{"id":478569,"date":"2026-09-28T20:20:10","date_gmt":"2026-09-28T20:20:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/478569\/"},"modified":"2026-09-28T20:20:10","modified_gmt":"2026-09-28T20:20:10","slug":"a-conversation-with-la-hidden-gems-founder-dan-ruth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/478569\/","title":{"rendered":"A Conversation with LA Hidden Gems Founder Dan Ruth"},"content":{"rendered":"

[NoHo Arts District<\/a>, CA] \u2013 In this month\u2019s Soaring Solo<\/a> blog, Jessica Lynn Johnson sits down with LA Hidden Gems founder Dan Ruth to talk solo theatre, creative community, self-promotion and supporting Los Angeles artists.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.\u201d Coretta Scott King<\/p>\n

One of the greatest assets you can obtain as a solo artist is to be surrounded by a compassionate creative community. It may be a one-person show, but it absolutely takes a village to bring our solo dreams to fruition.\u00a0<\/p>\n

When we opt to create all by our lonesome, it is easy to quit before reaching the finish line, or to never even get started because the journey seems too daunting. Therefore, it is vital to cultivate a community that can walk alongside you.<\/p>\n

These are your fellow travelers along the solo road who will remind you that you have a story worth telling when the critical voices in your head say otherwise. These are the sojourners who will be seated in the front row of your opening night with a big smile on their face and support in their hearts.<\/p>\n

With all of that being said, I have been especially moved by the supportive spirit of one very special solo artist I\u2019ve had the pleasure of meeting through the Hollywood Fringe Festival network. This person attended numerous solo shows during the festival and posted many positive reviews, made nominations and gave awards to worthy solo artists.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Build Your Creative Community One Gem at a Time: A Conversation with LA HIDDEN GEMS\u2019 Founder Dan Ruth<\/p>\n

\"DanPhoto by Tolga Reis. <\/p>\n

Meet Dan Ruth.<\/p>\n

Dan is absolutely someone you will want as a member of your creative circle. He is an actor, writer, director and storyteller who spent 28 amazing years in New York City before moving to the City of Angels. Dan wasted no time in making incredible contributions to the theatre scene in Tinseltown. Dan quickly created Los Angeles Hidden Gems<\/a> to help buttress theatre and cabaret artists. Dan\u2019s goal with the site is to lift up artists and to draw the attention of Angelenos to lesser-known acts and tomorrow\u2019s stars.<\/p>\n

I was so thrilled to learn that Dan is a fellow solo artist himself as the star of the award-winning, critically acclaimed A Life Behind Bars. His original solo black comedy focuses on the soul-sucking restaurant and service industries, and is a dark roller coaster comedy bar crawl. Through gritty storytelling, Dan shares dark comic monologues, interwoven with characters he\u2019s encountered while working and drinking in the bars and dives of pre-Giuliani NYC. His director is multi-award-winning performer-producer-director, Tanya Moberly. Dan performed A Life Behind Bars at The Wisconsin Association of Treatment Court Professionals, The Rustic Theatre in Idyllwild, enjoyed two sold-out runs at Carnegie Stage in Pittsburgh, PA, a sell-out performance at City Winery in New York City, was a part of Whitefire SoloFest 2018 and at the 2018 Hollywood Fringe Festival, and completed a two-year run in New York City at The Laurie Beechman Theatre.<\/p>\n

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With all of his impressive solo theatre history, I was dying to interview Dan for this month\u2019s blog. He graciously accepted my invitation. Let\u2019s dive in and see what this gem of a man has to say!<\/p>\n

JESSICA LYNN: As a solo artist yourself who has been in the industry on both coasts, what advice do you have for solo artists who are just starting out on their solo journey as well as those who are already touring and performing their one-person shows?<\/p>\n

DAN: Something to always keep in mind regarding the solo experience: no one else can play you, no one can tell your story because it\u2019s truly yours. It should be the fuel for your creation. Unlike actors who perform in plays and films, with solo performers, it\u2019s personal and audiences know this. The fact that your story lives in your skin says a great deal not only about who you are, but what you choose to offer your audience as a shared experience. I understand the point of the storytelling adage, \u201cdon\u2019t tell me, show me,\u201d but I\u2019ve seen some amazing shows where people just look at their audience and tell them a story, and they \u201cshow\u201d very little. What I like to say is, \u201cdon\u2019t write it, craft it.\u201d Know what belongs and what should be scrapped. It\u2019s a hard lesson to learn, but it\u2019s very important to know that not every moment of your experience is going to be stage-worthy.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for theaters, looking to tour, or looking for connections, only two words come to mind\u2014don\u2019t stop. When you truly embody your story and infuse it with your experiences, what you and your show bring to the table might not be for every theatre. Research theatres and what type of work they focus on. Not every theatre is going to be a custom fit for your show. Also, don\u2019t be afraid to book a solo show in a cabaret space. This was my smartest move in New York City because spaces are difficult and expensive to book. Spaces that are technically considered cabarets, however, are often perfect for the solo experience. Granted, you have to tell a joke about a piano being on the stage, but that\u2019s the least of your concerns, especially when you\u2019re not paying for use of the space.<\/p>\n

JESSICA LYNN: Such fantastic advice and I really love the concept of \u201cdon\u2019t write it, craft it.\u201d Now, knowing that you have seen a TON of solo theatre, can you tell me and my readers, as an audience member (and reviewer) of solo theatre, what is your favorite thing to see in a one-person show? Any pet peeves?\u00a0<\/p>\n

DAN: I love seeing shows that operate on more than one level, shows that transport me out of the room. Tech in solo shows is always going to be important for adding nuance\u2014to be clear, I\u2019m relying on it heavily for the show I\u2019m producing now\u2014but if a performer can stand on stage alone under the lights and take me to a completely different place, I believe that is the purity of the craft. Performers such as Lily Tomlin, Eddie \u201cSuzy\u201d Izzard, and Eric Bogosian don\u2019t need anything other than their words and the fact that they trust the audience implicitly to go with them on the journey. I also try to keep the performer as far away from a laundry list writing style as possible. I love when I\u2019m watching a performer who throws out something that\u2019s so brilliantly layered, with multiple meanings, that\u2019s laid completely unexpected at the feet of the audience. I\u2019m going to say in the back of my mind, \u201cdamn, why didn\u2019t I think of that,\u201d which, of course, translates to, \u201cthat was flipping brilliant.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pet peeves? We all work hard at what we do, but there\u2019s a reason they call it \u201cwork!\u201d Thanks to social media, not only is the solo performer the writer, internal director, lighting designer, costume designer, dramaturg, and prop master, they\u2019re also in charge of promotion. Part of promotion is knowing how to pitch your show, which means the solo performer needs to know how to write a proper press release and how to pitch their show to potential audiences. If there\u2019s any pet peeve that I have regarding any type of pitching, whether it\u2019s solo, television, or film, it\u2019s when the creative entity of a piece stoops to use language such as, \u201cThink When Harry Met Sally meets Mad Max\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

I believe it\u2019s the writer\u2019s job to craft a description of the characters and their story that does not rely on borrowing from other sources. To me, it just sounds subpar and lazy.<\/p>\n

JESSICA LYNN: Yes, I totally agree that a solo artist wears so many hats, and that how they promote their work is very important. Great insights! Speaking of self-promotion, for my readers who are just learning about you in today\u2019s blog, what would you like them to know about LA HIDDEN GEMS?<\/p>\n

DAN: I started LA Hidden Gems when I moved out here to support Los Angeles theatre and cabaret. It was all based on something I remembered hearing when I was tending bar in New York City\u2019s theatre district. I don\u2019t remember who, but someone involved in the New York City theatre world was overheard saying that \u201cso few words are written about theatre these days.\u201d That statement, I believe, was in direct response to Stephen Holden leaving The New York Times. Mr. Holden was almost single-handedly responsible for lifting smaller theater, self-contained acts, and cabaret acts, and giving them grace and validation by including them in such an important publication. When he left The New York Times, it was a very sad day. I\u2019m certainly not a Stephen Holden, but I do believe in lifting theater and performers and giving them quotable material to help move their performances forward.<\/p>\n

It also needs to be said that the level of creativity I have experienced since moving to Los Angeles is staggering. This city is brimming with creative energies.<\/p>\n

JESSICA LYNN: Wow, that is a beautiful mission and I love that Stephen Holden\u2019s impact inspired your own contributions. So, what is next for you and for LA HIDDEN GEMS? Anything you want to plug?<\/p>\n

DAN: Yes, absolutely! I will be presenting the world premiere of my latest solo experience entitled Southern Goth on October 27th at 8:30 p.m. at The Hobgoblin Playhouse, 1516 Gardner Street in Hollywood. The show is a horror-comedy loosely based on true events when I was going to college down South during the Satanic Panic of the mid-1980s. Southern Goth<\/a> is brimming with hauntings, history, witchcraft, goth musical references, and paranormal fun, but it\u2019s also an homage to my Mom, who I lost last year. I\u2019d been wanting to write a \u201cspooky, scary\u201d show for quite some time, and after being heavily involved in the Hollywood Fringe this past June, I met several people who turned me on to some scary theater festivals, The Hobgoblin\u2019s Spookyfest being one of them. I cannot wait to perform Southern Goth next month.<\/p>\n

As for LA Hidden Gems, the nominations for the \u201c2026 Gem Awards\u201d will be released December 1st, with the winners being announced on my birthday, December 13th.<\/p>\n

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JESSICA LYNN: First off, let me just say I am so sorry to hear that you lost your mother last year. My sincerest condolences. What a meaningful way to honor her with your solo theatre art. I sadly will not be back in LA until December, which means I will miss this iteration of Southern Goth, but I will absolutely spread the word! It sounds like an intriguing plot for a solo show. As we wrap up today, I would love to know, outside of the entertainment industry, what can you tell me and my readers about yourself? Favorite hobbies? quirks? Special memories? Whatever you want!<\/p>\n

DAN: I love flea markets, jewelry, and old stuff\u2014always will. I\u2019m involved in the antique world on both coasts, and will always love creepy-cool Victoriana, which I can always blame on Charles Ludlam and The Mystery of Irma Vep, which I\u2019ve performed on three different occasions. In fact, The Mystery of Irma Vep is the first time I discovered how much fun it is to perform more than one character at the same time. I think that opened me to the world of writing and performing multiple characters within my own material. So, thank you, Charles!<\/p>\n

As for a solo performance memory which relates to the rest of this interview, in 2018, I applied to a festival with my award-winning show, A Life Behind Bars, and after quite some time passed, I eventually received a \u201cthank you\/rejection\u201d email from the festival. Of course, I was upset at first, but when I discovered that their festival was going to be performed outside at a state fairground in Texas in late August, I didn\u2019t feel quite so bad! Something about performing an intimate autobiographical dark comedy show about alcoholism amid draft beer trucks, sweat and cow poo didn\u2019t seem appropriate for the material. So, chin up, folks. Not every festival is going to be for you!<\/p>\n

Thanks for taking the time to interview me, Jessica. I really appreciate it.\u00a0<\/p>\n

JESSICA LYNN: Thank YOU, Dan! I am a lover of flea markets and jewelry too! And thank God for Charles Ludlam turning you on to the joy of playing a myriad of characters. It\u2019s truly been a pleasure to have this conversation with you and I am sure I will see you around LaLa Land in the near future.<\/p>\n

Well, solo artists, I hope today\u2019s blog entry has introduced you to a sensational solo artist and member of our creative community in LA. Keep collecting gems like Dan for your solo support network and you\u2019ll go far.<\/p>\n

\u00a0As always, remember that solo theatre may not be easy, but it is so worth it!<\/p>\n

Jessica Lynn Johnson
Founder & CEO of Soaring Solo LLC
SoaringSoloArtist@gmail.com
www.SoaringSoloStudios.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Tune in and support the Soaring Solo Community as we share our stories from stage!<\/p>\n

Award-winning director and developer Jessica Lynn Johnson hosts a slew of powerful solo show script readings and full staged productions addressing various impactful and inspiring topics.<\/p>\n

This full Soaring Solo Studios calendar can be found by CLICKING HERE FOR MORE INFO<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Start Writing Your Own Solo Show One Freewrite at a Time With \u201cFREEWrite Friday\u201d!<\/p>\n

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Join BEST NATIONAL SOLO ARTIST WINNER Jessica Lynn Johnson for FREEWrite Friday!<\/p>\n

Utilizing thought-provoking writing prompts, Jessica will lead you in writing exercises that are sure to assist you in the development of your solo show.<\/p>\n

A one-person play is not typically written in one fell swoop. Rather, the Soaring Solo Methodology teaches that the creation of solo art is much like that of creating a Mosaic\u2026one beautiful piece at a time.<\/p>\n

All that is required to attend this inspiring event is a willingness to explore, having a pen, paper, or some other means of capturing your thoughts, the ability to access Zoom, and signing up on this page as your official RSVP.<\/p>\n

We look forward to having you join the Soaring Solo Community in this event because your story matters!<\/p>\n

CLICK HERE TO RSVP<\/a> and obtain the Zoom link and password.<\/p>\n

Attend the Soaring Solo FREE One-Person Play Development Class ONLINE!<\/p>\n

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No matter where you are in the creation of your solo show, idea phase, curiosity phase, full draft written, touring the festival and college market, BEST NATIONAL SOLO ARTIST and founder of Soaring Solo, Jessica Lynn Johnson, will meet you where you are at and take you to the next level! All that is required to attend is a willingness to explore, a pen, and some paper. No previous writing or performance experience necessary, and no need to have written anything to bring to class. Each week, Jessica will guide you in exercises to help generate and stage NEW material! So come and meet other creatives in a supportive space for expression and exploration! The class is ongoing and so you may pop in and out as you please, as long as you RSVP BY CLICKING HERE<\/a> for this FREE ONE-PERSON PLAY CLASS.<\/p>\n

Schedule an Online Coaching Consultation<\/p>\n

Schedule an Online Coaching Consultation<\/a> with Jessica Lynn Johnson to discuss the possibilities for your solo show!<\/p>\n

Jessica brings her 15+ years of solo theatre expertise to work privately with solo artists from all over the world on an as-needed basis.<\/p>\n

A 1-on-1 consultation is for you if\u2026<\/p>\n

-You are curious about creating a solo show, but you need writing prompts to help you generate material.
\u2013 You are tossing around ideas for your solo show, but you need some accountability and encouragement to commit those ideas to the page.
-You have already written some material, but you need expert feedback on editing, story structure and play formatting.
-You have a great first draft, but need guidance on how to utilize multimedia and solo theatre technique in order to make your show a dynamic piece of solo theatre.
-You already premiered your solo show and now you want some tips on how to tour colleges and festivals, and garner accolades and great reviews!
-You have heard great things about Jessica\u2019s work and you\u2019re curious about hiring her as a Director & Developer for your solo show, but first, you want to feel her out and see if she is the right fit for you and your project.<\/p>\n

Wherever you may find yourself on your solo journey, Jessica will help you overcome whatever immediate obstacle stands between you and your solo success.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

If you resonate with many of the things on this list, then take the next step by emailing SoaringSoloArtist@gmail.com for more information.<\/p>\n

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To see what shows are playing, check out our theatre guide>><\/a><\/p>\n