Ric Walker's diverse and extensive professional journey has encompassed a wide range of performance styles, with a solid foundation rooted in his proficiency as an actor. Prior to embarking on his professional trajectory, Walker's academic pursuits at Wright State University served as the catalyst for his discovery of a latent comedic talent, as he made a triumphant debut in stand-up comedy by emerging victorious in his inaugural open mic night. This auspicious beginning sparked a parallel career path, allowing him to supplement his income through his burgeoning comedic endeavors.
As his stand-up comedy career continued to unfold, he received an invitation to join the Midwest Comedy Tool & Die troupe, a prestigious group that allowed him to refine his comedic skills and eventually rise to prominence as a crucial component of the ensemble's triumph. Prior to embarking on this new chapter, Walker had earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, which he followed by dividing his time between taking on various roles in Shakespearean productions, contemporary dramas, and musicals, all while simultaneously pursuing his passion for comedy.
During the mid-1990s, the esteemed MCTD troupe achieved a remarkable feat, rising to prominence as one of the top ten nationally touring companies, as attested to by the esteemed Tim Ferran of the Columbus Dispatch and other respected critics. This remarkable success prompted Walker to relocate to the bustling metropolis of Chicago, where he subsequently became thoroughly immersed in the city's thriving theatrical scene, gracing the stages with his presence in a multitude of productions.
As his career trajectory continued to unfold, his foray into corporate spokesperson roles gradually shifted his focus away from the stage, where he had once shone so brightly. He embarked on a new path, leveraging his exceptional oratory skills and charismatic presence to represent prominent companies, including the likes of Computer Associates, Oracle, and Eli Lilly.
Chicago's reputation as the epicenter of improv comedy eventually lured Walker back into the realm of improv, beckoning him to rejoin the vibrant community of improvisers. In the year 2006, he embarked on a new journey, taking to the stage with The Improvised Shakespeare Company, an esteemed troupe renowned for its exceptional improv skills, widely regarded as one of the nation's finest. Throughout his tenure, he has crafted and performed in an array of revues, a total of half a dozen, for The Second City, an illustrious institution where he now shares his expertise as a teacher.
Walker's unwavering dedication to the art of teaching drove him to embark on a rigorous academic journey, ultimately leading him to earn a Master of Fine Arts degree in Performance Pedagogy from the esteemed University of Pittsburgh. In addition to his academic pursuits, Walker's impressive career has seen him take on a dual role, both as a professor at the University of Pittsburgh and as a mentor to inner-city youth in various enrichment programs.
Throughout his illustrious career, Walker has had the privilege of working with numerous organizations, including Operation Push/Excel, Coca Cola, After School Matters, and the Cook County Youth Correctional Facility. He has facilitated workshops and programs that have had a profound impact on the lives of countless young people, providing them with valuable skills, knowledge, and life experiences that will undoubtedly serve them well in the years to come.
Beyond his esteemed endeavors in youth development, Walker has also demonstrated his versatility by crafting bespoke improvisation, team-building, and communications workshops tailored to the specific needs of various corporate clients, a testament to his adaptability and breadth of expertise.
