Check out the great bio my mom wrote…

The Desloge family got its first indication that theatre blood pulsed through the veins of young Ricky when he was 3-years old and getting ready for his first T-ball game. Wearing a narrow chocolate milk moustache on his upper lip and a St. Louis Cardinals baseball shirt, Ricky was ready to play ball.

“Ricky Desloge,” called the coach who was trying to divide the group of 30-some children into teams.

No one answered.

“Tell them you’re here,” Ricky’s mother whispered to her son.

“I’m not Ricky Desloge,” he glared. “I’m Ozzie Smith.”

Sports, with a huge serving of theatre defined Rick’s suburban St. Louis childhood. There were hockey penalties for delaying the game because he took larger-than-life dives on the ice, dramatic leaps to stop goals from going into the soccer net and show-stopping throws from left-field to third base as he nailed runners who tried to grab one base too many.

During middle and high school, Rick added stints on the stage to his escapades on the field or arena. He’d trade his hockey bag for his music folder as he dashed between sports practices and classes.  He loved the pure energy he found in both venues.

He graduated from Kirkwood High School in 2003, possessed by the idea that he needed to be part of that vitality. Drawn to Indiana University by its fine performing arts program, Rick quickly became a regular in musical productions. He spent his summers on the stage – doing summer stock, taking classes, performing in regional theatre – honing his skills as a performer.

Though his stints as Ozzie Smith are over, Rick’s passion remains bringing characters to life.

“There is unparalleled energy and life surrounding the theatre. It is my joy to harness that vibrancy and give it to the audience, allowing them, if only for an instant, to see something from a different perspective or experience something new.”