Today we’d like to introduce you to David Schulz.
Hi David, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Born in Chicago – Moved to Encinitas Ca at the age of 7 and started performing with Coast Kids Theatre. Coast Kids Theatre, a youth theatre group started by Ann Schulz ( my mother ) and Bobbi Janikas. I started my theatre education early. Growing up in and around theatre gave me many performing and directing opportunities.
I have a degree in Theatre / Speech / Communications from Concordia University Irvine.
Going to a small liberal arts college was the perfect way to continue my theatre education. Performance and directing opportunities were plentiful and I jumped at all things theatre and music while in school.
I met my wife Heather while performing in a show in college. After graduation we got married and moved to Los Angeles Ca. Heather a teacher is also an accomplished performer.
We spent 15 years in Los Angeles where I worked in the film and TV industry for a short time. Just long enough to realize theatre was my calling. I was able to tour nationally and internationally as a performer in musical theatre. That solidified my need to make theatre my career. Directing has always been a joy for me. Working with actors and building shows is really fun, challenging, and rewarding.
15 years and 2 kids later I was offered the role Iv’e had for the past 13 years. In 2009 the Star Theatre Board of Directors offered me the job of Producing Artistic Director. We packed up our 2 kids / 2 dogs and moved to South Oceanside.
The Star Theatre Company produces 6 shows a year while also offering acting, music, and dance education to the community. It has been a wild and fulfilling ride.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Non – profit work is many things. Exciting, challenging, rewarding and full of struggles.
Theatre is a passion project. It’s not about the money, it’s about the show and the journey to get there, We have a very special thing going at the Star Theatre Company. Our non – profit owns the theatre, The Star is a 470 seat theatre which is the home of the Star Theatre Company and the rental theatre used by dozens of performing groups around San Diego.
We have the struggles of managing a large performing arts venue and a theatre company.
We have a small staff of talented, dedicated people who help keep the theatre thriving. Our BOD is fantastic and offer a wealth of knowledge, support, and work.
Live Theatre inspires the people who make it and the people who view it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
With the Star Theatre Company, I direct / produce 6 shows per year. 2 youth musical productions
3 all age/adult musical productions
1 play.
We offer a wide range of shows for our members and audience.
www.startheatreco.com
My goal for our productions is for the actors, crew, and audience to feel better when they leave than they did when they arrived. We welcome all people to be involved in our productions. I believe the journey to get to opening night is where we shine. If the process building / rehearsing the show is positive, fun, rewarding, and collaborative, the production will be great. The audience can tell if the journey was fruitful.
I am the drummer/singer for the Show Band – The Echo Boomers. I have been playing drums for recordings and bands for many years. Music has always been a huge part of my story. I have had the pleasure of performing music in venues from California to Twain.
Teaching. I love teaching acting through the Star Theatre Academy of Acting, Music, and Dance.
Acting techniques and strategies which help actors make solid choices and find the moment. Being present and in the moment is important in the performing arts and in life.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
There is no substitute for hard work. Talent is only part of the story. Hard work and dedication to the craft is key. Stay true and respectful.. Being part of a cast or production team is an opportunity to be a source of positivity and respect. people not only want to work with you because of your skill and talent, they will want to work with you because you are nice and respectful. Bring more to the table besides the role you were cast in.
Contact Info:
- Email: thestartheatre@gmail.com
- Website: www.startheatreco.com
- Instagram: @thestartheatre
- Facebook: The Star Theatre
- Twitter: @StarTheatre
