WINNIPEG, MB – Several weeks after starring in a nine-day run of his one-person show, “Pobody’s Nerfect,” absolutely nothing has changed in the life of local accountant Ryan Ward, whose dreams of becoming a full-time actor continue unfulfilled.
Ward, a native Winnipegger who has been at his job since graduating from college 15-years-ago, has harboured dreams of being a performer for some time. “I’ve always wanted to use all my vacation days to perform in a two-week-long festival where acts from all across the world come to break even financially to perform in a dark basement that seats 35 people,” said Ward with a sigh.
Considered one of the funniest people in his office of four, Ward received help crafting his show from director and local improv legend Alex Steal. “Ryan was great, really professional, really showed up on time. When I asked him to pay early so I could cover rent, he didn’t bat an eye. He’s going to go very far as accountant, “ said Steal, who was throwing out $75 worth of glossy flyers for his own solo show run ‘Dancing in the Dork.’ “Hey, If you’re not doing anything late October you should come to my remount of my show, it’s about growing up nerdy. Let me get your email.”
Even though it’s already been almost a month since his last performance, Ward still has not handed in his letter of resignation. “I wrote it when I heard that agents might attended the show. They, uh, did not.” He drafted the letter using pull quotes from Julie’s Theatre Blog (“Not one to let …talent get in the way.”) Kyle on Theatre Dot WordPress (“Better than..INEXPENSIVE VIAGRA SUPPLEMENTS.”) and a CHEAP WEEKEND FUN listicle (“This free show is worth the price of admission.”) According to co-workers, Ward has printed it out several times, but after a moment of reflection he crumples it up and tosses it in recycling.
While ‘Pobody’ hasn’t led to any future prospects, Ward is trying to look on the bright side; “I can still bask in the adulation of my co-workers.” This includes Julie Harrison’s assertion that “[He] really looked like he was having fun up there.” and Sean Mulrooney’s “I couldn’t make it, but heard great things.”
“Heard Great Things” is the working title for Ward’s next show.
