From Rink to Stage:
MNO Youth Actor Rylan Thomas Steps into the Spotlight
Rylan Thomas, a Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) citizen, is stepping into the spotlight. This award-winning young actor has made remarkable progress in his performing arts career since making his debut at age 13.
Hailing from the small town of Kirkland Lake, where hockey reigns supreme, Rylan’s path to acting began unexpectedly — with a local community theatre audition.
“Growing up in a small town in Northern Ontario, I wasn’t exposed to very many forms of performance art,” Rylan shares. “Most of my life consisted of hockey and other sports. But in 2018, my family suggested I audition for a local play, and that decision changed everything. I found my true passion.”
Trading in his skates for scripts, Rylan immersed himself in the local theatre scene, participating in every possible production put on by Kirkland Lake’s Lasalle Theatre. It was during the pandemic, however, that Rylan’s acting experiences truly thrived. Collaborating closely with Michael Rawley, the managing artistic director of the Lasalle Theatre, Rylan starred in productions that resonated deeply with audiences. Their two-person show, Sleuth, broke Lasalle’s ticket sales and attendance records, highlighting the breadth of Rylan’s theatrical skills and abilities.
A pivotal moment in Rylan’s career came in 2022 when he attended the Canadian Model and Talent Convention (CMTC) in Toronto. Competing in five categories, Rylan walked away with some impressive accolades, including 3rd place in improv, 2nd in self-tape, 1st in TV commercial, and the prestigious title of Grand Overall Actor of the Year.
These achievements led to callbacks from agents in Toronto, Los Angeles, and Atlanta.
Now a student in the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting program at the University of Windsor, Rylan continues to refine his skills. His most recent role in The Trench at the KordaZone Theatre in Windsor saw him take on the challenging part of a WWI tunneller trapped underground.
Rylan’s approach to acting is methodical and immersive.
“Every show requires a different preparation routine,” he explains. “For a physical comedy like The Play That Went Wrong, I would stretch and prepare my body, followed by a specific handshake or moment shared with each cast member. For a darker role like The Trench, I would sit backstage and delve into my character’s backstory, exploring the motivations and traumas the audience doesn’t see.”
Despite his rapid rise, Rylan remains grounded and eager to share his advice with other aspiring Métis youth performers.
“Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. This industry is about selling yourself to directors, casting agents, and other performers. Get experience wherever you can, follow industry standards, and always be kind—reputation is everything. ”
Rylan credits much of his success to the unwavering support he has received from his family and the Métis community, particularly the MNO. Through their Post-Secondary Education support program and Rent Supplement, Rylan was able to focus on his education and career development without the burden of financial stress.
“I would not be where I am today without the MNO,” he says.
Next June, Rylan plans to join the Great Lakes Michael Chekhov Consortium in Ohio, where he will further hone his craft with the help of an MNO bursary.
Rylan’s journey serves as an inspiration to other Métis youth to follow their dreams. His story proves that with passion, dedication, and community support, you can be anything—or in Rylan’s case, be anyone.
The MNO congratulates Rylan on his acting accolades and looks forward to following his promising career. Break a leg, Rylan!