Ryan Kilpatrick is a writer, actor and music lover, who discovered her passion for the arts early on. Under the influence of her grandfathers love of music and theater, she began to discover the mediums that continue to feed her soul. She attended The School of Visual Arts, where her thesis screenplay “The Oasis” a film noir inspired by the life of Rita Hayworth, earned her a Dusty Award for Best Screenplay.
Her theater credits include “Notes From a Horne” her one woman show which she wrote produced and starred in, celebrating the life of music legend Lena Horne. Her portrayal of Horne took her from New York City to Atlanta where she earned the “Festival Favorite” award at the Atlanta Black Theater Festival. “Portraying Lena Horne was probably one of the greatest gifts of my life. In dissecting her her life, I was able to learn a great deal about myself, and I am forever grateful.”
She returned to the Atlanta Black Theater Festival years later with director Woodie King Jr, portraying Lula in his revival of Amiri Baraka’s “Dutchman.” Which was so well received it went on to a run in New York City’s Castillo Theater.
Ryan continues to nurture her love of the arts and storytelling through teaching and writing. With these shared experiences she hopes to continue to inspire those she comes in contact with to fall in love every bit of life a little bit more. She has worked in Television Production for 3 years as a Production Assistant for Sundance Channel as well as Associate Producer of the Dusty Film Festival.
Ryan continues to write and act and is co-producing and co-hosting a podcast called Twisted Times which is geared toward elevating marginalized voices in our society.
I don’t know how to explain the feeling that comes over me when I am performing… I get nervous, I cannot breathe I feel sick I get very scared… and it’s a feeling I wouldn’t trade for the world.
| Credit Type | Production | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Actor | Dutchman | 2014-15 Season |