Dylan Riley Snyder: Kickin' It in Show Biz

Dylan Riley Snyder has gone from T-town to Tinsel Town, and now this 14-year-old star of Disney stage and television productions is coming home to help raise money for his home town stage, Theatre Tuscaloosa. On Saturday, May 7, Snyder participated in a one-day-only event that started at 4pm in the Bean-Brown Theatre – Dylan Riley Snyder: Kickin' It in Show Biz.

The event featured a personal interview with Dylan on the stage of the Bean-Brown Theatre in which he shared his experiences and insights on how he went from performing in Peter Pan with Theatre Tuscaloosa to starring in a soon-to-premier Disney XD television series alongside Hannah Montana's Jason Earles, Kickin' It. Audience members saw exclusive clips of the series featuring Dylan along with photos and videos of his extensive commercial, film, and stage work.

"Dylan is a special performer who has known from a young age exactly what he wanted for his career," said Theatre Tuscaloosa Executive Producer Tina Turley. "I think that young people will really enjoy hearing Dylan's perspective and advice on building a career in show business."

Dylan's career started while he was still attending Taylorville Primary School in Tuscaloosa. He began acting in local theatrical productions at The University of Alabama and Theatre Tuscaloosa such as Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (UA), Peter Pan (Theatre Tuscaloosa), Pippin (UA), To Kill A Mockingbird (Theatre Tuscaloosa), The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Theatre Tuscaloosa), and Assassins (UA). Dylan has since gone on to play Young Tarzan in Disney's Broadway production of Tarzan, star in national television commercials for Univest, Benedryl, and Chuck E. Cheese, and star in films including Life During War Time and Valley of the Moon. He has also made television appearances on Wonderpets and Seasame Street.

"Tuscaloosa will always be a special place for me," said Dylan. "It's where I got my start, and no matter where I go, I will always have roots there. I'm so excited to be able to give something back to Theatre Tuscaloosa and to help make a difference in my home town."

Those who attended Theatre Tuscaloosa's fundraiser had the opportunity to meet Dylan personally. Immediately following the on-stage event, Dylan was available to sign autographs and pose for pictures. At 6pm, a special Dinner On Stage with Dylan was held on the stage of the Bean-Brown Theatre.