Ryan Stana is the founder and CEO of RWS Entertainment Group (RWS), a creator of award-winning custom entertainment. He founded RWS in 2003 from a corner of his apartment, and, drawing upon his passion for performance, grew the company into a global, industry-leading business.
Speaking to blooloop in 2021, he said: “In high school and university, I was a performer with a love for teaching. I loved the theme park industry, theme park shows, corporate events and the power of live experiences.”
Talking about the vision behind RWS, he added: “I always had the goal to make entertainment the main attraction, for corporate events, theme parks, resorts, and later cruise ships. From our early theme park clients like Holiday World and Cedar Fair to global services for Warner Bros., Disney, Virgin Voyages and Holland America Line, we have always focused on providing a memorable experience for our talent, our clients and their guests.”
The Emmy Award-winning firm now has headquarters in New York, London and Cincinnati and, together with its subsidiaries, creates custom entertainment, attractions and experiences for cruise ships, resorts and the world’s top brands, including Six Flags, Cedar Fair, Seaworld, Palace Entertainment, Europa-Park, Paultons Park, Hershey Entertainment and Resorts, NBCUniversal, Disney Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts and many more.
RWS acquired Binder Casting in 2016 and now casts commercials for brands like Audi and the NBA, films such as Chicago and Dreamgirls and stage performers for The Christmas Spectacular Following this, in 2021 the company went on to acquire JRA, an award-winning creative studio with headquarters in Cincinnati. JRA plans, designs and delivers exceptional visitor experiences for theme parks, museums, brand experiences, children’s experiences, attractions, theatre venues, visitor centres, cruise ships and more.
In 2022, RWS also announced the acquisition of The Experience Department (ted), Europe’s largest entertainment, audio-visual, fitness and custom merchandise company.