Ryan Rohtla
Class of 2009
Drama • Musical Theater • Concert Band • Jazz Band • Jazz Choir • Show Choir
University of Evansville
Theatre Performance
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For Ryan Rohtla, San Marin Performing Arts was a creative home—a place where countless hours spent rehearsing, performing, laughing, and working alongside friends became some of the defining experiences of his high school years.
After graduating from San Marin, Ryan attended the University of Evansville, earning a BFA in Theatre Performance. He now lives in Los Angeles, where he has built a career spanning theater, voiceover, television, and film while also expanding into behind-the-scenes production work.
Career HighlightsRyan continues to work primarily as an actor across theater, television, film, and voiceover. He appeared in a supporting role as Richie in the network holiday feature Aisle Be Home for Christmas, played David in the award-winning short film Clones, and more recently appeared as Woods in the indie feature Desperate. He has also booked two commercial spots this year—one local/regional and one for a major brand—that have yet to air.
His career has also grown beyond performing. Ryan has worked behind the scenes as a 2nd Assistant Director and Production Coordinator and recently took his first step into producing through a production company he co-founded. He is currently producing and in pre-production on an upcoming short film/proof of concept with the company.
“Performing Arts was such a creative home and family for me at San Marin, spending so many after-school hours rehearsing, laughing, and bonding with the entire group.”
REFLECTIONS & ADVICERyan remembers San Marin Performing Arts as much for the community as for the performances themselves.
“Performing Arts was such a creative home and family for me at San Marin, spending so many after-school hours rehearsing, laughing, and bonding with the entire group.”
He remembers his time in Drama with Linda Kislingbury and in Music with Emily Gates, Samantha Maaslehbrown, Kate Kenyon, and Pat Nims as important parts of his San Marin experience.
Among the memories that stand out most is San Marin Drama’s trip to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with Charlie Cox Runs With Scissors. He also remembers the Madrigal Feast—particularly playing “ye old con-artists” with Christian Stranne—and, of course, the many musicals that brought the performing arts community together.
For students who want to continue professionally, Ryan emphasizes persistence and patience.
“Be proactive; nothing will just happen on its own. It’s going to take some time to get ‘established.’ It’s not a race, it’s a marathon.”
He also encourages young artists not to treat rejection or a job they didn’t book as failure. Instead, those experiences can become opportunities to reassess, learn, and keep moving forward.
“The only way you can truly ‘lose’ is by giving up.”
Ryan recommends going where the work is, seeking out opportunities to build experience and continue training, and remaining curious throughout the process.
“Always stay curious, keep learning, and have fun! That has been my mantra as I continue to grow as a performer and artist.”
Just as important, he says, is maintaining a life beyond the next audition or job.
“Make sure to enjoy life and surround yourself with a solid support network—family, friends, significant others. The jobs will come, but there has to be balance.”
