Ethan Ramos began performing in local musical theater when he was 7 and was known for his many theatrical gifts. But he will also be remembered for encouraging others to use their gifts.
“He made sure everyone felt included and was known for believing in people even when they didn’t believe in themselves,” said Colleen Kollar Smith, former executive producer for Moonlight Stage Productions, who now serves as executive director of UC San Diego’s Campus Performances and Events Office.
Ramos, who took joy in everything about musical theater and was loved by the local theater community, died in his sleep unexpectedly on Jan. 23. He was 17.
“His deep love for theater was undeniable — he lived and breathed Broadway. Whether he was singing a show tune, tapping with joy, or scouring the Music Theatre International website to predict upcoming productions, Ethan’s enthusiasm was contagious,” Kollar Smith said.
Ramos, who grew up in Vista, made his debut performance in Frozen, Jr. with Vista’s Broadway Theatre in 2016 when he was in grade school. He went on to perform at Moonlight Youth Theatre, Moonlight Stage Productions, Oceanside Theatre Company, Lighthouse Players and Rancho Buena Vista High School, where he most recently was a junior.
“Ethan changed the very fabric of our department, our school, and the world of theater,” said Mackenzie Scott, Rancho Buena Vista High School drama director. “When Ethan walked into our department, he came with a mission — to learn everything there was to know about theater. But what he didn’t realize then was that his passion, his work ethic and his dedication would soon become the very heartbeat of RBV Drama.”
Ramos had started performing professionally over the past couple years and recently won a Thespy Award for Solo Musical Theatre Performance at the International Thespian Festival.
When he was in the teen ensemble for “Into the Woods” at the Moonlight, his enthusiasm caught the attention of the director.
“From day one, he set the tone with his enthusiasm, gratitude and pure joy for being part of a professional cast,” said Steve Glaudini, producing artistic director of Moonlight Stage Productions. “His energy was infectious, and soon, the entire cast caught it. Ethan reminded everyone, from young performers to seasoned Broadway veterans, of why we do what we do. It was about being part of something bigger, about telling a story and building a community.”
As a student blogger for BroadwayWorld, Ramos shared his insights on balancing school and theater, always trying to lift others up and create opportunities for those who needed them.
“Ethan was a true leader — one who led with kindness, generosity, and a heart for service,” Kollar Smith said.
Even during the pandemic, Ramos had that spark that inspired others.
“I first noticed how kind and helpful Ethan was during Zoom school,” said Kaci Bronson, Madison Middle School Associated Student Body director. “Ethan was always the first face in class and always with a radiant smile. He made a point to greet me and was always the last to leave, never forgetting to say goodbye and wish me a great rest of the day. When we finally returned to in-person learning, it became even more obvious how kind and naturally charismatic he was. Everyone gravitated toward him. He was the student representative for our entire school.”
A Memorial Service will be held at noon Saturday at Anthem Church, 760 Sycamore Ave., Suite C, in Vista, followed by a reception and celebration of Life at 2 p.m. at the Morris B. Vance Community Room, Vista Civic Center, 200 Civic Center Drive.
Ethan’s family has established the Live Like Ethan Scholarship Fund through the Rancho Buena Vista High School Drama Program “to help young artists pursue their dreams, just as he did — with love, kindness, and an open heart.”To make a donation in his memory, visit rbvdrama.weebly.com/live-like-ethan.html
