Young Frankenstein cast member, Ryan Jozaitis shares his journey from Metropolis School of the Performing Arts student, to camp counselrjor, to main stage actor.

I remember the first time I stepped foot into Metropolis. It was to see a production of High
School Musical in 2007. My camp counselor at the time, friend, and fellow Cubs fan, Mike Miserendino was in it and was playing “Ryan”. After seeing the show, I was so inspired and I had to get more involved. I heard that there was a workshop and a “meet the cast” event that I could attend. I of course signed up! The day of the workshop was the first time I got to be on the Metropolis stage. It was such an amazing feeling to be on the stage with the cast trying to dance, sing, and keep up with them.

In 2009, I heard there were auditions being held for the Metropolis High School Performance Experience production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which was my favorite musical at that time. I had to audition. After the audition, I got a phone call from Robin Hughes and found out I had been cast as “Benjamin”, the youngest brother. Little did I know, this wouldn’t be the last time I got a phone call from Robin. This was my first time performing on the Metropolis stage with my new friends and very supportive directors, Robin Hughes and assistant director Jeff Mazzuca. After Joseph…, I was hooked and had to come back every summer for the High School Performance Experience camp.

In the summer of 2011 I interviewed to become a camp counselor with Kate Schwarz, the camp director at the time, allowing me the opportunity to inspire 1 st -3 rd graders who were wanting to perform just like me. I began my early morning shifts with a bunch of loud and crazy young actors and actresses. Throughout the four years of working with my co-workers and these amazingly talented students, my love for the craft grew because I was constantly inspired by their ability to go out on stage and perform flawlessly. Well, maybe not flawlessly, but in their eyes it was the most exciting and fun moment of their lives, which they will never forget. Because of this and many other reasons, I was encouraged to eventually audition professionally.

Last summer, I was blessed to take the stage once again, this time professionally, in a production of Moon Over Buffalo with the new yet very accomplished Eclectic Full Contact Theatre Company. Throughout the duration of the show, I was able to experience a professional atmosphere and make long-lasting friends whom I will never forget. Whenever I leave Metropolis after a project, I always wonder when I will be back next. I am so happy to be back here to perform in Young Frankenstein with this immensely talented cast and crew.