Abandoned as a youngster, Ricky, portrayed by Dyllón Burnside, lives on the streets and makes uncompromising choices to survive. A chance encounter with Damon leads him to consider joining a house.

An actor, singer, producer and filmmaker, Burnside has appeared in notable stage, television and film projects and worked with several award-winning directors including Glenn Weiss, Kenny Leon and Rob Ashford. He gained recognition while starring in Broadway’s Holler if Ya Hear Me inspired by the music and lyrics of Tupac Shakur. Shortly after, he appeared as a Lost Boy in NBC’s Peter Pan Live! and in the critically acclaimed series High Maintenance on HBO, all while completing his studies at the prestigious CAP21 Conservatory for music theatre and The New School where he garnered a bachelor’s degree in Media Studies and Writing. Burnside went on to serve as a producer on the award-winning short film, The Jump and Hold Up The Light, a theatrical event at DC’s Arena Stage.

The Pensacola, Florida, native began performing professionally at the age of 12 as a member of the Hip-Hop/R&B boy band 3D, which afforded him the opportunity to tour the country performing original music alongside folks like Stevie Wonder and Rihanna in such venues as Madison Square Garden and the Nokia Theater. Shortly after the group disbanded, Burnside turned his attention to another art form: acting.

Passionate about providing quality arts programming and training to youth in underserved communities, Burnside has produced an annual toy drive and concert called “Christmas in the City” in his hometown of Pensacola. He has also taught performing arts workshops and spoken at schools across the country about the importance of arts education as a means of personal empowerment and self-expression.