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Ricky Young-Howze

Playwright/Theatre Critic Digital Theatre Advocate and Curator

Ricky Young-Howze (They/ is a playwright and theatre critic from Mays Landing, NJ. They have an MFA from The Hollins University Playwrights’ Lab. They are an expat from Tennessee where they earned their BS from Austin Peay State University. They are the R in RnD Young-Howze and with their partner Dana Young-Howze have reviewed over 200 digital theatre productions since the start of the pandemic.

A photo of a Zoom play with characters named Potential White Ally and Unapologetically Black Specialist with other people on screen for stage directions.
Two Hundred Digital Theatre Reviews and Counting
Essay

Two Hundred Digital Theatre Reviews and Counting

28 September 2021

When Ricky and Dana Young-Howze began reviewing digital theatre productions early in the COVID-19 pandemic, they weren’t expecting to build a tight-knit, global community. They share their journey into the digital theatre scene and reflect on what it has taught them.

Invisible Disability in Theatre
Essay

Invisible Disability in Theatre

Why I May Not Want to Tell You I Have a Disability

26 March 2017

Ricky Young-Howze writes about why people with invisible disabilities might be wary to disclose that information.

Theatre DIY Don’ts
Essay

Theatre DIY Don’ts

Don’t Write Checks You Can’t Cash

3 March 2017

In this final installment, Ricky Young-Howze reflects on self-producing new work in a “theatre desert,” and acknowledges the importance of learning, wisdom, and respect.

Theatre DIY Don’ts
Essay

Theatre DIY Don’ts

Don’t Forget to Take Pictures

6 February 2017

In this installment, Ricky Young-Howze discusses the importance of having archival footage of new work, which serves as a historical document.

Theatre DIY Don’ts
Essay

Theatre DIY Don’ts

Don’t Settle for Your Venues

4 December 2016

In this installment, Ricky Young-Howze discusses the importance of choosing the right venue for productions.

Invisible Disability
Essay

Invisible Disability

Are You Okay? The Best Accommodation Out There

7 November 2016

Ricky Young-Howze writes about one of the simplest ways staff members can make the theatre an accessible and welcoming environment to people of all abilities.

Neil Simon’s Legacy has Spoiled his Best Plays for Millennials
Essay

Neil Simon’s Legacy has Spoiled his Best Plays for Millennials

29 September 2016

Ricky Young-Howze writes about Neil Simon’s influence on pop culture comedic tropes.

Theatre DIY Don’ts
Essay

Theatre DIY Don’ts

Don’t Get Too Complicated

28 August 2016

In this installment, Ricky Young-Howze discusses the complex nature of producing and shares what he learned about the art of delegation. 

Six Lessons I Learned from Ali Stroker
Essay

Six Lessons I Learned from Ali Stroker

23 July 2016

Ricky Young-Howze talks with actor Ali Stroker about changing people’s perceptions about performers with disabilities.

Don’t Forget the Human Element in Marketing
Essay

Don’t Forget the Human Element in Marketing

14 July 2016

In this installment, Ricky Young-Howze discusses his experience marketing his play Last Hope for Twenty Miles, and what he learned for future reference.

Theatre DIY Don’ts
Essay

Theatre DIY Don’ts

Don’t Neglect Your Greatest Asset

18 May 2016

In this installment, Ricky Young-Howze discusses the difference between a flameout and burnout, and shares his experience dealing with both in his former company.

Theatre DIY Don’ts
Essay

Theatre DIY Don’ts

Never Spread Yourself Too Thin

16 April 2016

In this second installment, Ricky Young-Howze shares a lesson he learned while wearing multiple hats in his theatre company.

I Started My Own Company, Failed Miserably, and I’m Eternally Grateful
Essay

I Started My Own Company, Failed Miserably, and I’m Eternally Grateful

14 March 2016

In this first installment, Ricky Young-Howze shares his experience of starting his own not-for-profit theatre company and offers advice.

My Disability Challenges a Major Theatre Aesthetic
Essay

My Disability Challenges a Major Theatre Aesthetic

12 February 2016

Ricky Young-Howze challenges theatre companies to rethink the conventional aesthetic of silent audiences and find creative ways to accommodate audience members with invisible disabilities.

Wheelchair Ramp to Your Heart
Essay

Wheelchair Ramp to Your Heart

Living with an Invisible Disability in the Arts

4 January 2016

Playwright Ricky Young-Howze shares his experience working in theatre with invisible disabilities.

Theatre DIY Don’ts by
Series

Theatre DIY Don’ts by

In this series, Ricky Young-Howze shares his experience of starting his own not-for-profit theatre company and offers advice.