a performer’s portfolio
“A man of many faces . . .”
headlined a newspaper article about my work as an actor. While creating this website, I thought about how apt that description was for me because of the different roles I play, not only as an actor, but also as a director, teacher, musician, songwriter, and narrator. The same passions which drive those pursuits have also spurred my interest in other areas such as writing, painting and mountaineering. I hope to share other interests in these pages, while showcasing my professional skills to those who wish to engage my services.
Some faces on and off stage
Theater
I’ve been involved in the theater for over 40 years, performing more than 50 role, directing a wide variety of productions, coaching performers, developing a university theater major, and creating a repertory of one-man shows. My overarching goal as a theater professional is to create magic. That is, to invite each audience member into a new and different world. A world to delight them with a freshness of emotion and thought.. Learn more by clicking the button below.
A performance of “A Child’s Christmas in Wales,” with Dylan Thomas ”
Music
My musical career includes live performances as well as recordings. I play guitar and flute, sing and write songs. I perform original works and cover songs ranging from popular songs such as “Here Comes the Sun” to classics like “Satin Doll” to show tunes like “If I Only had a Brain” to folk melodies like “Jamaica Farewell”. I’ve studied and use a variety of styles including classical, jazz, flamenco, and folk. Like most musicians, I love playing for live audiences and the special connection and interaction with listeners, but I’ve also recorded six albums. To learn more about my music and listen to my songs for free, click the button below.
Audio Narration
My acting skills combined with studio recording experience has led to the narrating of audio books. Here you can listen to my reading of poem and a short story I wrote (click here for the text). For more audio narrations, including an audio book sample, click the button below.
Writing
My life in the both the theater and music brings home to me the power and beauty of words. I am also an avid reader, so it is not surprising that I’m often moved to express myself in words.. I am currently working on a book-length account of my near-death experience on Haleakala, the major volcano on Maui. You can read selections of my work by clicking the titles below.
Reviews
MUSIC
"The kind of mellow melodic music performed by Rick seemed to set the customers at ease, He became the focus, people would applaud after each song, and Rick became one of the main reasons for repeat business. If you're looking for a laid back softer style of music for entertainment, Rick is one of the best out there...I only ask that you not use him in the summer...I have dibs on Rick in the summer."
-Sean Martines, Manager, Bridgewater Grill Golden
"His gentle vocals and familiar melodies enriched the welcoming atmosphere. I made sure the library got some copies of this local talent so others could share his art. We also have had him perform during the holidays for our patrons, and they always ask us to make sure and have him back!"
-Kathy Husband, Library Manager, Jefferson County Public Library
THEATER
"Rick Scheideman delivers a tour de force performance as the plaintive Jody, Louise's ex-husband and Helen's tubercular, alcoholic father. Scheideman masterfully captures the vicissitudes of this sympathetic and well-intentioned character."
-Sarah Ruppenthal, The Maui News
"From Mark Twain, to Einstein, to Sitting Bull, this actor has the ability to look and be almost unidentifiable from one show to the next,” said theater critic Michael Pulliam. “If acting skill combined with a Lon Chaney-eque ‘Man of a Thousand Faces’ equals acting brilliance, then Scheideman is the best actor on Maui.
-Michael Pulliam, The Maui News