THE OFFICIAL SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN

Rico is is honored to return to the Michigan Shakespeare Festival.

Previously, he appeared as Banquo (Macbeth), King Simonides (Pericles, Prince of Tyre) and in the MSF production of Driving Miss Daisy.

Mr. Wade is an Associate Artist with the Flint Repertory Theater, where he has appeared in multiple productions including Who'sAfraid of Virginia Wolfe, Death of a Salesman, The Boatman and Into The Woods. Other credits include Ixion Ensemble's production of Broke-ology, the Riverwalk /CAP production of Jitney, and Williamston Theatre’s production of Blue Door, and most recently A Jukebox at the Algonquin at Farmers Alley. 

He worked extensively with the Second City-Detroit, collaborating on over a dozen revues. His film work includes Ken Nelson's ‘Sincerely, Brenda,' Scot Magie's ' FOUR-NINETY' and Jeff Wray's 'Songs for My Right Side.' In 2022, he was the recipient of an Ohio Valley Regional Emmy award for his performance in Learning Through Art – A Black Anthology of Music. Rico is also an instructor at Wayne State University and has been a teaching artist with the Detroit Creativity Project, Planet Ant Theatre, and the Michigan Actors Studio. He'd like to thank all the connections at MSF for their support and their commitment to artistic excellence. He’d also like to thank The Lovely Marilyn, as well as Laura Kristal for setting on the path, Lyn Okkearse for showing where it could lead, and Cheryl Couch for the roadside assistance.

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Rico is a multi-talented artist with a diverse background in theater, film, and teaching. He has an impressive track record both on stage and screen, and has a strong presence in the world of improvisational theater. Here are some key highlights of his career: 

Film Work: Rico Bruce Wade has a presence in the world of film, with leading roles in movies like "Sincerely, Brenda," "FOUR-NINETY," "Songs for My Right Side,” and “American Terrorist." He has also been featured in “Acheron,” “Chasing the Star,” and ”Buzzard.” 
Second City-Detroit: Rico spent a decade working extensively with Second City-Detroit, a renowned comedy theater company. He co-wrote and performed in several revues, such as "Computer Chips and Salsa," "One Nation Undecided," and "Greetings from Viagra Falls." He also directed the Second City-Detroit touring company and served as a producer for the Detroit venue. He was also co-producer of the television series "Film Fest 7 with the Second City."

Teaching and Workshops: Rico has trained in improvisational theater for over thirty years and has worked as a teaching artist with organizations like the Detroit Creativity Project, Planet Ant Theatre, and the Michigan Actors Studio. He has conducted corporate improvisation workshops for companies like Ford Motor Company, General Motors, United Auto Workers, and Little Caesar Enterprises.​​