Give a Warm Welcome to our new Museums Educator!
Join us in welcoming Ryan Clemens to the Virginia Beach History Museums family as our new Museums Educator!
Ryan has been an actor, teacher, playwright and is an outspoken Mark Twain enthusiast. For 12 years, he worked as the Lead Resident Teaching Artist with the Education Department of Norfolk’s Virginia Stage Company, creating and performing programs on the main stage and in a variety of educational touring shows, classes, and workshops. Among his greatest passions is his one-man show "Meet Mark Twain," in part because he is related to Samuel L. Clemens (real name of Mark Twain.) Ryan also teaches theatre classes at Old Dominion University.
Originally from Wyoming, Ryan began his history/theatrical career leading a travelling Wild West show, performing a play he’d written about “Wild Bill and Calamity Jane.” His love of historically based performance led him to develop his one-man show, “Meet Mark Twain.” In fact, Ryan has been portrayed Mark Twain for more than two decades. He has performed at theatres around the nation, holds a BA in Theatre from Western Washington University, and an MFA in Acting from Regent University. He is also a member of the Actor's Equity Candidate Program. The best job or role Ryan has ever held is that of “Husband” to his kind, supportive wife Sonja.
As the Program Educator, Ryan will work with students and school on a variety of education programs, field trips, scout programs and more. WELCOME, RYAN!!