THE ANGLOFILES: RONAN SPIERENBURG ON THE NEW YORK THEATER FESTIVAL & SCREEN ACTING
Our Anglofiles series celebrates the brilliant Brits and Commonwealth creatives making waves in New York.
This week, we’re catching up with Somerset-born actor Ronan Spierenburg. From dominating the wooden stages of city theater to making major moves on camera in independent film and television, Ronan brings a dynamic, physical energy to every character he portrays. Whether he’s managing multiple distinct roles in Joe Staton's 'Snazzy' at the New York Theatre Festival, or starring as James in the upcoming series 'Growing Pains' with Sorella Studio, Ronan is truly making his mark on the New York creative scene.
There’s a fantastic Somerset coincidence behind your role in Snazzy at the New York Theater Festival, as you and playwright Joe Staton were born in the exact same hospital. How did you two cross paths in NYC, and what is it like bringing your hometown history to the stage?
Two of my friends actually sent me the casting call for a British man in his early to mid-thirties. Initially, I didn’t apply right away because I don’t tend to go for roles I don’t feel I'm a natural fit for, but after giving it some thought, I threw my hat in the ring and landed a Zoom audition with Joe Staton. During our chat, we discovered that we were not only from the exact same town in Somerset, but we were actually born in the same hospital just a few years apart!
Following that audition, I was offered the role I have now. I never thought I’d be on a stage in New York performing in a play that talks about my home county's history. It’s definitely something I’m incredibly proud of!
In Snazzy, you aren’t just playing one character, you’re managing multiple, distinct roles that bounce between sharp comedy and heavy drama. From an actor's technical standpoint, how do you manage that kind of fast-paced switching on-stage, and what has been the most rewarding part of that challenge?
It’s definitely tough at first, especially when you have so many distinct characters to play and differentiate from one another. Rehearsals are currently underway, and as we progress through the process, each character is really starting to take shape and come to life. Knowing every single character down to a T is what will ultimately make those rapid on-stage switches seamless. We’re relying on different accents, dialects, specific clothing cues, and accessories to visually and vocally signal those shifts to the audience. It’s going to be a challenging yet genuinely thrilling experience, and without a doubt, the most rewarding part for me is simply being able to bring Joe's brilliant writing to life!
Beyond the stage, you're also making major moves on camera, including your upcoming role as James in the TV show Growing Pains with Sorella Studio. How do you mentally transition between the hyper-focused, technical discipline of an independent film set and the raw, live energy of New York theater?
I approach theater and screen acting in much the same way. Whether I’m on an indie film set or standing on the wooden boards of a New York stage, I always try to ground myself and enjoy the process. Even though the technical side changes between stage and screen, I'm a very physical actor at heart. I tend to bring those theatrical instincts onto set, just dialing them down a notch for the camera. I also love bringing aspects of my own life and personality into the characters I portray.
Most recently, I played James in Growing Pains, where I portray a British student training to become a surgeon while navigating the chaos of life and friendship in his twenties. We just wrapped filming, and honestly, it was the most fun I’ve ever had on set. Directors and writers Danielle and Christina Apicella were incredible collaborators, and the entire cast and crew made the experience unforgettable. I truly think it’s going to be something special, so definitely keep an eye out for it!
Some of my other recent screen roles include Alex in Girl Movie and James in World War C*nt, the latter created by the incredibly talented Samantha Mei Paull. We’re actually set to collaborate again this summer on her next film, which I’m thrilled about. And just before moving to the States, I was fortunate enough to do SPACT (Special Action) work on SAS: Rogue Heroes for the BBC!
You’ve already built a fantastic momentum in the city, previously performing in Fixation at the historic Hudson Guild Theater. Looking back at that experience compared to your current summer line-up, how do you feel your approach to the unique "New York style" of acting has evolved since you first arrived?
Since moving here just shy of three years ago, I’ve been fortunate to see my acting evolve tremendously! Once I started working professionally in the city, everything really accelerated! I’ve definitely grown much more confident in my craft. By combining that self-assurance with an increasingly focused technical and physical approach, I feel like my own brand of that intense, grounded 'New York style' has become a solid foundation for my career.
The Quick-Fire Round
Stage fright versus camera nerves: which one hits you harder right before a director calls action or the curtain goes up? I’m always more nervous stepping onto the stage because there is no "cut" option. You just have to riff and make the story work if something goes awry. I definitely get butterflies in front of the camera too, but fortunately, it’s not quite as intense and varies by scene.
What is the first thing you eat or do the second you land back home in Somerset? Depending on what day of the week I fly back, I’ll immediately go for a homemade lasagne, a proper Sunday roast, or a KFC run with my best friend and my dog.
If you could share a scene with any legendary British or American actor, who is your ultimate dream co-star? Such a tough question! Straight off the bat, I’d have to go with Walton Goggins. I find his acting so unique and captivating to watch. He’s incredibly funny, and his on-camera physicality is just masterclass level.
