David Burkhart

This is what I've seen most nights this past month: the Pollard Theatre, on a special little strip in Guthrie, OK — a place that's welcomed and encouraged me as I attempt to do very hard things on a stage.I'm back for round three here with The Odd Couple (The Female Version), directed by Megan Montgomery and Timothy Stewart. We open next week. Neil Simon's comedy is great on its own, but the work our ensemble has put in has pulled all the theatre magic off the pages. There's gold to dig out with every line. Today we had our first preview audience, and their laughter was so fun to play off of., and a reward for our hard work. We're having a great time, and I've even made some incredible new friends along the way. I always want my social media to be a diary of (mainly) highlights — not for any other reason than looking back and thinking I did okay among the changing sea that is the world. So here I am, in a new show that opens in a week. I'm fortunate to be part of such a strong cast.

Pictures From Home closed a month ago, and I’m still processing what it meant to me. I knew at the time it was one of the hardest plays I’ve ever done, but I’m only now realizing what a precious opportunity it was to be in it. It felt like the culmination of a lifetime of work—if you saw the show, you received everything I had to give. I’m so grateful for those of you who shared that with me. There’s something surreal—and humbling—about acting: knowing an audience is watching, hanging on your every move, every breath, while you stay fully in character, fully alive in the moment. To laugh, cry, scream, break down, argue, observe, and be present in front of people who stood for us night after night… you train for that night after night, year after year, decade after decade. It’s hard for the body to process what the brain already knows—that you’re reliving the trauma, trials, and tribulations of another life. It takes everything an actor has to do that for an audience, to give them their money’s worth and honor the work. If you see an actor out there, maybe give them a hug… except for me. Not a hugger here. 📷 Saying goodbye was hard. Our final week was brutal—six shows in five days (one brush-up rehearsal plus five performances, Thursday through Sunday with two on Saturday)—and I was exhausted. The whole team were theatrical warriors; we left it all out there every night. Deep thanks to Rhonda Clark for directing this piece so beautifully and for casting me for the twelfth time. To Terry and Lilli for sharing such iconic, precious moments with me. To Elin for keeping it real backstage and finding those perfect shirts. To Miranda for quietly doing the work of four people to hold tech together. And to Rick Allen Lippert for letting me hang a photo gallery outside while my character, Larry Sultan, bared his soul inside. It was another experience of a lifetime. Thank you to everyone who came, who stayed, who stood, who felt something. You helped make those nights unforgettable.

Today marks my four-year anniversary with OU Film and Media Studies. In that time, I've seen incredible people come and go, and I'm grateful to have played even a small part in their journey. I've worked alongside a terrific team that has turned this small department into something special—one that truly makes a difference for students and faculty alike. My official title is Production Manager, but the real privilege has been the chance to help drive positive change and growth every day. So many countless hours and unseen efforts have gone into this place, and not an evening goes by that I don’t take a moment to breathe and observe before I leave the building. It’s a blessing to come to work knowing no two days are alike, and every action, plan, and detail is meant to improve. To connect. To create. I wanted to share a photo montage of memories, but there were simply too many to narrow down. Instead, here's an old photo I took of a collage I made many years ago while guest lecturing for a day in this very department. You never know what opportunity will lead to another—here, a new door (unforeseen) can open at any moment. Our motto in FMS is: Learn Film History. Make Film History. We live and breathe that every single day. Thank you to everyone who's worked alongside me to keep that spirit alive. Here's to more growth, more stories, and more days of making a difference. Oh yeah…and more days of making films. #oufms

I've had the privilege of performing in over 50 stage productions in my life. I don't buy into the 10,000-hour rule exactly, but after all these years, I know when my work meets my own standards—and right now, it does. Playing Larry Sultan in Pictures From Home at Carpenter Square Theatre has let me do the best work of my career. This is my favorite play I've ever done. I resonate deeply with the character, the story, and the whole emotional landscape—especially in this time in my life, where my recent adventures on stage have led to a real refinement of my craft, a deeper self-assessment, and a growing confidence in who I am as an artist. It's surreal to share the stage with seasoned pros like Terry Veal and Lilli Bassett, who are delivering masterclasses every night. I get to watch them as both Larry and myself, and I revel in those collective revelations when I'm sitting on the Sultan couch, watching as Irv tries to sum up Larry’s whole. I feel like I'm holding my own. I laugh, yell, cry—going through the full range in ways that feel effortless, thanks to years of hard work, timeless theatre relationships, and our incredible director Rhonda Clark, who's guided us to create something unforgettable. Shoutout to stage manager Miranda LoPresti, who's handled sound, photos, line help, and everything else—her dedication keeps it all running smoothly. The whole team is leaving audiences with nights they'll never forget. If you come see Pictures From Home (five shows left after weather cancellations), you'll get all of me. This play hits me like no other, and I'm pouring everything into it. Come for a memorable, unforgettable night of theatre. Thank you to everyone who shows up, supports, and sticks around to say hi afterward—it means the world. Tickets are at carpentersquare.com

Whether it's my creative projects, my job, or my classes, I'm working as hard as I ever have. I told myself 2026 would be one of my best years, and I'm putting in the effort to make it real. I'm grateful for the people I see every day who continue to be wonderful partners in this journey—I hope you feel the same about me in yours.

My next stage production is Pictures From Home at Carpenter Square Theatre (January 16–February 1). I play Larry Sultan—a real-life photographer trying to capture the truth of his parents’ lives through his lens. Jean and Irv Sultan are brought to life by Lilli Bassett and Terry Veal in unforgettable scenes that are funny, touching, and often heartbreaking—it's one of the most emotional plays I’ve ever done. The last few years have been challenging personally and professionally, but my creative work has remained my beacon. I’m proud to say that I feel my strongest performances have come during this time, and Pictures From Home already feels like it could be the deepest yet. I’m grateful to be guided by my longtime friend, mentor, and director Rhonda M. Clark, alongside a true power-team ensemble and Miranda LoPresti running things behind the scenes. Fittingly, my photography will be on display in the lobby before and after each show—thanks to Rick Allen Lippert for making that possible and completing the experience for me. One of my favorite lines from the play is Larry speaking to his wife: “And, lying in bed, listening to the reeds shift below the house as the tides come in… I tell Kelly that what makes me happy—really happy—is that in my life I was able to touch culture. Just lightly. Like a feather.” I couldn’t relate more.I hope you’ll come see the show. 🎭📸

I will be teaching another beginning film course this semester for the Gaylord College at the University of Oklahoma. While OU has been in the news frequently, I am committed to being part of a positive difference while I am here. For those who may not know, I teach these courses in addition to my full-time position as Production Manager with OU Film and Media Studies. This semester, I am teaching only one course, and I am getting an early start because I want it to be an excellent experience for the students. I look forward to meeting them! I plan to make 2026 my most productive year yet. I have applied to several interesting programs, and I hope to share some exciting personal news in the coming months. In the meantime, I intend to make the most of this time and get a head start where I can.

“A Territorial Christmas Carol" has come and gone, but I had to share this final blaze of Jacob Marley one more time before Christmas officially ends in Oklahoma. I'm summoning every bit of hellfire and brimstone, rattling chains for what's left of my life, screaming ‘EBENEZER!!!’ to wake that stubborn soul. It was one of the most intense stage moments of my life, and I hope that translates in this image - now, one of my favorite moments. This post is my heart felt goodbye to the character and to the show. I poured everything—heart, soul, sweat—into every single performance on this iconic Pollard stage. Now, onward. Time to step into the next role with the same fire. Thank you, everyone, who shared this journey with me. 🔥

I also wanted to post pictures of our outstanding set - the whole behind the scenes team at The Pollard are second to none. It was as cool as it looks.

Directors know best many times. I still remember the feeling I had when I showed up to auditions A Territorial Christmas Carol back in October. As I got there, I was nervous for what was to come in a room full of all-stars. I was called in, did my monologues (scenes from The Elephant Man and Radiant Vermin), and the directors had me read Jacob Marley from the get-go. It was an unexpected journey, but one where I grew in ways I didn’t expect and had one of the grandest times I’ve ever had in this medium. Jacob Marley was iconic, and I’ll miss frantically putting this outfit on and transforming nearly everything about myself before stepping out on the legendary Pollard stage, leaving it all out there every night, so to speak. Until we meet again, Marley. I hope you enjoy the video our stage manager, Larz, took while calling the tech. This show was a sight to behold. I thoroughly enjoyed this scene with my dear friend Rob May, who was our Ebenezer Scrooge.

And just like that, my first Pollard show is in the books. Opening night jitters out of the way, I'm ready for twenty-two more shows.

Alright. Time to head to the Pollard for show number one! A Territorial Christmas Carol begins its run!

I hope you can come see it. I think you’ll be taken by everyone’s work.

A Territorial Christmas Carol opens tomorrow. I feel fortunate to be part of the spectacle. It’s the largest show—scope-wise—I’ve ever worked on: the largest stage, the largest cast, and quite possibly one of my most visible shows with 23 total performances.

I get to put my unique spin on an iconic character against an outstanding costume and spectacular special effects and lighting.

The hard work is worth it. I get a chance to shine as Jacob Marley. I get a chance to project my voice in a theatre I’d only heard about decades prior.