Ryan Hayden was born in Wellesley, MA, and lived there until moving to Dallas. It was in Dallas that Ryan discovered his passion for acting. He was active in all of the school plays throughout middle school and high school, and then attended the University of Oklahoma where he studied musical theater. He later left OU to study the culinary arts in Austin, TX at the Texas Culinary Academy Le Cordon Bleu. While studying there Ryan reconnected with his passion for performance, and left for New York. There he studied the Meizner Technique at the William Esper Studio. After finishing up the program, Ryan returned to Dallas, where he lives today. Ryan has been acting in Dallas ever since, mostly voice overs and commercials, until The Final which was Ryan’s first feature film. Ryan is currently still in Dallas auditioning and working on a Yoga Certification. He plans on moving to California where he will teach yoga and continue honing his craft and auditioning.
What is your character like?
My character’s name is Miles; he’s your typical high school slacker, just skating along in a cloud of marijuana smoke. He’s not an athlete, but hangs out with all of the popular kids because he’s got the sick hook up on the herb, and always knows where the party is. Unlike most of his friends, he uses his sharp mind and tongue, not his physicality, to harass the freaks and geeks he picks on. Since he is not really one of the popular kids, aka not an athlete, he is always trying to prove his worth to them by be it either by the lengths he goes to make his friends laugh at the expense of the outcasts or the quality of weed he supplies. He is, as a result, never quite comfortable, always on the defensive, in fear that they will turn on him and he will be victim to their tormenting.
What was it like working with the Director and Producer?
Joey, and Jason were both brilliant to work with. Joey’s organic approach to Directing is to be envied. He has the priceless gift of seeing the big and small picture at the same time. He was great at giving us, the actors, freedom to play and find our characters while keeping us on track and making sure we got everything we needed.
Jason was more then just a Producer on this film, he was the engine that was driving this crazy train. Once again, I cannot think of enough good things to say about him. He and his staff did an amazing job at making everyone feel welcome, at home, and important on set. It is a testament to him that everything ran as smoothly as it did during the whole process. I am honored to get to work with Jason I am lucky to consider myself a friend of his, and look forward to his projects in the future. There is no doubt that they will be nothing short of brilliant.