Rick recently retired Professor Emeritus from Southwestern University Department of Theater near Austin, TX in 2015, where he served as Chair/Artistic Director for 15 years. Rick received his PhD in Theatre History/Theory/Directing Styles from UCLA in 1996, and is the author of "Charles Ludlam and the Ridiculous Theatrical Company," currently in its 2nd edition. (McFarland, 1998 and 2010). Rick is a seasoned director, actor, voice actor, teacher, acting/vocal coach and