Student Blog: Ryan Scoble Weighs In On Something Rotten! at WVU

With WVU's spring musical, Something Rotten!, opening this weekend, I decided to sit down with cast member Ryan Scoble to discuss his personal artistic process throughout the construction of this show. Well, "cast member" may be an understatement. This is simply one of the many hats Ryan wears in his day-to-day life at West Virginia University.

Ryan Scoble is a professional actor, director, and choreographer. In his training, Ryan received a B.M. in Vocal Performance with an emphasis in Musical Theatre from NYU's Steinhardt School, a M.S.Ed in Educational Theatre from The City College of New York (CUNY), and an M.F.A. in Acting from Kent State University. Ryan currently serves as the Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre and Head of the BFA Musical Theatre Program at West Virginia University and Associate Producer at the Clinton Area Showboat Theatre in Clinton, Iowa. As a performer, Ryan has performed in several Off-Broadway shows in New York City, as well as regionally across the country and is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association. As a director/choreographer, he has worked on such shows as Into The Woods, Ride The Cyclone, Bright Star, Jekyll & Hyde, Annie, Beauty & The Beast, and The SpongeBob Musical.

Let's dive into an exclusive interview with this one-of-a-kind actor, professor, artist, and human.

RM: How long have you been at the WVU School of Theatre & Dance? What do you think makes this school and this program special and unique?

RS: I am currently in my fourth academic year at WVU. I think our programs are unique because they offer high-intensity, conservatory-style training, while also providing students with the benefits of a traditional college experience (a vibrant campus, lots of student groups & events, sports, fraternities/sororities, etc.).

RM: What led you to decide to audition for Something Rotten? What did the audition look like for you?

RS: I actually didn’t audition for the production. I was offered the role of Brother Jeremiah by the director, Professor Lee Blair. It helps that Professor Blair and I did a production of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat together this past summer, so he was aware of my skills as a performer. 

RM: What is your role in Something Rotten! and what steps did you take to learn how to play this character?

RS: I play Brother Jeremiah. He is a Puritan and the father of one of the female love-interests in the musical. He is a deeply strict and religious man, but he has certain wants/desires lurking under the surface…. I won’t reveal what they are! You’ll have to come to the show to find out!

RM: What does the rehearsal process look like for a show at WVU?

RS: It’s an eight week process from start to finish. We rehearse Monday-Friday 6:30-10:30pm, and we occasionally have weekend rehearsals on Saturdays from 1:00-4:00pm. We usually start the process by learning the music, then doing a readthrough/singthrough of the piece for the designers and seeing their design presentations. Then, we start blocking and choreographing the show. This often goes chronologically in order of the show, but not always. Then, we finish staging the show and go back and specify the work and add detail to really make it pop! It can be difficult to be teaching all day and then go to rehearsal, but it’s also fun!

RM: As previously mentioned, you are a professor at WVU and the only faculty member that was cast in the show. What has it been like to be a cast member along with your students? Have you faced any challenges in your unique position?

RS: I was unsure how it would feel, but it’s been really fun! I think the students enjoy seeing me in this capacity. They don’t ever really get to see me perform, so I think that’s been helpful. I also think it adds another layer to my relationship with the students. I’m often directing them in shows, so there’s a little bit of a “power” disparity. But here, in the show, we’re all just actors. It’s been nice!

RM: Can you speak on what it was like to work with the creative team for this show? What have you learned from them?

RS: I think it’s always fun to see how different teams collaborate and work together to tell a story. I am always blown away by the skills of my colleagues at WVU, and this show was no exception. They’re all doing a great job helping this piece come alive!

RM: What advice would you give to college students currently going through the process of being in a university production? What mistakes have you made along the way, and what did you learn from them?

RS: Learn how to manage your time! It is hard being at school from 8:00am or 9:00am to 5:00pm and then go to rehearsal from 6:30-10:30pm. That’s true for students and for faculty. Then, to keep that schedule for 8 weeks is an even bigger challenge. So, you have to learn how to prioritize your time. When are you getting your work done? How are you making sure you eat healthy and well throughout the week? When are you resting and taking care of yourself? When do you take time to find joy and just breathe? It’s a hard skill to learn, and it has taken me a while to master it. 

RM: Why should residents of Morgantown, WV, and surrounding areas come to WVU to see Something Rotten?

RS: I think people should see Something Rotten! Because it’s such a funny show! Life is hard - there can be so many difficult things to navigate in our everyday lives, and I find that laughter is the best medicine. This show is a great escape! It’s got heart, it’s got jokes, it’s got big show-stopping numbers. I think lots of people will enjoy this show!