Rick Bumgardner,
An award-winning SDC (Society of Directors and Choreographers) director, he has directed over 50 productions personally and been the artistic director for another 25 throughout the nation.
His productions have won regional recognition and awards around the nation in a wide variety of genres from comedy, drama, musical, and revue. He has also won several directing awards for these works as well. In 2022, Rick was nominated for the coveted Zelda Fichandler award from the SDC in the central region for his transformational work in the national arts landscape by making a significant contribution to his community and his extraordinary work in theatre.
He has directed at a variety of levels from secondary education, higher education, community theatre, semi-professional, professional and regional theatre. He has worked with a wide range of artists throughout his career from novice to Emmy nominated, Olivier award winning, Tony award winning, Grammy award winning, and even Oscar award winning artists throughout his career.
As a teacher, he is sought out and has taught at Wichita High School North, Park University, Wichita State University, Kansas Newman University as well as private classes and workshops throughout his career and in locations where he might be directing around the nation.
He is often asked to speak at events as a keynote speaker, emcee an evening’s event, or be a presenter at an awards ceremony. His ability to entertain and motivate an audience is another of his talents that carry his love of theatre out into the world.
Rick is a member of the twelfth largest Rotary Club in the world, has sat as a director on the Wichita State University Performing Arts Angles charitable foundation, and is an active member of Phi Kappa Phi.
As a performer, he has appeared in more than 50 productions from chorus, ensemble, character, and leading roles, winning numerous awards in several different categories for his portrayal of those characters.
The most intriguing thing about the present moment is that it never grows old. When you realize that the present moment is already created, it changes the whole complexion of what creativity means. -RB
Over the years, Rick has won several awards in various fields for his many roles within the theatre including:
- Zelda Fichandler Award Semi-Finalist, Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (the professional union representing directors in the United States)
- Recipient of a $10,000 Neighborhood Grant
- HERO Award, Table of Hope, 2020 and 2021
- Wichita Arts Council - Individual Arts Advocate 2023
- BroadwayWorld Wichita 2023 - Best Direction Of A Play, Best Performer In A Play, & Favorite Local Theater
- BroadwayWorld Wichita 2024 - Best Direction of A Musical & Favorite Local Theater
Rick and his productions have been reviewed and featured in print and in video for the breadth of his career.
I owe much to my mentor, the great Mary Jane Teall. I've carried her influence throughout my career. She challenged me to push boundaries, be mindful, and pursue truth, both on stage and in life.
The SPINE of the Show
What is the SPINE of a Show?
I always identify the SPINE of a show before production. It is the “backbone” of my interpretation providing focus, direction and purpose to the entire production. It answers these questions for the actors: Who are you? What do you want? What is your purpose?
Meet Rick
a Director + Artistic Director
Meet Rick
a Performer
Meet Rick
a Teacher
Meet Rick
a Speaker + Presenter
Meet Rick
an Award Winner
The actor must use his imagination to be able to answer all questions (when, where, why, how). Make the make-believer existence more definite. - Constantin Stanislavski
Life Imitates Art
This timeline chronicles some significant shows and achievements of mine over the years. Since I only choose shows that have personal significance to me, I wanted to share memories that illustrated the connections I draw from.
1998, CRIMES OF THE HEART
Rick’s sisters (Sherry, Bev & Sandi) might as well have been the three in his 1998 production of CRIMES OF THE HEART.
2001, KARLA BURNS AND HER BROADWAY BABES
Rick remembers the first rule of theatre…never work with kids or animals! KARLA BURNS AND HER BROADWAY BABES - 51 children in one of the most special experiences of his career and explains why he works so often with BOTH.
2008-2013, STEEL MAGNOIAS
Rick directs on a big stage - for 25,000 people, not only a benefit performance of STEEL MAGNOLIAS in 2009, but the entire festival itself for six years.
2013, THE FULL MONTY
This might have been foreshadowing - but it might also explain why he was chosen to direct THE FULL MONTY.
2023, THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG + RIDE THE CYCLONE
This painting, done by Rick’s mom of him hauling hay, made Rick realize the importance of a good scenic artist and that’s what he got with THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG and RIDE THE CYCLONE.
INSPIRATION+ INFLUENCE
Success is transient, evanescent. The real passion lies in the poignant acquisition of knowledge about all the shading and subtleties of the creative secrets.
- Constantin Stanislavski