Ricky Schroeder and Why Booking a Show Doesn’t Always Mean You’ve Booked the Show

The life of an actor is often a cross between a seesaw and a rollercoaster. Sometimes it’s as simple as an up or down choice between opportunities and trying to find the balance in our life and work. While other times we’re just along for the ride (especially when it comes to auditions and callbacks), going in ways we can’t control and just doing our best to make the best choices in the moment. And today’s guest reminds us how unpredictable that rollercoaster be and that finding balance can oftentimes be difficult. 

Ricky Schroeder has been dancing since he was 3 years old and has gone on to do a variety of projects from musicals like Kinky Boots and Hairspray Live to television shows including The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Pose. Now, his name may sound similar to another actor from Silver Spoons and NYPD Blue, but on Twitter he’s quick to point out he’s not that Ricky Schroder. In fact, he’s been working to make his mark as more than just a dancer but rather an all around performer in the areas of acting, singing, and even improv. So this conversation with Ricky will be slightly different from other episodes as it highlights a journey common to all actors, one of hopeful expectation as well disappointing missed opportunities. 

The shows we discuss in this episode: 

• Kinky Boots
• Once Upon a One More Time (Britney Spears musical)
• Muriel’s Wedding (musical)
• The Last O.G. (starring Tracy Morgan)
• POSE (starring Billy Porter)
• Younger (starring Sutton Foster)
• Broadway 4D
• Bye Bye Birdie Live
• The Last Five Years - available to monthly supporters...become one today :)

 

Learn more about WINMI Podcast at whyillnevermakeit.com 

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Career Transition for Dancers

Ricky spoke about expanding his own artistic work and efforts beyond dancing because of his love of acting and singing and wanting to be seen as more than just a dancer. While this rings true of many dancers looking to open up more creative and career opportunities for themselves, some are looking beyond dance for other reasons. That’s where Career Transition for Dancers (and the Entertainment Community Fund) steps in. 

• Maybe you're a professional dancer dealing with a career-threatening injury or illness and aren't sure what to do next.
• Perhaps you feel burnt out in your dance career, wondering if there’s anything else you could do for work.
• You're possibly thinking of starting a family or are simply looking for more financial stability but don’t know where to start.

Whatever your situation, the Career Transition For Dancers program offers career counseling, educational scholarships and panel discussions to assist you in navigating these choices and expanding new opportunities for your next chapter. 

 

 

Final Five with Ricky Schroeder 

After this main conversation, Ricky sat down to answer the five final questions. Among several topics, he shares why "making it" is an elusive concept and how social media can put undue pressure on some performers. Read it all on the WINMI Blog.

Follow Ricky: Twitter | Instagram | Website