David Westfall
The Artist
Originally from Ohio (BFA Ohio Wesleyan University 1956), David likes to tell people he “escaped” from Ohio right after college with a three-year stint in the United States Navy (active Reserve) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Pearl Harbor offered many acting and stage managing duties at the Honolulu Community Theater, where David worked with Director Jerry Mayer and Musical Director Donald Yap.
Hawaii was fruitful in other ways: a daughter was born in the Territory of Hawaii, and a son was born in the State of Hawaii. A third child, a daughter, was born in New York not long after his return to the mainland. Then it was on to a Master’s Degree at SUNY, New Paltz, NY.
A few minor jobs ensued until he hit upon a teaching career that lasted twenty-three years. Teaching provided financial stability as David pursued numerous acting gigs on stage, on television, and in movies. Most of his stage opportunities were with The York Theatre, including his directing debut, a world premier of Night Games, starring Michael Learned. Appearing in the world premier of Meeting Mr. Ives (as Charles Ives) at San Francisco’s Curran Theatre, was a particularly satisfying experience. Joining Actors’ Equity, Screen Actors’ Guild, and AGMA, was accomplished during this time.
Other personal triumphs: he married for the second time; trained and became a Private Pilot with an Instrument Rating; continues his love of the practical arts (jewelry and pottery) and enjoys his motorcycle hobby of thirty-five years. Recently, his endeavors have included writing. Being published for the first time was another life-long goal accomplished. At present, David is concentrating on making ceramic funeral urns for pets and people.
David keeps his acting skills sharp by volunteering for movies by students at University of North Carolina School of the Arts, the 48 Hour Film Festival, and Triad Stage (Regional Equity Theater).
In the autumn of his life, David knows his major break is just around the corner. He’s convinced Harrison Ford, Stephen Spielberg, and Clint Eastwood are all looking for him. If any of you know these men personally, please tell them you’ve finally found David Westfall.
