As he began to prepare an act for the 2013 Variety Show, alumnus Ryan Goldsher (‘15) decided to learn impressions for the first time.

“The [2013 Variety Show] act, the first time I ever performed impressions, was a sort of summer project,” said Goldsher. “I dared myself to learn as many impressions as possible in a summer.”

During the summer of 2012, Goldsher said he learned 26 different impressions of actors, politicians and faculty, one for each letter of the alphabet. He did this by watching YouTube videos of impersonators.

Goldsher competed in USA Network’s reality competition show, “First Impressions,” which is hosted by comedian Dana Carvey and features 18 contestants who compete head-to-head by performing impressions every week.

According to Goldsher, he first found out about the show when he performed at a comedy club in Santa Monica.

“After I performed my stand-up a couple of times, the managers there told me I would be perfect for [the show],” said Goldsher. “I auditioned, and now here I am.”

Senior Matt Aminilari, who accompanied Goldsher in his 2015 Variety Show act by playing piano while Goldsher sang “The Piano Man” using his impressions of different people, said Goldsher’s drive and ability to learn quickly is what makes him a unique performer.

“I remember in sixth grade seeing [Goldsher] walking down the hallway singing and playing a ukulele and thinking he was either the biggest show-off or the most amazing person,” said Aminilari. “Turns out he is the most talented person I know. He taught himself how to play the ukulele, the piano, the guitar and the harmonica. He is able to do anything you put in front of him.”

Theater director Julie Ann Robinson said the combination of Goldsher’s work ethic and potential is what makes him unlike most students with which she has worked.

“Some kids have the drive but not the goods,” said Robinson. “Some kids have the talent but not the passion. [Goldsher] has both. He can make it. I would not be surprised to see him someday in Hollywood or in movies.”

Without Glenbrook North, Goldsher said he never would have had the confidence to attend college in California to pursue an acting career.

“GBN was huge,” said Goldsher. “The teachers, staff and students helped me gain the confidence to move to California, the confidence to perform on stage. I knew that if GBN believed in me, I could make other people laugh too.”