Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mark Riccadonna. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mark, appreciate you joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

My colleagues often describe me as a storyteller. I like constructing stories that link together and engage the audience. I also tell stories as an actor and writer. When performing as a comedian, I work as an entertainer and combine stories with jokes, opinions, and act-outs.
One challenge I face is giving myself enough downtime to think and let my mind wander. This is when I come up with the best stories: they are clear, simple, and funny. Sometimes, I am too busy to see things clearly or enjoy the moment. Being a comedian and actor means I need to be present in the moment or use humor to escape it. It is a survival technique that I have developed over time.

When making decisions, I have two people in mind because they represent different approaches. Eddie Murphy speaks from the gut, is funny, and fast. On the other hand, Fred Rodgers is kind and gentle and prioritizes honest, simple conversation. Sometimes, they argue, but I am at my best when they agree.

As a writer and performer, I have evolved over time. For instance, I used to want to be like Steven Wright and deliver clever jokes. However, I eventually realized that acting out my stories and being true to myself was more effective. I have learned that honesty is important because it makes it easier to remember stories. This approach is challenging, but it pays off in the end.

Mark, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

The entertainment industry is challenging yet rewarding; success takes time and effort. Whether you’re a performer, a writer, or a producer, it’s essential to keep pushing forward and never give up on your dreams. With hard work and dedication, anything is possible. The idea of being creative every day inspires me to work hard and be as generous as I can with my time, work, and skills with others.
I always followed my instincts and stayed open to the world around me. When I was young, I loved watching tough New York cop movies from the 1970s. I knew I wanted to end up in New York City, although I was unsure about whether I wanted to work in comedy or acting. After finishing school, I moved to New York City and eventually was involved with The Amoralists’ theater company alongside my close friends Matthew Pilieci, James Kautz, Matt Frayley, and Derek Ahonen. I had some involvement in theatre during high school, but it wasn’t until I attended The American Academy of Dramatic Arts that I truly fell in love with it. The friendships I made at the Academy are deep and meaningful. I believe there is nothing better than live theatre done well. If you want to be entertained, watch a movie. If you want to change your life, see a play.The Academy changed my life in many ways and inspired me to think and act differently. I worked at a comedy club and decided to do it full time, touring for over two decades on and off. At the same time, I kept acting and directing. I also started working behind the camera to fuel my creativity. Making a living this way is fulfilling and rewarding. I enjoy helping others find happiness.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

As a comedian, I know the highs and lows of performing on stage all too well. One night, I could have a crowd in stitches, hanging onto my every word, while the next night, I could be met with silence and even boos. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions that only those in the live performance world could truly understand. I find solace in the in-between moments, the times when I’m not on stage and can just be myself. I spend my days off with my wife, kids, and dog, watching movies and relaxing, trying to forget the highs and lows that come with the job. As much as I love comedy and making people laugh, I can’t shake the feeling of insecurity that comes with it. I crave the instant gratification of a good show, the validation that I’m doing something right. And yet, I know that this is a dangerous path to go down. Many live performers use drinking and drugs to cope with the highs and lows of their jobs. I choose to stay grounded and accept that the highs and lows are part of the job. I don’t deserve special treatment for a good show or to be dismissed for a bad one. It’s all part of the journey, preparing me for something greater.So I keep performing, night after night, working on my craft and honing my skills. I don’t know where it will take me, but I know that I love what I do and that’s enough for now.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Don’t Take it personally, even though the work is personal!
Dealing w/ Rejection. Here I am in the middle of Rejection season – or – Film Fest time. It’s That we have so many harsh moments in this business. It’s pretty overwhelming to think about The greatest Batter of all time. 366. by Ty Cobb. – > That’s amazing. As an actor, if you booked 3 or 4 out of everything you were submitted for, you would be a freak … or at least own the production company you auditioned for. If my body weight was a batting average, I would probably be a pro!
We get rejected, emotionally abused, and torn apart daily. The same person would say what the hell are you thinking.
The definition of insanity is Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.
We get this rejection repeatedly because, once in a while, Bam. We nail it and get the Job. And when we got the Job, all the bullshit was worth it. Our Jobs mean so much to us.
My folks & Inlaws mention to me how they comend I keep going full speed 15 (Over 25 now… Yikes) plus years Still Reading, taking classes, sucking up all the Knowledge I can, get rejected with a smile on my face and head over to the next audition. / Let alone the beatings standup comedy will give you, but I think about it, and I couldn’t imagine not loving the fight as well. Or Doing anything else
People who are actors don’t see it as personally as regular folks do. We see it as notes on what to change, work on, and prepare better for next time.
Yeah, when you hit a long Dry spell, you will spin the roles of insecurity, but if you Don’t give up, you can hit that mini lotto we call Casting, and everything goes away. I Don’t gamble, but I assume it’s the same feeling; we are all Just trying to stay at the table as long as we can, hoping we hit the jackpot and not run out of money or walk away before winning one.
So to all my fellow actors, let’s play big while narrowing the field &
teaching those who are against us not to bet against us. But first, let’s win one in a row!
That’s why we Don’t take it personally.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.markriccadonna.com
• Instagram: @markriccadonna
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drinksjokesandstorytelling
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markriccadonna/
• Twitter: https://x.com/markriccadonna
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrinksJokesStorytelling

Image Credits

Kimberlee Peterson