Conversations with the Inspiring Ryan L. Jenkins

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan L. Jenkins.

Ryan, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m originally from southside Chicago, Il. My parents are incredibly artistic people, so I was exposed to different types of music, cartoons, anime, comics, movies, and languages at a very young age. I started reciting movie scenes verbatim once I could talk- everything from Bruce Lee films to classic MGM productions. I often found myself in school plays, spelling bees, and even acted as the Mistress of Ceremonies in assemblies before I graduated as 8th-grade valedictorian in 2006.

I graduated from Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, where I made my childhood dream of learning Japanese come true. It was also where I started to timidly dabble in acting and theatre- first as part of the set design crew backstage (as I had rather a low self-confidence that I could act), then as ensemble/supporting characters my senior year. I’ve been relatively tall and skinny all my life, and people often suggested I get into modeling. I didn’t have much knowledge about modeling and had some rather negative preconceived notions about it. On top of that, I was incredibly self-conscious about my small frame and visible dental imperfections.

Taking a risk, I auditioned for the theatre program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Acting has always fascinated me, and I see it as a lifelong challenge and career. I still didn’t fully believe I was talented enough to be an actor and was shocked, elated, and bewildered when my acceptance letter came in the mail. The next four years I would discover who I was and that I had so many people supporting I could no longer believe I wasn’t capable, attractive, or worthy of being an actress. I chose to believe in my talents and the skills I’d learned and became driven to share them on stage and off. I un-apologetically embraced being A girl named Ryan and all that came with it. I graduated with my acting BFA in 2014.

Along the way, I met a man and took another risk. We moved to Phoenix in June 2015. Since then, I have worked with several theatre companies around the valley. Last August, I attended a modeling portfolio workshop, and have been learning about the industry through photo shoots and networking. I have started blending what I’ve learned from acting and modeling into my overall craft, and share the ins and outs of my artistic journey on social media.

Has it been a smooth road?
The acting and modeling industries are two of the most challenging and difficult crafts to break into. Rejection and critique is 90% of the job. A person has to be willing to endure the constant risk-taking, comments, and inevitable “No.” You have to choose to be confident in who you are and what you’re capable of in spite of those moments.

Even when you ARE chosen- when you finally hear a “yes-” there will still be struggles. Long rehearsal days, long show days, constant changes, the unexpected on-stage mishap, waiting, balancing day job/relationships/and your physical and mental health all at the same time, and the list goes on. You must be prepared to take on all of those challenges with each job.

Understand that obstacles, rejection, and failure are part of every journey. Be honest about which obstacles you can handle, what situations you’re willing to endure, and remain as flexible, open-minded, and professional as possible without sacrificing your well-being and self-worth. Break expectations, but don’t break your spirit in the process! Own your title, your job, your hobby, your personality- all that makes you who you are. Avoid using the phrase “aspiring (insert profession/craft/title here);” it diminishes your capabilities and asks other people to give you permission to be what you want to be. You show people how they are supposed to engage with you by how you speak about yourself, so use your words carefully.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
My acting background is mostly in theatre, and I specialize in Shakespeare. I’m known for being a Girl Named Ryan, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come in my journey of self-actualization and portraying the human experience on stage. I will be in the upcoming all-female cast production of OTHELLO by Harlem Shakespeare Festival (Presented by Southwest Shakespeare Company) at Taliesin West.

I’m eager to learn, share, help, and support others in their respective journeys- my fascination and curiosity about the world and its people drive me to explore new places and challenges where I end up learning even more about myself at the same time! I enjoy breaking expectations, challenging people to learn something new, and encouraging them to not be limited by their fears.

Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
Being exposed to so many different art forms at home, and living through a rather sheltered childhood were a few of many catalysts that started me on my path to tell stories through art and explore my talents later in life.

Being in school plays, I was able to strengthen my memorization skills. There were even times at the mall when people would ask my parents if I could try on an article of clothing to see if it would fit their child who had a similar build. I didn’t know it then, but it was definitely prep for being fitted for theatre costumes and designer wardrobe for shoots and runway shows!

Contact Info:

• Email: ryanlj14@gmail.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/ryanljenkins
• Facebook: facebook.com/RyanL.Jenkins14

Image Credit:
Duane Furlong, Alyssa Pakes, Brian Ellenberger, Kate Payne, Melissa Bain, Ron Meade

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