Ryan Scarlata, MFA

Ryan Scarlata is an experienced director, choreographer, actor, and international award-winning educator, currently serving as an Acting Tutor in Musical Theatre. He holds a Master of Fine Arts in Directing for Musical Theatre from Texas State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from The Ohio State University. He also studied Acting for Musical Theatre at Wright State University, demonstrating his deep academic background in the field of theatre.

With extensive experience in the regional theatre markets of the United States, Ryan has worked as a director, choreographer, and actor. His notable achievements include assisting dozens of performers in launching successful careers on Broadway, Off-Broadway, LORT theatres, national tours, and primetime television. His vast expertise and knowledge in the field have earned him recognition as a leading figure in musical theatre education.

Ryan is best known for his work directing large-scale musicals. His teaching interests focus on Viewpoints, script analysis, acting a song, scene study, and holistic health for actors. His approach to teaching and directing emphasizes the development of well-rounded performers, bridging both the technical and creative aspects of acting for musical theatre.

In 2015, Ryan was honored with the prestigious Freddie G. Teaching Award, an international accolade given annually to eight theatre educators worldwide by Freddie Gershon, former President and CEO of Music Theatre International. This recognition highlights Ryan's excellence and dedication to theatre education.

Ryan's favorite directorial credits include U.S. regional productions of NEWSIES, CATS, RENT, SWEENEY TODD, MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, JEKYLL AND HYDE, THE ADDAMS FAMILY, and 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL. He also served as Associate Director for the Off-Broadway and U.S. touring production of BERENSTAIN BEARS, THE MUSICAL and frequently collaborates as Associate Director with Tony-nominated Director/Choreographer Dan Knechtges. His re-imagined production of SEUSSICAL at Texas State University received critical local acclaim, gained international attention through platforms like TikTok and YouTube, and has been a topic of scholarly dissertations globally.

Ryan is a passionate advocate for theatre accessibility and has served on the state advisory board for the Ohio Arts Council's Arts in Autism initiative. His work in promoting accessibility for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other sensory sensitivities has taken him to various theatres and museums in Ohio, where he has consulted on improving accessibility. In addition to his teaching and directing career, Ryan has also served as an artistic director and education director. More information can be found at www.ryanscarlata.com. ​

Ryan Scarlata, MFA

Acting Tutor - Musical Theatre