Dave Kempher has been an active part of the Michiana Theatre Community since 2001. He’s worked with theaters in Goshen, Elkhart, Bristol, South Bend, and Osceola, mostly as an actor, but in some cases directing shows, working backstage, and providing technical support. Specializing in Children’s Theatre, he has directed at South Bend Civic Theatre, Elkhart Civic Theatre, Premier Arts, and Osceola Community Theatre.
In 2005 Dave was part of River City Theatre’s production of “Nunsense, A-men”, which received 2nd place in the National AACT Festival and then in 2015 he was a part of Elkhart Civic Theatre’s production of “39 Steps”, which went to AACT’s National Festival, and where Dave was awarded “Best Actor in a Supporting Role” along with his co-star Michael Honderich at the Regional Level and both were nominated again at the National Level.
This summer he will be directing a second time for Notre Dame’s “Shakespeare After Dark” and a first time for their children’s program “Shakescenes”, as well as broadening his horizons with the Chicago Kids Company, where he will providing technical support for their production of Cinderella at the Metropolis Arts Centre.
Take an earthquake, tidal waves, piranhas, sharks, explosions, and disco music, place them all on a floating casino that may, or may not be, up to code, and you have a recipe for Disaster.
For the three people who are not aware of the show, Jesus Christ Superstar is a fabulous rock opera that debuted in 1971 on Broadway and that many know from its 1973 film.
There are shows that I believe get rave reviews, awards, and heralded as classics because, at some point, "true theatre people" aren't allowed to not like them.
One would think a writer would be mad to take two people, lock them on a porch, and force them to talk through multiple games of gin rummy to entertain an audience.