Ryan is Nēhiyawi/Cree/ᓀᐦᐃᔭᐃ from Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton, Alberta) who’s family comes from The Michel Band First Nation. Ryan has worked as an actor, producer, writer, director, manager and event creator for over 25 years. His company, Cunning Concepts & Creations, produces and tours the Award winning production, HUFF written and performed by Cliff Cardinal. Originally produced by Native Earth Performing Arts under the Artistic Direction of Ryan Cunningham. Most recently Ryan has acted in: Julius Caesar (Crows Theatre), The Garneau Block (Citadel Theatre), AN OCTOROON, Madness of King George, Grand Hotel, Oh What a Lovely War (Shaw Festival). Ryan can be seen playing the role of Darcy Douglas in all 5 seasons of the award winning APTN series, BLACKSTONE. An alumni of the RBC Director Development Residency at Canadian Stage and current
RBC Director in Residence at CROWS Theatre. Ryan has been nominated for the KLM Hunter Artist Award and the inaugural Johanna Metcalf Performing Arts Prize.
In 2009 Ryan co-founded Alberta Aboriginal Performing Arts with Christine Sokaymoh Frederick. Edmonton’s first professional Indigenous theatre company. Ryan served as the founding Artistic Director for 5 years and co-produced the annual RUBABOO International Indigenous Arts Festival. Both AAPA and RUBABOO, celebrated their 12th-year Anniversary this year. From 2014 – 2017 Ryan had the honour of serving as Artistic Director at Native Earth Performing Arts after working for the company for 10 years as an artist and administrator.
With over 25 years of professional work experience in management, administration, production and artistic roles in Theatre, Film, TV, Events Management and Promotions: Ryan is committed to focus his expertise to the world of art and culture. Ryan’s Artistic leadership career currently focuses on supporting organizations and events that showcase Aboriginal art, artists, culture and education through the arts. Since taking artistic leadership roles at Native Earth Performing Arts and with the establishment of Alberta Aboriginal Performing Arts: advocacy for Indigenous Culture and Art is becoming an increasingly important aspect of the work I do and the projects I support.