Trivia

ABD PHD in British Literature

Child protégé (student) of Joshua Logan from 1972-1975.

Cousin of writer Roger Hedden.

Received an Excellence in Acting Award for his portrayal on stage of Oberon in A Midsummer-Night's Dream.

Listed in the 2010 Cambridge Who's Who.

Tad's maternal grandfather, Dr. Billy E. Goetz, was a pioneer in the field of accounting. He created the business program at Antioch College in Yellow Springs, OH, and had as one of his students a young man named Rod Serling.

Father, Thomas Ryan Atkinson, was a World War II veteran who fought in Korea. He was a pioneer in computer science as a management consultant who headed up a project for the International Labor Organization in Geneva, Switzerland from 1969-1970. A branch of the UN, the ILO is the only UN organization which dates back to the League of Nations. In consequence, Tad attended kindergarten at the Ecole Internacionale (The International School).

Great-grandfather, Richard J. Ryan, was a distinguished soldier in two armies. As a British NCO, he served in the Boer War. He then emigrated to the US, eventually becoming an officer, serving with John J. Pershing in the ill-fated attempt to capture Pancho Villa and again in Europe during World War I. He was decorated by the Italian government as well as the US government, having been grievously injured no less than 3 times (as well as being declared dead twice) in the 110 days he fought in Europe with his regiment, the 165th Infantry of New York. The 165th was also the first US regiment to arrive in Europe. During the Boer War, he served in the regiment commanded by Colonel Thomas George Atkinson.

Great-great-grandfather, Thomas George Atkinson, was a distinguished British officer whose service during the Boer War caused his honorary commission in the Black Watch to be hereditary, passed down through the eldest son. Tad is the current holder of that commission.

Classically trained lyric baritone. Tad has sung two concerts at Carnegie Hall in New York City, singing Handel's Messiah under the baton of John Rutter. While at Taylor University, he also performed in a month-long tour in Europe, singing in such venues as Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, the Votivkirche in Vienna, and the Franz Lizt Music Academy in Budapest.

An only child, Tad spends his time collecting close friends to adopt as siblings.

Member of Alpha Psi Omega National Theatre Honor Society.

Member of Sigma Tau Delta International English Honors Society.