SE drama student advances toward big time acting status
by Erin Gardner, reporter

   One SE Campus student is taking his talent to the next level.

  Being at the campus only one year has already helped the career of David Vieira, 18, an acting student.

  Vieira graduated from Martin High School last year and has only been studying at the SE Campus for one year. John Shafer, drama instructor, helped push Vieira in the right direction.

  Shafer took Vieira to the Southeast Theater Conference and from that particular conference, Vieira was eligible to go to another conference in Jackson, MS, where he became one of 25 students to advance to the Alabama workshops.

  In Mobile, he performed a difficult 60-second monologue. From all the many trials, Marion Waggoner, a judge at the AL contest, was impressed and offered Vieira an opportunity to perform in Tecumseh, an outside drama in Ohio.

  Vieira is excited about performing in the show based on an Indian’s struggle during the summer. Vieira’s characters include a reverend in the first act and a soldier in the second.

  The outdoor show will run through Aug. 31 in a theater that holds more than 2,500 seats.

  While at TCC, he performed in many plays including Fools, Heidi Chronicles, studio shows staged for the end of the spring semester, and Domestic Issues, performed at an actors theater festival.

  Vieira also credits other area teachers with influencing his acting career.

  Larry Cure, acting director at Martin High School, and Jack Broker, speech teacher, helped Vieira and his desire to act.

  Vieira’s goals are to perform in live theater.

  “There is a rush you get when on the stage,” he said.

  Theater is what Vieira would love to do, and he said that film does not hold the same essence as live theater.

  “I just do not want to be a waiter,” he said.

  Students who want to pursue acting should get exposure, Vieira said.

  “It’s a huge world,” he said.

  Vieira suggested aspiring actors meet as many people as possible because that one person could be the key.

  “Don’t be afraid to audition. You don’t know what will happen,” he said.

  School is a great way to dip one’s foot in and get as many auditions as possible. Training will always help provide security as well, Vieira said.

  The young actor does have secure plans in the future. After his run in Ohio, Vieira will attend Marimount Manhattan in New York on a scholarship.

  He plans to get his bachelor’s degree in drama.

  Vieira says his family has been great. His parents have supported him through his journey, and his brother will be nearby in New York.

  With all of the support from teachers and family, Vieira said he is on a path to great heights.