Forever brown and gold: David Alpert

University Theatre is kicking off its 2016-17 season with a satirical comedy and a familiar face. Theatre studies alumnus David Alpert has returned to campus as guest director of Baby with the Bathwater, which takes the York Arena Theatre stage September 23 through October 8.

Since graduating as a Presidential Scholar and Conspicuous Achievement in Theatre award recipient in 2006, David has gone on to work on a number of plays and musicals on Broadway and at theatres in New York and around the country. Alongside directing shows, David also produces an annual benefit concert to support educational programming that celebrates acceptance and teaches at various camps, theatres and workshops.

David Alpert’s successes and achievements are impressive to say the least. So, in addition to awarding him with the 2016 Distinguished Alumni award for the Department of Theatre, we picked his brain with a brief interview.

What was your favorite class at WMU? How did it shape your career and contribute to your successes?

Development of Theatre Arts taught by Joan Herrington was such an amazing class, as it taught me how to approach scripts not as an audience member, but as a director.  Joan helped guide all of us to a deeper understanding of what it is we do.  Many of the tools she gave us I still use as I work on projects in NYC.

I also of course strongly benefited from Mark Liermann’s directing class. I have always wanted to be a director, so to have a class focused on that? It was wonderful. I felt validated that this passion of mine could be studied, and Mark was incredibly encouraging. I didn’t fit into any of the ‘tracks’ in the department, and the faculty was really great in helping shape my time there to focus on directing. 

What's your favorite memory from your time in WMU's Department of Theatre?

Hands down, directing my senior thesis which was a production of Little Shop of Horrors.  Everything sort of came together for me, and the faculty support was amazing. I knew deep down I wanted to direct musicals but had only directed plays at that point at WMU. To direct this show in the black box with very little money was challenging—but I remember the weekend when we presented the show and I watched it and thought, “well…this is awesome.”  It was the moment I realized I was going to pursue this for a living.  Funny that 10 years later I’ll be directing in the same venue!

If you could go back to freshman year and tell yourself one thing, what would it be?

Freshman year David was so quiet! College was very daunting to me, and I think I lived the first two years a bit scared to really go after what I wanted. I would say to Freshman David: “You’re going to be just fine. Enjoy!” Everyone is awkward and changing dramatically in their late teens/early twenties. I think it’s a bit crazy to expect that as we enter college we have it all “figured out” and that we are suddenly “adults.” It takes a lot of time, and I wish I knew that it was ok to keep exploring and figuring out what I truly needed. 

What tips would you give to current students and graduating seniors as they prepare to enter the "real world?”

The major tip I would give is very simple: be nice. There are hundreds of people who all want the same job, and what will set you apart is to be a good human being. Be careful what you put on social media, treat others with respect, and be kind and focused. Talent and skills are one thing, being a good human being that people want to work with is another thing. Being nice doesn’t mean not standing up for what you believe in and what you need in the workplace, but learning how to communicate is huge.

From directing on Broadway to working with world-renowned actors, you've accomplished so much in your career. What are you most proud of?

I think the thing I’m most proud of is just the fact that I’m pursuing this career. My family has been incredibly supportive, but this path in life is not easy. I like to joke around a lot, and it’s something I’ve been saying ironically to my friends when I say goodbye to them: “follow your dreams.” Only recently did I realize this sentiment is one I am totally in support of. I never thought I would move to New York and work at becoming a Broadway director, but lo and behold here I am. I think it’s the Disney kid in me—the idea of following your dreams isn’t a joke to me, it’s a way of life. I’m also very proud that my work in NYC got me a quick cameo on the ABC special of the Disneyland 60th Anniversary this winter…seriously.

What's next for you? What do you still hope to achieve in your career? 

After my time at Western this fall, I’m heading back to New York to produce my annual benefit concert, now in its ninth year. It’s called “Living for Today,” and is a benefit for Gilana’s Fund—my sister passed away at the age of 26 and I gather my Broadway friends to raise money for this important cause--celebrating and encouraging educational programming promoting acceptance and understanding of our communities, each other, and ourselves. Check out www.gilanasfund.org for more info!  Then a couple of projects brewing before getting ready for BroadwayCon! It’s the premiere convention for Broadway fans and is so much fun. I’m the Artistic Director of Headline Programming for the event. And then just looking for the next job!