Calling all NCCers from earlier eras…especially the early 2000s. Come see what our old pal Ryan Bergmann has been up to in his career as a big time theatre director! In this 25th Anniversary year of the Nebraska Coast, we celebrate the successes of the people who make all Hollywood Nebraskans proud.

Fifteen years ago, if you came to the Hollywood Salon, you were greeted by the smiling face of Ryan Bergmann. Ryan ran the Salons back then, and was making his way as an actor and budding director. Flash forward to 2018, and Ryan is directing a major show (his second in a row!) for the Center Theatre Group’s Kirk Douglas Theatre. Ryan is taking a quick break from tech rehearsals to join us at the July Salon to tell us all about the making of this world premiere musical – and his new fame as a Theatre Director!

Born in Lincoln and raised in Omaha, Ryan went to Millard North and majored in theatre and German at Truman State University, then studied at Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich. He discovered the Coast Connection soon after arriving in Hollywood 17 years ago, and boy was the NCC lucky to have him. Ryan hosted the Salons for several years, and was a key volunteer in the early 2000’s. Since then, he has been building a career in the theatre, as Assistant Director, Producer and now Director for one of LA’s major stages.

He specializes in new works and developing theatre arts that foster communication and acceptance of all communities. In 2015 Ryan and his partner in crime, Janet Roston proudly established Mixed eMotion Theatrix for theatre, dance and multimedia.

“Mutt House, The Musical” will open at the Kirk Douglas Theater later this month and run through early August. Ryan’s previous directorial work includes, “Die Mommie Die” (Kirk Douglas and Celebration Theatre), “Niagara Fall” (Theatre of NOTE), “Bronies the Musical” (LA Fringe, Best Musical Winner), “revolver” (Celebration Theatre), “The Real Housekeepers of Studio City” (LA Fringe, Best of Fringe Winner).  Ryan’s most recent producing work includes, “Anaïs, A Dance Opera” (Greenway Court Theater and international tour), “Tonya & Nancy: The Rock Opera” (King King), “The Next Fairy Tale” (Celebration Theatre), and “BASH’d: A Gay Rap Opera” (Celebration Theatre).

World premiere of MUTT HOUSE, THE MUSICAL  — Ryan McCartan (recent Fox remake of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Disney Channel’s Liv and Maddie) heads the cast of a fun and furry musical tale for animal lovers of all ages. Featuring 20 original songs and a cast of 10, Mutt House is the story of quirky outsider Eddie Corbin. Bullied all his life, Eddie has finally found a place to call home — a neglected downtown animal shelter. When the city threatens to close the shelter, Eddie must do something he’s never done before: stand up for himself and fight for what’s right. With the help of six zany mutts, he faces his fears and makes an unexpected human connection in the process. This life-affirming musical, in the tradition of Annie, is filled with singing and dancing fun for the whole family. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 820 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232; $39-$59; (213) 628-2772; www.mutthousethemusical.com

Come see Ryan at the July 9^th Salon and help us celebrate his new success. We’ll be making plans to take a big group to see his new show – stay tuned for news about that.

WANT TO WORK ON THE NCC SPEC COMMERCIAL?
The Nebraska Coast is 25 years old this year. And to celebrate, we’re planning to make a series of three commercials for the NCC by the NCC. To showcase all the talent in our group, we are calling on you! We’ll shoot this summer in one day at a location to be determined. Once the commercials are completed, we’ll promote them on social media both back home and throughout Hollywood–and hopefully it’ll be a catalyst for more collaborations in the future. The project is being directed by Jeremy Lerman and produced by Todd Nelson & Ehren Parks.

Please submit resumes (and reels, if appropriate) for:  Director of Photography, Production Designer, Editor, Casting Director, UPM/Line Producer

Please submit to nebraskacoast@gmail.com with your name and department in the subject line. If you’re not a department head yet, but would like to apprentice/shadow, please let us know in your subject line what position(s)/department(s) you would like to be considered for. We are not yet casting, but will let actors know when we are ready for headshots. Thank you!