Meet Ryan Braun of The Lyric in Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Braun.

Ryan, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve always been surrounded by music. My beautiful mother, an opera singer, inspired my career. I began as an instrumentalist at a young age, first with the violin and the piano, then the cello. I was lucky enough to tour as a cellist with the Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra for three years. In high school I was introduced to the dramatic arts, which led to my acceptance into the Ray Bolger program at UCLA. After college, I moved out east to take on the big apple. There I was lucky enough to work as a professional dancer and producer for David LaChapelle. He would include choreographed dancers into a few of his museum shows, such as From Darkness to Light at the Lever House Museum. That experience gave me a greater understanding of the art world and how exciting work can be when fusing different mediums. During that time, my mother was running a foundation at the Lyric and the financial crisis in 2008 forced the Lyric to explore other financial opportunities. I was asked to move back to LA in 2012 to take on the challenge of transforming the Lyric from a non-profit space into a successful music and comedy venue. And so, the Lyric was reborn, first by gathering our friends together and playing music, hosting our own evenings, to booking professional acts. Within the first year we went from a few friends trying to throw parties to a fully formed company. A bunch of music and comedy fans just looking to have a good time.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I doubt any young business owner would ever say their road was smooth. I’m also not envious of those whose roads were easy. We are still facing challenges to this day. Some challenges have yet to be resolved. Grassroots companies face the most difficult challenge of all; to form a company with little to no resources. Companies that are funded with investor capitol have a leg up. They have the ability to structure and employ from the beginning. I’ve had to wear every hat of the business, whether it be a performer, booker, or custodian. Currently, my full-time job is rezoning the building to allow for a full-time liquor license. In order to do that I had to become a politician, fighter, and defender. We’ve had to battle ignorance, racism, sexism, and homophobia throughout this process. Rezoning a building allows for every member of the neighborhood to cast a vote on whether or not you have the right to be in business. We are still undergoing vicious attacks by community members who are spouting nonsensical dribble calling us a strip club, crooks, and the scum of society. I’ve been threatened with law suits and, as I was told, billions of dollars against me. I appreciate the challenge. We represent the artistic community and are responsible for assisting organizations like the Los Angeles High School of the Arts, and the Los Angeles Drama Club, two organizations devoted to inspiring youth to reach beyond their means and fight for social justice. Organizations like these are suffering all around our country due to dramatic policy changes and political figures that do not believe the arts play a vital role in the education of our children. Arts funding has been pulled from the LAUSD schools and I feel it is my duty as a business owner in the arts industry to support these organizations to continue the cultural renaissance of this city. I feel it is the duty of all arts related businesses to devote their resources to education. That, according to some neighboring groups, will destroy conservative ideals.

The Lyric – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My pride lies in the spirit and diversity of my team. They are adventurous, creative, soulful people emotionally driven to improving the lives of the people around them. They are not driven by the ladder climbing mentality so often found in the LA scene. They attack each problem with an honesty and openness and their spirit has sent waves throughout the industry. They listen, attentively and critically, and are always looking for opportunity to improve. That is the reason our company has survived throughout the years. Their strength and fortitude through this extremely political process has been truly inspiring. They have always held strong to the faith that the Lyric has a right to continue operating. I am forever grateful to have found such beautiful souls to create with, they are my family and the heartbeat of the Lyric. I look forward to our futures together, it’s been a wild ride so far and I expect it will continue to be.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
On October 25, 2016 we had our hearing downtown at City Hall for the rezoning application. We had 60 supporters without any opposition in attendance. The hearing, normally a battlefield, became a celebration of the Lyric with heartwarming testimony from partners, audience members, and staff members. I could not have asked for a better representation of the Lyric and to be publicly celebrated in front of city officials.

Contact Info:

• Address: 520 N La Brea Ave
  Los Angeles CA 90036
• Website: www.thelyricla.com
• Email: ryan@lyrictheatrela.com

Image Credit:
Personal Photo: Joey Cardella ;Business: Matt Misisco