Who is Amelia Ryan?
On paper, she’s an an award-winning cabaret artist, writer, director, mentor, and co-founder of Amplified House (alongside her husband Zac Tyler – obviously she’s the unofficial boss). Off the page, she’s an oat latte drinker, reformer pilates lover, nature walker, recently diagnosed ADHDer, and occasionally frazzled Mum to two small boys, trying to balance it all!
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I’m fairly thankful to not live with too many regrets (save for a few questionable choices in my twenties), but something I’ve been working on lately is a return to study. I’ve pursued building an arts business and my creative ambition over any sort of academic grounding, and now that I’m in my early forties, I’m wondering how it might feel to have that fancy piece of paper on my wall, and the academic expertise that comes with it. I’m looking at up-skilling as a director and educator.
Who inspires you and why?
My parents. My Mum – because she’s experienced all the shades of the rainbow in this lifetime and she’s still alive and kicking, with so much love and laughter to give. She’s my greatest supporter and I couldn’t do what I do without her. And my Dad – who at 75 years old, is working out how to start his own YouTube channel to share his story. I’m not sure how many subscribers he’ll get, but it’s an incredibly inspiring reminder that it’s never too late.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
If I could, I’d teach and mentor as many aspiring performing artists as I could, for free. I believe so deeply in the power of story-telling, and using performance as a platform to connect us in our shared humanity – the colourful and crappy alike. For me, art and music has the power to inspire, educate, motivate, heal, empower… the more I can create and share it, and the more fellow artists I can help along the way – the more of a difference I feel like I’ll have made.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I went to Greece last year (for the second time) and would go back again in a heartbeat. Truly, I think I was Grecian in a past life – I feel such a soul connection to the place. You can go to any part of Greece (islands or mainland) and have a completely different experience at each port of call. The food, the people, the coast and landscape, it’s all simply spectacular. 5 stars – no notes.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I’m lucky enough to now call Adelaide home (after growing up in Kiama NSW, and spending much of my adult life in Sydney and Melbourne). I hlove to take visitors on a Mt Lofty hike – fitness level pending, and to one or five of the many nearby wineries. If it’s Fringe time, then we’d definitely see a few shows in the vibrant East End!
What are you currently reading?
I’m reading Hotel California – which is all about the music and stories that came out of Laurel Canyon, LA, in the 1960s. I’m constantly dreaming and scheming up new ideas for shows… and this particular pocket of music history has piqued my interest. Watch this space!
What are you currently listening to?
Given the above response, it probably comes as no surprise that I’m also listening to the music of Laurel Canyon – think The Byrds, Mama’s & The Papa’s, Joni Mitchell, Judy Collins, The Doors, Buffalo Springfield. All that brilliant music of the late 1960s and early 70s. Yes, I am a total music history nerd. Sorry not sorry.
Happiness is?
Coming home from a tour and spending really simple, quality time with my husband and kiddos. Getting a coffee, going to the park, snuggles on the couch, puzzles… not having anywhere to be. These are the moments I work hard for.
What does the future hold for you?
We have so many ideas for new Amplified House shows – sometimes I can’t keep up with them. But in the short term, I’m opening up a mentorship and education arm to our business which I’m really excited to get cracking on. We’ve also got two new shows in the making – one is a follow up to Simply Brill, and the other is a follow up to 27 Club – one of our big shows! That’s probably enough for 2025, right?
Amelia stars with Michaela Burger and Michael Griffiths in Simply Brill, a celebration of 1960s rock n roll music at Hamer Hall – Arts Centre Melbourne on 7 April 2025. For more information, visit: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au for details.
Image: Amelia Ryan (supplied)