Major: Theater
Patrick Ryan became interested in theater at an early age.
“I was always a ‘ham’ or ‘class clown’ and I knew I wanted to entertain people the rest of my life,” he said.
However, unsure if this would be a hobby or career, and uncertain of what else to pursue, Ryan enrolled at College of DuPage. It turned out to be the right move.
“COD offered me flexibility and opportunities that, frankly, other colleges couldn’t,” he said. “I became an entertainer for Walt Disney World through the Disney College Program. I was able to meet my goals at COD because I made some amazing friends and met some irreplaceable teachers who also went on to become friends and mentors.”
After leaving COD, Ryan began chasing his dream of being an entertainer. He traveled the country doing stand-up comedy and appeared in three movies and several television shows, including as Deputy Fox in “Candy Corn” on Showtime and Amazon Prime. Having lived in Los Angeles several times, he is back in the area and working toward being a full-time actor. He is also writing two horror movies.
“My ultimate career goals reach many levels,” he said. “I’d love to make a living doing what I absolutely love—acting. I think being on a show with an amazing ensemble cast or becoming the new face in the world of horror would really be a dream come true. I’d also love to use my ‘vehicle’ to talk with middle school, high school and college students about how I overcame severe depression and offer some great coping tools for it.”
I was able to meet my goals at COD because I made some amazing friends and met some irreplaceable teachers.
Patrick Ryan
For the next generation of students considering COD and the Theater program, Ryan advises them to blaze their own trails.
“Listening to others and being receptive to notes—not only on your performances but also on yourself as a person—are paramount,” he said. “This is coming from someone with a strong personality, so believe me, I get it! The teachers have your back and have your best interests at heart. Make friends, challenge yourself to be uncomfortable and be absolutely relentless in the pursuit of your dreams. Your time will come when it’s right. Never measure your own success against that of your peers and friends, as it will polarize you and give you pause. See what they did to succeed and foster that fire on the trail that you’re blazing!
“I’d like to thank Lamorne Morris, Lisa Dawn Curran, Quinn Bayola, Jennifer Riddle, Scott Richards, Monnie Aleahmad, Mike Fatigato, Becky Crawford, Connie Canaday-Howard, the late Craig Berger and the late Steve Schroeder for years of friendship, laughter, mentoring, knowledge, kindness and for being people I deeply respect and hope to be a little like. Maybe, just maybe, you’ll see me in more projects soon!”
Learn more about the Theater program at College of DuPage