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Shawn Ryan is cute, sweet, funny and a powerful vocalist all at
the
same
time. He's quickly becoming one of the brightest stars in the jazz cabaret
world having what the Beverly Hills Outlook calls “that charm that is
rare!”. After winning the “2000 Bay Area Cabaret Competition” hosted by
Piaf's Restaurant and Cabaret, San Francisco embraced Shawn Ryan as “the
hottest young cabaret singer to hit the scene!” This dazzling performer
combines classic standards and insightful comedy for an unforgettable
evening of jazz, cabaret, and comedy.
Shawn studied acting at the famed American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. While at school Shawn fell in love with New York’s Cabaret scene. Although the school strictly prohibited students from performing while in the program, Shawn could not resist and at 18 years old, Shawn was sneaking into clubs to “sing for his supper”.
Upon completion of the program in New York, Shawn moved back to the “City by the Bay” where for the next few years he starred in several professional theatre productions. San Francisco audiences may remember him as Sylvia Steinberg in "Miss Desmond Behind Bars", a musical parody about the aftermath of the film "Sunset Boulevard". In the summer of 1999, Shawn also co-starred in the world premiere of Jack Heifner's "Key West" at The New Conservatory Theatre Center. Some of Shawn's favorite roles also include: Finch in "How to Succeed in Business Without Even Trying", Claudio in "Much Ado About Nothing", Sky in "Guys and Dolls", and his self written one-man show "As I Lay Me Down", a reflection on love and life.
It was upon winning the “2000 Bay Area Cabaret Competition” that Shawn’s career in the cabaret circuit took off! He joined forces with legendary Bay Area pianist and arranger, Kelly Park and created his first show, “Lovin’ Life” which debuted to rave reviews at the illustrious Plush Room in San Francisco in 2001.
After such a triumphant start in the business, the cabaret community welcomed Shawn with open arms and in June of 2002, Shawn released his debut album on the independent Dog House label. Shawn has performed his hit cabaret show in several venues and with the first National Tour, will add 10 more cities to that roster.
With a recent move to Los Angeles, this young performer's career in film and television is also blossoming before our eyes. Most recently Shawn filmed roles in the film American Pie 3 starring Jason Biggs, and the upcoming films First Daughter starring Michael Keaton and Katie Holmes, and The Job starring Daryl Hannah. Shawn has collaborated with Shaynee Rainbolt and Kim Nalley is a tribute show at Jazz at Pearl's and appeared in Stu Smith's annual Holiday HobNob at The Empire Plush Room alongside Spencer Day, Kim Nalley, Bill Bunn, Tim Hockenberry, Spider Saloff, Corner Table, Christopher Caen and the legendary Donna Sachet
With a touring schedule including cruise ships, The Empire Plush Room in San Francisco, The Mabel Mercer Foundation Cabaret Convention Awards, New Orleans at Le Chat Noir and a return engagement with Tin Pan Alley Productions at The Pan Pacific Hotel in San Francisco, Shawn is busy, and that's on top of releasing his third CD titled Shawn Ryan's Blue Skies. Catch this talented and upcoming crooner whenever you can.