Today we’d like to introduce you to David Berberian. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Coming out of the pandemic, actor David Berberian really wanted to be on stage again, doing a show he wasn’t certain anyone would want to produce. So, he produced it himself. He asked long-time friend Jeri Lynn Schulke to play opposite in the two-person show. Then the two roped in another long-time friend, Derrick Ivey, to direct it. After the show closed, the three said, “Well, that was fun. We should do that again.” Thus, Redbird Theater Company was born.
These three have deep ties to the theater community: working, directing, designing, acting for theaters across the Triangle for thirty years. They bring a commitment to supporting local artists, sharing North Carolina stories, and producing work in a healthy positive way. Their opening party in September garnered attendance by a who’s-who of Durham theater practitioners. Their inaugural show A Doll’s House: Part 2 was lauded by local theater critics and audiences alike. Over and over again, they hear, “It’s so nice to have independent theater back in Durham again.”
In the past twelve months, Redbird has launched our website; conducted a successful GoFundMe campaign; hosted a lavish Launch Party attended by over 100 enthusiastic theater lovers; presented two critically acclaimed productions to sold-out houses; employed more than twenty regional theater artists; earned a spot in Durham Magazine’s annual “Influencers” edition; established numerous partnerships with local businesses; amassed more than 500 subscribers; initiated a series of theater classes; and received almost 50 original script submissions from North Carolina playwrights (one of which will be produced later this summer) — and we think that is reason to celebrate!
The three know intimately how critical the arts–and theater specifically–are to creating the cultural vibes Durham is known for. Their plans for Redbird are more than just “putting on another show”: they want a space in Durham where they can invite other artists to produce new work and then send it out across the state. Like their namesake, they want their art to be ever-present in North Carolina.
RedBird is currently looking for a permanent home that they can call their own. This is the biggest challenge the company faces as they continue to move towards a high-flying future
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nothing like this happens without a lot of work, dedication, and yes, speed bumps. Not having a space to call our own leaves us vulnerable to the constraints of the space we are working in. We are often sharing the space with others, and it can be difficult. We have also dealt with the obligatory scheduling issues, an actor’s lack of transportation, and communication problems. The last 12 months have been incredible, and it has been a massive learning experience for all of us. We will continue to strive to find our home; until then, we will make theater wherever we can
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?
Since I was young, I have always considered myself a creative. I’ve been on stage since I was in elementary school. It was later in life that I also began to work behind the scenes. I was a scenic carpenter for 3 seasons at the Julliard School before moving back to NC and beginning my career at Duke University as the Scene Shop Manager. I have been at Duke now for 21 years, and I am proud of my accomplishments and the legacy I will leave behind.
Outside of Duke, I am an actor, writer, director, and producer. RedBird is the thing I am most proud of. From nothing but a desire to create, the other founders and I have produced quality work that has garnered sold-out shows and 5-star reviews. Wherever we go from here, I will always be proud of the work we have done to create this new theater company.
Last Spring, we decided to showcase a play by a North Carolina playwright. After receiving over 50 submissions, we chose a script by local Durham Playwright Chris Shuptrine. We are delighted to bring this new work to the stage. The production will be at Center Theater in Durham, NC (https://www.centertheatercompany.com/). Rehearsals will begin in June, and we open July 27th. The show runs two weekends with our final performance being August 5th. Detailed information can be found on our website, along with information on how to donate to RedBIrd so we can keep providing opportunities for North Carolina Artists.
RedBird will be celebrating its one-year birthday on June 22nd at Durham Bottling Company, where attendees will be entertained by three acclaimed North Carolina musical acts.
What matters most to you?
My dream is to provide a space for North Carolina Artists. Providing other artists with a venue in which to promote and show their work is my passion. The smaller, local artists find the opportunities for showcasing their work, becoming harder to find as property values soar. I want to create a space where North Carolina artists can feel at home.
Contact Info:
- Website: redbirdtheatercompany.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedBirdTheaterCo
Image Credits
Ken Huth
