Ric Reid as Teach in Lyndesfarne Theatre Projects' production of American Buffalo. Photo by Andrew Fleming

Ric Reid is the co-founder of Lyndesfarne Theatre Projects along with his wife, Kelly Daniels. He has performed at the Shaw in such productions as Saint Joan, The Crucible, A Month in the Country, The Magic Fire, The Little Foxes as well as A Flea in Her Ear for Toronto's Soulpepper.

Other recent credits include George in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, Dr.Stockman in an Enemy of the People.

Previously, Ric has played Atticus in To Kill a Mockingbird and Mitch in Streetcar Named Desire in both Winnipeg and Edmonton.

In his hometown of Vancouver, Ric has performed in The Cocktail Hour, The Front Page, Cabaret, Death of a Salesman, Arms and the Man and Breaking Legs to name a few.

Ric's television credits include two episodes of The X-Files and many episodes of 21 Jump Street and Wiseguy.

You will be able to see Ric this month in Lyndesfarne Theatre Projects' production of David Mamet's American Buffalo. Ric plays the character Teach, a character he is revisiting from earlier in his acting career. The show is a rough, gritty comedy with strong language - parental guidance recommended.

The show opened February 28th and will be running until March 15th. For all the details, check out the Lyndesfarne site:

www.lyndesfarnetheatreprojects.com

(above and below): Ric Reid as Teach in Lyndesfarne Theatre Projects' production of American Buffalo.
Photos by Andrew Fleming

Bryan:
Tell me about how you got into theatre.

Ric:
I got into theatre by accident. In my first year at college I was applying for late admission and the only elective courses that fit my schedule included an acting class. I was forced to take it to fill up my quota for credits. The instructor of the course dared me to audition for further study at various acting programs and bet me a bottle of Scotch that I would succeed in being accepted. Never one to miss out on a bottle of Scotch, I agreed to the bet. I lost the bottle of Scotch and went, with tail between my legs, to the University of Alberta.

Bryan:
You have played 'Teach' - your character in American Buffalo - in the past, What is it like revisiting a character several years later in your career.

Ric:
The first time I played the character, I was in my mid-twenties and although I certainly had enough anger to play the role, what I didn't realize, or have enough life experience to portray, was his desperation. Although you can tackle any role at any age, life experience will always give you a greater palette to pull from. Teach is a far more complicated character than I first gave him credit for. I have revisited a couple of roles in the past and it is always fun to have a second go at them. There are always things you'd like to do different or your own depth of experience brings out other colours in the role.
 
Bryan:
What is your favourite kind of sushi - and what local sushi bar?

Ric:
Sushi is one of those foods that I can't say "this or that" is my favourite. It always depends on the day and mood. Kelly and I frequent the All You Can Eat bar on King Street, East Sushi.

Bryan:
Tell me about one or a couple of your most memorable roles as an actor.

Ric:
I have been fortunate in that I have quite a few of them - they are memorable for various reasons. Playing Mitch in A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE is memorable because I met Kelly during that show. Atticus in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD was a thrill to play because it is one of the best stories of American literature. George in WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? is one the great roles and I wanted to play it since I was a young actor. Certainly Teach is one of my favourites. Cassius in JULIUS CAESAR; Lysander and Demetrius were both fun to do in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM.  One of my greatest challenges and fears was to play Antonio in ABOUT FACE - a play by Dario Fo that requires the cast to be willing to play in the style of Commedia Del Arte. Anything goes - it must be funny - you turn all mistakes into comedy gold - improve, but always bringing it back to the writer's story and purpose. There are others but you get the idea that I've enjoyed myself even though I haven't played everything I have wanted.

Bryan:
If you had the opportunity to play any character from any play, who would you choose?

Ric:
There have been many that are now no longer possible. Probaby the two most on my mind today, and it may change tomorrow, are Willy Loman from DEATH OF A SALESMAN  and King Lear from some play by Shakespeare.

Bryan:
Do you have any advice for young actors in St.Catharines who are looking to break onto the scene and get involved? 

Ric:
Do not think you are God's gift to the performing arts. Never think that you know more or are better than people that you consider less talented than yourself. Keep learning!!!!! Be kind to everyone and respect all the people you come in contact with. You NEVER know when their help and advice will come in handy. People will always surprise you.

The hardest thing to learn is to be honest with yourself. and honest in your work.

Bryan:
Wonderful advice. Thank Ric, you've been a great sport. Break a leg with the rest of the American Buffalo run!