Evan Ruggiero

Evan Ruggiero began dancing at the age of five in his hometown studio and by age ten, he was accepted into the famed New Jersey Tap Ensemble. Upon entering his sophomore year at Montclair State University while pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre, Evan was suddenly diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer of the right leg. Enduring nine surgeries in a six-month period in an effort to save the leg, the cancer returned more aggressively than the original diagnosis. He was faced with the ultimate decision of amputation in order to stop the cancer and save his life, as well as undergoing chemotherapy for sixteen months. Eighteen months after the amputation, and only two days after receiving his "peg-leg," Evan was tapping again. In 2018 he received a Drama Desk Nomination for Best Actor, a Chita Rivera Award Nomination for Best Dancer, and was awarded a Clive Barnes Award in Theatre for his portrayal of Tom Jones in NYC's off-Broadway hit Bastard Jones.