently laid off, and at the time had 2 slipped discs, one of which was pinching on my sciatic nerve. I personally put all my love, pain, heart into Bravery, and gathered a very passionate team both in front of and behind the camera. Everyone on set knew it was a safe place; everyone was treated as an equal, which was very important to me (especially around the subject of bullying). Was and still am very grateful for everyone involved in the project.
Explain one creative choice you took on set
A creative choice that I took from the director’s direction was to go where part of me didn’t want to go – a vulnerable dark place. However that place drove the physicality, the emotional inner life, and was best for the story. After that take, the director came up to me and gave me a good real hug, in that moment I knew it was what she was looking for.
What do you want most from a director
I love working with an open director that creates a safe environment to play and discover moments. A director that challenges, and empowers those around them to tell the story, and certainly one I can trust.
What do you want most from an actor
Love working with other actors that work hard, challenge and feel safe with to find raw truthful moments. Very similar to what I look for in directors. It’s great when there’s an honest and evident connection within the actors, as it really translates on camera and the stage.
What advice would you give to actors
To know in your heart why you are an actor, and never let someone tell you can’t live your dreams. Your heart knows the answer, and always will. As actors we put our emotional life on the line, and face a tremendous amount of rejection. Actors are a lot like firefighters; as we have to face our emotional life, we have to walk into the emotional fire, while others run away hiding from what they’re feeling inside. I truly believe actors and filmmakers have the beautiful power to heal other souls around the world. That’s why I’m an actor/filmmaker, that’s why I’m here today.
Briefly write about your career
Denise Ryan’s acting roots belong to the stage. I’ve been in numerous Independent film productions playing a mayor’s daughter, a base commander, a sister, and an aspiring writer wanting to become editor. I’ve also helped produce films, and have produced one of my own. I wrote a short story, and currently writing a feature film. Want to make films with meaningful stories that inspire others, affecting people for the better and empower people around the world. While I gravitate towards drama, I love a good suspense/action film. I look forward to working with Directors/Actors/Producers that have inspired me along the way; it’s just a matter of time.
