Ryan Worsing: I’m Always Proud to be Part of a Great Ensemble

Ryan Worsing is a 2019 recipient of the Ensemblist Award. He has been on Broadway for ten years now, performing in ensembles from Shrek to The Cher Show. His passion for his work appears in everything he does on stage. Being an Ensemblist is an incredible amount of work and Worsing is able to show audiences nightly just what it takes.

Looking back on the most impactful moments of his career, Worsing couldn’t pick just one. Ten years brings a lot of memories and a lot of important moments! His Broadway debut in Shrek is one of the first ones.

“That first performance on a Broadway stage is an unparalleled moment in time and I will never forget it, and gave me my first performance on the Tony Awards!” he remembered.

Another moment that Worsing remembers as impactful was taking over as the dance captain for Finding Neverland. There’s a lot of trust that comes with that role, and he remarks that he was “humbled by the responsibility of caring for the show and company.”

Finally, he remembers the opening night of Hello, Dolly! and how being there with the original Broadway cast felt electric.

The style of every Broadway show that Worsing has been a part of has been drastically different than the last one. Being able to play different styles and genres lets Worsing explore and grow and push.

“Golden-age classics to modern jukebox musicals, my shows have always pushed the limits of my comfort zone and allowed me to do things I never imagined I’d be doing on Broadway,” he said.

Being part of an ensemble, Worsing says “you’re only as strong as your weakest link.” He’s been there to create tracks, replace existing ones, swing on and swing out. He says: “The common theme is the work. There is no substitution for the work.”

The ensemble does just that, and he talks about how everyone must support the best from everyone.

“There is no safer feeling than that of a cohesive company.”

When asked if there is any advice he wished he heard when he first started in NYC, Worsing said, “I wish I had understood what ‘be your best self’ meant. It’s difficult to present your best work when spending your time comparing yourself to the other people in the audition room, figuring out the ‘perfect formula’ for what casting and creatives are looking for.”

He concludes that that perfect formula doesn’t exist. Worsing went on to discuss how to be the best you in the room:

“People want to see authenticity on the stage, and the first step to achieving that is knowing who you are.”

As the recipient of the Ensemblist Award for 2019, Ryan Worsing leaves with these words about what audiences should know about the ensemble.

“With a few exceptions, there is no one who works harder than the ensemble. They must perform as a seamless unit yet maintain individuality. The show and its principals are buoyed by the ensemble from start to finish. It’s the toughest job in the building, but also one of the most satisfying. I’m always proud to be a part of a great ensemble.”