BIO (Playbill Version!)

Ricki Romano (she/they) is a Chicago-based actor, writer, director, and producer with a passion for telling stories that hit you in the solar plexus when you least expect it. Her work pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling by reflecting outsider communities often underrepresented on stages and screens. Ricki has worked in theatre across the globe (Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Geffen Playhouse, Edinburgh Fringe), has written/produced/performed in feature and short films (degrees from Kevin Bacon: 3), and has even created a cartoon about cows in outer space (it was called Udder Space). Ricki holds an MFA in Acting from The Theatre School at DePaul University and a BA in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania. Represented by Actors Talent Group.

BIO (Tumblr Version!)

Originally from a sleepy suburb of Philadelphia, Ricki has been performing since the age of 8, when she took her star turn as Lucky the Leprechaun (shoutout Irish nepotism) in their small Catholic school’s St. Patrick’s Day play. Ricki continued to hone her craft on school stages in the ensuing years, doing everything from Sweeney Todd to Molière. Upon entering the University of Pennsylvania to study international relations and Spanish (with the intention of becoming an ambassador to #MakeWorldPeace), Ricki joined the Mask and Wig Club, one of the nation’s oldest musical comedy troupes. With Mask and Wig, she found a new passion for writing and creating her own work. After graduating from UPenn, her diplomatic dreams turned to creative ones, as she decided to stay in Philly and become a professional actor. After working in theaters across the metro area, Ricki’s Philly years culminated in co-writing and starring in her original satire “Two-Man, One-Man,” which they eventually toured to Scotland at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. At the Fringe, Two-Man, One-Man received a coveted four stars from The Scotsman (and five stars from Ricki’s mom <3)

Hungry for formal training, Ricki then earned the MFA Acting program at The Theatre School at DePaul University. While at The Theatre School, she trained in techniques such as Meisner, Stanislavski, and Rolling Around on the Floor. Since graduating, Ricki has begun to establish herself as an actor in Chicago, working with theaters such as Steppenwolf, About Face, Haven, GreatWorks, and more.

Recent highlights include understudying Garry/Tim for both the Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Geffen Playhouse production of “Noises Off!” directed by Tony-winner Anna D. Shapiro, as well as the release of UNALIVED (actor/co-writer/producer) a horror-comedy short about mysterious deaths in a house of TikTok influencers. UNALIVED is currently on the festival circuit, playing at various fests around the country, including Cinequest Film Festival and Cleveland International Film Festival.

Up next, Ricki has just finishing post-production on her directorial debut, Butt/Stuff, a short film about two anxious roommates fighting over the most hallowed of queer spaces… the bathroom (actor/director/writer/producer).

If not on stage or on set, you can find Ricki walking along the lakefront, doing mutual aid organizing, and feeding lettuce to their cutie pie guinea pigs, Sookie and Penny.