Ryan Jacobs

"Another Afternoon"

When did you first discover theater/what was your first experience?: I got the "theatre bug" in Kansas when I was in fifth grade. I played Winthrop in Blue Valley High School's production of The Music Man. That experience was nothing short of life-changing. I remember being so thrilled to be a part of a group that was making something bigger than the sum of its parts. I never looked back!
When/how did you become a writer? Is there a writer, show, or text that particularly inspired you?: My mom is a piano teacher and I started lessons when I was 4. In the best way, I don't have one specific memory of "deciding" to write music. The piano was always just a place for me to make music, whether that meant learning songs, putting my own spin on songs, or writing new songs. I am beyond thankful to have a mom that created such a safe space for that.
How do you describe your style/work?: I am influenced first by all things jazz and second anything orchestral. I'm currently working on a full musical that is all jazz fusion music, so the golden age-y sound of "Another Afternoon" has been a nice palette cleanser.
What is most rewarding to you about writing music?: I have two main loves when it comes to writing music: I really love the flow state I get into when writing on my own, and I also adore any kind of collaboration that I can find. On my own, writing has become a really safe place where I can be free from self-judgement. And with others, I have written exciting things that I never would have come up with on my own. I'm really glad to be passionate about both options and love the variety it's given me in my career so far.