Rick Lewis

Biography

1 : Professional Misbehaver.
2 : World's Funniest Waiter.
3 : 49 year-old man on a 12-foot unicycle.
4 : Author of 7 Rules You Were Born to Break.

Rick Lewis has been performing professionally since the age of eight, appearing in television commercials and a dinner theater production of the musical stage play, Mame.

Hooked by these early experiences in front of audiences Rick continued to work professionally as an actor, dancer, acrobat, and musical theater performer until he was in his early twenties. He then attended the renowned theater arts program at Webster University. He left Webster to join the cast of a Broadway touring production of the hit musical Barnum, with which he traveled internationally for a nine-month period, playing in over 70 cities.

It was his experience with Barnum that led Rick to build his own solo physical comedy act, incorporating his skills in theater and circus arts with his background in dance and athletics. At the same time, a strong interest in personal growth led Rick to begin training as a personal development coach under the guidance of his own mentor. In time, he began to weave his comedic skills and growing experience as a personal growth trainer into a fully developed program that uses comedy and theater to help educate, motivate, and inspire individuals and groups to achieve greater clarity, professionalism, and satisfaction in their business and personal lives.

His observations of human behavior in relationship to his experience with audiences from all industries and walks of life formed the basis of his latest book, 7 Rules You Were Born to Break, and is now the core focus of his corporate meeting presentations.

Rick has authored three books on personal growth and owns and manages Lighten Up Productions, Inc., the umbrella agency for the development and contracting of his own presentation work.

Rick currently lives in Vancouver, BC with his wife and three children, traveling extensively throughout North America giving presentations for corporate events and conferences.

He has performed various versions of his routines at over 2,500 events and gatherings over a period of 30 years.

Publications

7 Rules You Were Born to Break: How Intelligent Misbehavior Can Help You and Your Organization Thrive
September 2010

The new book by Rick Lewis reveals the secrets of a professional misbehaver who turned his passion for mischief into a successful career as an internationally renowned entertainer.

In his rise from the streets as a juggler, jester and busker, to the banquet halls of the corporate elite as a headlining comedian, Rick faced the 7 hidden rules that oppose our fulfillment and success.

Lewis guides us through the silent shadows of our rule oriented society through his performing stories, illustrating with warmth, humor and passion the unwritten laws that disempower us and which we must break to claim our birthright to excellence.

Celebrities and a break-dancing dwarf, Santa Claus and CEOs, may never have shared a stage so equally as they do in these inspiring and remarkable tales.

7 Rules You Were Born to Break is an exploration of 7 rules we unconsciously obey and the power of breaking them.

From the top of his twelve-foot unicycle Lewis shows us how we can rise above mediocrity in our day to day lives and give our greatest hopes, aims and visions a fighting chance.

Titles

Break A Rule: Discover the Power of Intelligent Misbehavior
As You Are Dining:
Imagine your guests sitting down for lunch or dinner as their server approaches the table to refresh the water glass. Filling the glass to the absolute brim from a height of two-and-a-half feet, your guest is asked, "Is that enough water for you?" by a completely straight-faced waiter. Imagine the same waiter returning to the table throughout the meal and becoming more eccentric with each visit. In this first segment of his presentation Rick plays the role of an utterly inept server who breaks every rule of normal and expected behavior. By the end of the meal your guests have leaned to the left or right at least a dozen times to whisper to the person sitting next to them, "Did you just see what I saw?"

The result? Your guests connect with each other and they also begin a journey of awareness into how the unspoken rules of our culture shape our lives. Suddenly, the hotel management makes an announcement. They have asked the new waiter to come forward and apologize for his behavior.

After The Meal:
Nervously arriving on stage, the waiter stammers for words, but he is interrupted by a broadcast of show tunes over the loudspeakers. He is taken over by the mood of the music. As he sheds his uniform, the bright jersey of Rick the entertainer is revealed. Your audience will finally realize that the waiter is actually their headline act.

Rick uses his training as a performer and comedian to captivate and delight your guests. A master of audience participation, Rick gets your crowd completely involved in his circus stunts and comedy routines.

As he balances objects, juggles and mounts a unicycle that is 12 feet tall, your audience gets the laughs and a powerful message at the same time. Breaking the right rules is essential for organizational excellence. The audience are participants in his message before it even begins. By the end of his comedy show Rick has the undivided attention of your audience.

Concluding Keynote:
Once the stage show has concluded Rick will transition into his speaking presentation. The theme of excellence is approached from a refreshing perspective. Intelligent misbehavior is the foundation of personal and organizational success. As a professional misbehaver and author of 7 Rules You Were Born to Break, Rick will share his unique approach to unleashing both individual and organizational potential.

Rick Lewis provides a keynote experience that uses world-class entertainment and fun to drive home a practical and powerful message. Breaking the right rules is essential for excellence. Ricks presentation is a stand-alone product that will inspire your audience to take positive action in their own lives and in your organization.