Ryan McCartan: Minnetonka High School Actor Wins Young Arts Award

Photo: Robert Leslie

Ryan McCartan

Did you know what you wanted to do with your life when you were in high school? Minnetonka High School senior Ryan McCartan was struck with the certainty of his future after attending YoungArts Week in Miami this January. He was one of just 150 people chosen for this National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts honor out of 5000-plus applicants. Says McCartan, “I went into YoungArts Week thinking I was going to be an English teacher and I came out knowing I was going to be an actor.”

McCartan’s charm is palpable. You can easily picture him on stage or screen with his tall, graceful frame and square-jawed good looks. He exudes confidence, speaks with careful diction, and can do that cool one-eyebrow thing. He is the kind of person you meet and think, Oh yeah, I’ll be reading about him again soon.

According to their website, the mission of YoungArts is “to identify emerging artists and assist them at critical junctures in their educational and professional development, and to raise the appreciation for, and support of, the arts in American Society.” McCartan praises the program’s intent to create awareness for the arts. “With things like Jersey Shore hitting the nation at such rapid fire,” he says, “learning for young artists is key.”

YoungArts works with nine different disciplines, including McCartan’s group of 23 in musical theater. Every day was spent in master classes and workshops with luminaries of the craft such as Liv Ullman. At night, they attended showcases by the other disciplines and on Saturday everyone collaborated on the “Gala Gala Gala” (pronounced three different ways to cover the group’s regional diversity). “It was crazy busy,” enthuses McCartan, “in the best way imaginable. Just fantastic.”

The group competed for Gold and Silver awards, and a Presidential Scholarship. “We got to watch everyone work with the judges,” explains McCartan. “It sounds kind of boring, but it was cool because all of their notes applied to everything we did.” McCartan won a Silver Award, which includes $5000 grant and the opportunity to attend a second YoungArts week in April in New York City. McCartan was also one of the finalists chosen to apply for the Presidential Scholarship, the winner of which is slated to meet President Barack Obama in May.

Before attending YoungArts week, McCartan had planned to study English at the University of Minnesota and become an English teacher. But his Miami experience changed his mind. “The program worked hard to make sure we know we are worth something,” McCartan stresses, “and that we are talented, that we will make a difference if we keep pursuing our craft. This was a huge message for me!”

You may have already seen McCartan in local productions such as “Little House on the Prairie” or “Master Butcher Singing Club” at the Guthrie. “I’ve been working professionally since I was eight years old,” McCartan reports. He made his debut at the Guthrie at age 11. “It’s a great theater community, I know the ropes and haven’t screwed up my reputation too bad,” he jokes.

McCartan was originally moved to act by his older sister, Alison, but denies any competition between them. “She is exceptionally talented and has been a huge inspiration for me,” he insists. “Even if we were to compete, I’d step down every time, as she’s that incredible!” McCartan is grateful for the support of his family and friends who help him stay balanced while juggling his intense schoolwork and rehearsal schedule.

“YoungArts is one of those things that people say will change your life, and you roll your eyes,” says McCartan, “but then it really does change your life!” While he applied to the Guthrie’s BFA program at the University of Minnesota, he is considering taking time off to hit the pilot season in Los Angeles.

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Make sure to catch McCartan in a production of “Phantom of the Opera” at Minnetonka High School this May.

The Phantom of the Opera

April 29–30 and May 1, 5–8, 14–15

Check website for showtimes

Adults $20, seniors $15, youth $10

Minnetonka Theatre, Arts Center on 7, 18285 Hwy. 7, Minnetonka; 952.401.5898

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