The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign

Through The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign, Shadow Play Entertainment has been privileged to work with individuals across the world when it comes to promoting literacy and the importance of reading, and thanks to one of its most visible spokespersons, that group continues to grow. Derrick Hargrove (aka Tyger), known to many from MTV's 50 CENT: The Money & The Power, introduced Shadow Play's President, Cyrus A. Webb, to its newest supporter, Ryan Kessman. At the age of 19, Kessman is no stranger to the public eye, having had roles in the film 2012 and television series Without A Trace, My Name Is Earl, The Unit, Ghost Whisperer and most recently MTV's reality show Bully Beat Down. A California native, he is using his celebrity and name recognition to bring attention to causes that matter to him, including literacy.
Kessman took a few minutes to discuss his life and support of The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign with Webb in this exclusive interview.

How long have you been interested in the entertainment industry?

I have been interested in the entertainment industry since the early age of 5.

Is it something that your family has always supported?

Yes, entertainment has always been a strongly supported industry in my family.

Looking at the actors that are out there, who do you look to as models to follow?

I would say i like to follow the most Vin Diesel and Jason Statham.

Your time in the industry has been short but successful. What do you attribute it to?

My willingness and desire to succeed.

Being so young, do you feel as though you are missing out on anything by spending so much time pursuing a career?

No, i don't feel like i am missing out on anything because this is the career i have always wanted to do since i was little.

For those who are out there looking to make it as an actor or in any form of the entertainment industry, what would you tell them?

Continue to follow your dreams as there will be obstacles to overcome.

With life comes disappointment. What has been the biggest disappointment for you so far and how did you overcome it?

My biggest disappointment so far in life is accepting a full ride football scholarship to BYU only to find out the school wasn't what I had expected. I overcame this obstacle by perusing another life long dream of the entrainment business.

Thank you, Ryan, for joining us in combatting illiteracy through The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign. Reading is something that is very important to our supporters. Why do you feel as though reading is something that more people of all ages should do?

When you can read and understand you have tackled a large portion of obstacles in life.

What is next for you?

I pitched to MTV mine and Tyger's (aka Derrick Hargrove from MTV's 50 Cent: The Money & The Power) idea of them to sponsor us to go to schools and lecture on the aspect of bullying in schools. Suicide are ramped in schools districts and most of it is from bullying.

If our readers want to find out more about you, where can they find you online?

Google Ryan Kessman or on Myspace.