Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Spotlight On...Ryan J. Haddad

Name: Ryan J. Haddad

Hometown: Cleveland, OH

Education: B.A. in Theatre & Creative Writing, Ohio Wesleyan University

Favorite Credits: Madame Armfeldt in A Little Night Music and Mr. Cladwell in Urinetown

Why theater?: This autobiographical work could easily translate to memoir, personal essay, or documentary film. Even stand-up comedy. I've done some of that to get the material where it is now, but I think solo theater has always been the primary goal because when I'm ten feet away from the audience and talking like we're old friends, I can feel the energy in the room change. I know that I'm making an impact, shifting people's thoughts about disability and sexuality, in real time.

Tell us about Hi, Are You Single?: Hi, Are You Single? is about sexualizing disability in a positive way, confronting discrimination within the gay community, and being horny all the time.

What inspired you to write Hi, Are You Single?: I had a series of bizarre and traumatic experiences in gay bars here in New York, and I wanted to figure out why. At the same time, my mentor Tim Miller was encouraging me to think about a full-length solo piece, so that seemed like a natural fit for the topic. But it's evolved into a story of longing and love and desire and personal accountability.

What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: Witty and truthful stories that aren't afraid to plunge into darkness when it's called for. Tim Miller has been an inspiration in the way he has guided toward this type of work. And Bridget Everett. I saw Bridget in Rock Bottom last fall and was blown away by her humor and candor and authenticity.

If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Patti LuPone.

What show have you recommended to your friends?: Hamilton. Dear God, Hamilton.

Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: I hope I would play myself, darling. That's what I'm doing with this show. If it had to be someone else, Hollywood would probably try to cast someone without cerebral palsy. But I'd demand either Gregg Mozgala or Christopher Imbrosciano, two sexy actors who do have cerebral palsy. It would be called HOT MESS.

What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: "The View".

If you weren’t working in theater, you would be _____?: Filmmaker

What’s up next?: We're hoping Hi, Are You Single? gets a longer stint in NYC, and I'd also to tour the show to different cities to reach a wider audience.

For more on Ryan, visit For more on Hi, Are You Single?, visit