Get To Know: Ryan Long
BY SARA UHLIG
Name: Ryan Long
Major: Performing Arts
Year: Second-year graduate
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Ryan Long is the current producer and director of the Out of Time Radio show on SCAD Radio, which airs every Wednesday from 8-10 p.m. Her most recent directorial work was on the play “Election Day,” which ran from Oct. 18-20 at The Vineyard Church’s multi-purpose space in Savannah. Long is also on the administrative board for 3rd Act, the student performing arts and production design club.
District: Where did you receive your undergrad?
Ryan Long: I received my B.A. in English from Mount Vernon Nazarene University in Mount Vernon, Ohio.
District: Tell us a little bit about what Out of Time Radio does.
Long: Out of Time Radio has been around for several years and has built a reputation as SCAD Radio’s only live radio drama. Last year, I was approached by the previous director of the show (who was graduating) and asked to take on that role this year. I had already been planning to do a theater news show, and she was open to mixing the two programs. So this year, Out of Time Radio has evolved a bit. It now combines theater news, Broadway hits, local theater happenings and, of course, live radio drama.
District: What do you hope to accomplish this school year with the program?
Long: We want to be the place for people to find out what’s going on in the local theater scene, hear some fantastic Broadway music, and enjoy high-quality radio plays.
District: Any exciting guests coming on to the show this quarter?
Long: We’ve already had several really exciting guests, including the founders of Sideways Savannah Tours and the director of SCAD improv groups Mobb Line and Moxie. We’re currently working on several more guests that we hope to be able to have on the air this quarter.
District: What is “Election Day” about?
Long: It’s a hilarious comedy about an average guy who just wants to vote so his hyperactive lawyer girlfriend will be happy, but things keep happening that make his day go haywire. Throw his sex-starved sister, an eco-terrorist, and a mayoral candidate into the mix, and mayhem ensues.
District: Why did you choose to direct this specific show?
Long: I fell in love with the script when I read it, and it was perfect timing to do as my thesis show.
District: What attracted you to becoming an actor?
Long: I’ve always gravitated toward acting and directing. Even as a little kid, I used to write scripts and direct my cousins in them at family gatherings. I tried to get away from it and get a “smart” job, but I was miserable. So I finally decided to take a chance and do what I was meant to do.
District: What attracted you do SCAD’s graduate program?
Long: I was impressed by the connections that the Performing Arts department has and the opportunities that they make available to their students to connect with industry professionals. I also liked the fact that the professors were industry professionals — many of whom still work in the business.
District: You’re also involved with 3rd Act. Tell us about what they do.
Long: 3rd Act is the student Performing Arts and Production Design club. They seek to create “Art by all, for all.” They help promote and produce work created by performing arts and production design students, and they also collaborate with other departments to create student work.
District: What is 3rd Act hoping to accomplish this year?
Long: 3rd Act is working on forming partnerships and collaborations with other departments. They are currently producing “Behind the Tent” in conjunction with the SCAD Circus, and each year they partner with Alpha Psi Omega to produce a charity benefit show.
For more information on Out of Time Radio or 3rd Act, check out SCAD Radio’s website and the 3rd Act blog.
