Interview: Ryann Redmond, aka ‘Bridget’ in ‘Bring It On: The Musical’

by RO_Admin Interviews, Music

Today's guest post is from ReachOut Council member Chloe, interviewing performer Ryann Redmond, who is currently playing the role of Bridget in the national tour of "Bring It On." This is the latest in a series of interviews Chloe has been doing for ReachOut with members of the Broadway community about how they have gotten through a tough time. Also, check out Chloe's bio at the end!

Chloe: How long have you been performing for?

Ryann: I’ve been performing since I was about thirteen, right when I was going into eighth grade in middle school.

Chloe: What inspired you to pursue a career as a performer/artist?

Ryann: Well I started doing Broadway Dreams [workshops] as a student about seven years ago. I auditioned that day and one of the founders, Adam Hunter, really saw something and that was the one thing I needed. He was like 'Oh, you could be in the Hairspray movie and you could do this, and do that..' and I thought 'Alright, well if he thinks I could do this, then I think I could do this as a career.'

Chloe: Who in your life do you look up to? Why?

Ryann: Annette [Tanner] is someone that I definitely look up to and admire because she’s been there for me throughout this whole process and me starting to work professionally. She’s been my number one fan aside from my mother, who I also look up to. I come from a family of six kids, so it hasn’t been the easiest to pay for lessons and things like that, but those two people have always supported me and made it work no matter what. Professionally, I think anyone who’s working on Broadway right now. I want to be a working actress and be able to do this and not anything else. And of course the greats, like Patti LuPone and people like that.

Chloe: In your career/personal life, describe a tough time or personal struggle that you’ve gone through.

Ryann: I haven’t gone through any tough times in my career yet, but in middle school, I was definitely the bigger girl and got made fun of for being fat, but I think that has really formed who I am right now. I am so sarcastic and can brush anything off and am always the class clown, and am also very confident in my body and very happy with what I’ve got. A lot of times people say that things like that will translate into the theatre world because it’s so focused on a “type” or a “look.” I was prepared for “You know you’re not going to be the ingenue or the leading lady,” and I am completely fine with that. I love being the character actress, I love being the comedic relief. With “Bring It On,” which is the show that I’m about to go on tour with, that’s what I am, and it’s like a dream come true.

Chloe: Who/what helped you get through your tough times?

Ryann: My mom definitely. She’s always taught me to hold my head up high and keep going. Once I started doing theatre, I really broke out of my shell like crazy. It was clear that I was supposed to be on stage and I just ham it up and that’s somewhere where I could just be myself with all of the theatre “geeks.” At the same time, I played some softball so I kind of saw both sides. Once high school came along, everything was great. I just really dug deep into theatre, and I had a great theatre program in high school and wonderful director and that’s where I spent pretty much all of my time.

Chloe: What message would you send to others trying to get through tough times?

Ryann: Well, there’s really no way to not be cliche. You can’t worry about what other people are saying because you’re here for a reason and you’re supposed to be who you are and no one can change that, so why not embrace it? Do your own thing.

What has helped you break out of your shell and come into who you really are?

About Ryan
Ryann Redmond can currently be seen on the National Tour of Bring It On the Musical playing the role of Bridget. She was lucky enough to originate this role in the reading, workshop and Atlanta World Premiere. Ryann attended NYU Tisch's CAP21 Studio. NY Credits: NYU Reality Show at Madison Square Gardenand Radio City Music Hall, The Daughters at Joe's Pub, and various productions at NYU. Ryann could not be happier to be on the road with such an amazing show with the best cast and creative team around!

About Chloe
Hi there! My name's Chloe and I'm originally from New York but currently living in South County,  Rhode Island. I'm a freshman psychology major and a Non-Violence and Peace Studies minor at the University of Rhode Island. Although I am studying psychology, I have a real passion for musical theatre and performing and my ultimate dream would be to perform on Broadway one day. In my spare time, I like to read, sing, dance, shop, hang out with my friends, and have a good time. I am so excited to be a part of the Youth Council and happy to have the chance to get involved in helping out others!