Acclaimed Actor Ryan Artzberger leads Indy Shakes as its Executive Artistic Director.

In this deep, wide-ranging conversation, host Tom Alverez sits down with acclaimed Indianapolis actor and arts leader Ryan Artzberger to explore a life shaped by theater, family, and community impact.From the Midwest to Juilliard (and Back Again)Ryan shares his journey from growing up in Cleveland to studying at Juilliard, encouraged by a tough-love professor who saw his raw talent. After graduating in the mid-90s, he chased work in New York—waiting tables, walking miles to jobs, soaking up the city’s creative energy—before finding long-term artistic roots in Indianapolis.A Pillar of Indiana Repertory TheatreRyan reflects on nearly three decades with the Indiana Repertory Theatre, including 63 productions and 23 performances of A Christmas Carol. He talks about standout roles (especially John Proctor in The Crucible), working with renowned directors, and how IRT became his artistic home.Acting Philosophy: Truth Over TricksRather than forcing emotions, Ryan believes in surrendering to the moment—embracing the unexpected, letting chaos create authenticity, and trusting impulse. Whether on stage or on camera, his approach centers on honesty, listening, and humanity.New York vs. IndianapolisThough he once thought he’d “die in Brooklyn,” Ryan explains how Indianapolis became the home he never knew he wanted—offering balance, family life, and a vibrant (often underrated) talent pool.Indy Shakes & Shakespeare for EveryoneNow Executive Artistic Director of Indy Shakes, Ryan discusses free Shakespeare in the Park at the Taggart Memorial Amphitheater in Riverside Park. He breaks down the $9M restoration project, the picnic-friendly, come-as-you-are vibe, and why Shakespeare was never meant to be elitist.Equity, Access & Community EngagementA major focus of the conversation is inclusion—expanding opportunities for artists of color, building partnerships with Latino and Riverside neighborhoods, creating internships and apprenticeships, and rethinking who theater is for. Ryan is passionate about making Shakespeare reflect the full community.What’s Next: “ADO” at the Phoenix TheatreRyan previews “ADO” (Feb 12–March 1), a new commissioned play by Lavina Giovanni that reclaims Much Ado About Nothing—giving Hero voice, agency, and a story beyond her public shaming. Tickets start at $17.Family, Fulfillment & LegacyRyan opens up about his wife Marina, their two grown children, and choosing meaningful work over chasing fame. His definition of success? Great work, strong community, and stories that matter.Final NoteThis episode is a thoughtful, passionate look at how theater can be a refuge, a mirror, and a bridge—and how one artist is helping make Indianapolis a more inclusive, world-class arts city.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.