Ryan R. (Albrechtson) Rehak '16

2022 Recipient of the Graduate Of the Last Decade (G.O.L.D.) Award

Ryan (Albrechtson) Rehak '16 is known for his incredible leadership in the arts community leading projects with passion, an eye for inclusivity, and creativity. Always looking for new opportunities for emerging artists, Rehak founded Outskirts Theatre Company in 2014, while he was still in his undergraduate studies at Carroll.

Rehak is a Waukesha native and was introduced to the arts by his family. He was especially influenced by his musically minded grandparents, Danny R. '64 & Sheri L. (Latchaw) '68 Albrechtson. Rehak has served in many roles advancing the fine arts scene in the region including Venue Relations Manager for Waukesha-based Marcus Promotions Inc., Chairman of the Footlights.com People Choice Awards, and Producing Artistic Director for Outskirts Theatre Company.

After graduation from Carroll in 2016, Rehak accepted the position as Editor and Venue Relations Manager of Footlights, a company that prints playbills and does marketing services for 150+ theatre groups across the Midwest. There, he oversees communications with existing clients and is responsible for the development of new prospective clients. Rehak drives the editorial content of online platforms and the printed magazine, as well as the sales and creation of other promotional materials. Due to his intimate knowledge of the productions throughout the region, he founded the Footlights People's Choice Awards, an annual celebration of Milwaukee's talent held at Milwaukee Repertory Theater, to celebrate and recognize new talent and inspire future support of the arts.

Last year, Rehak became the Associate Managing Director of Waukesha Civic Theatre, whose mission is to provide quality live theatre performances and educational opportunities that will entertain, enrich, engage, and challenge the whole Waukesha Community.

In addition to his work at Waukesha Civic Theatre and Footlights, Rehak continues to lead and advance Outskirts Theatre. Over the last eight years, it has grown to become a well-known name by theatre goers, reviewers, and artists bringing inspiring art into our community. Rehak strives to bring his mission to life by creating experimental and thought-provoking theatre that strives to both educate and entertain the community as well as serve as a call to action against social and moral injustices.

Outskirts Theatre partnered with Sudbrink Performance Academy to develop a new studio called ‘The Development’ to provide first class performing arts education and opportunities to developing artists at different levels, with a primary focus on school-aged youth. From there, Outskirts partnered with the Waukesha Civic Theatre to become a permanent resident company of the space, creating even larger opportunities for their artists.

Giving back is a central part of Ryan’s identity. He serves on a variety of arts committees for the Waukesha Civic Theatre, Wisconsin High School Theatre Festival, Renaissance Theaterworks, and more. Particularly in his role at Waukesha Civic Theatre, he is actively involved in providing internship opportunities to Carroll students. As an alumnus, he has participated as an actor and director in several productions with the Carroll Players. He also has contributed as a guest speaker providing lectures to Arts Management students about his journey into his career.

In 2020, Rehak was recognized by the Milwaukee BizTimes as a Notable LGBT Executive in the Milwaukee area. While at Carroll, he was president of Carroll Players and won the George Tzougros Theatre Leadership Award for three years. He graduated in 2016 with a degree in Theatre Arts and Fine Arts Administration. Rehak lives in West Allis, Wis. and is married to his partner, Brayden.