Derek

David Wasson, (Actor/Writer/Director) the show that got him to New York was a Florida State University hosted tryout of a Pre-Broadway musical, Halloween, written by Sydney Michaels (Ben Franklin in Paris) and Mitch Leigh (Man of La Mancha) and directed by Albert Marre (Man of La Mancha). The show starred Oscar winner Jose Ferrer, Tony Award winner Barbara Cook and comedienne/actor Dick Shawn. Mr. Wasson played a featured role and under studied Mr. Shawn. Director Marre was taken with David's work and offered him a job in the first revival of Man of La Mancha, which he was beginning at the Vivian Beaumont Theater in Lincoln Center with the original cast (Ricahard Kiley, Joan Diener, Robert Rounseville). Man of La Mancha and Albert Marre became a center piece of David's career. He went on to appear in almost 1400 performances of that show. Appearing on Broadway two more times and many National Tours and Regional Productions. Working with such legends of American Musical Theater as, Richard Kiley, John Raitt, John Cullum, Howard Keel, Raul Julia and Robert Goulet. He also assisted Mr. Marre in its direction twice. His portrayal of the Padre gained critical acclaim, which led to the role of Drake and understudy for Harve Presnell (Warbucks) in one of the National Company of Annie. He later assumed the role of Warbucks in the Fourth National Company. The musical Evita became another staple of Mr. Wasson's career. Playing the role of Juan Peron with two of its Broadway Stars, Loni Ackerman and Derin Altay. He toured extensively both in the USA and Europe. The musical 42nd Street also became a starring vehicle for him. Working with Tony Award winning Director/Choreographer Randy Skinner the assistant to the show's original director Gower Champion, was a highlight of Mr. Wasson's tenure with that show. In between these classic Broadway Musicals, Mr. Wasson found his way into plays, TV and film. He appeared in a production of Lillian Hellman's Little Foxes and a World Premiere of Murphey Guyer's hilarious play A Russian Romance at the famed Cleveland Playhouse. David also costarred in the Indie cult film Fallout and appeared in numerous "Soaps", All My Children, Loving and As The World Turns. Venturing into Prime Time he guest starred on Will Smith's, Fresh Prince and Cybill Shepherd's, Cybill. In 2012 Mr. Wasson began a second career as a filmmaker. He wrote and directed the feature film "Do You Think I'm Pretty?" That film garnered the prestigious Accolade Award - Best In Show in a global film competition. It also appeared in 7 film festivals. His second film as writer/director was Best Served Cold, appearing in two festivals. He recently appeared as both writer and lead actor in a new film, TradeCraft, which has already appeared in two festivals winning one award and Mr. Wasson being nominated Best Actor.

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David Wasson

Director

Writer

Actor

Producer

Editor

Self

Credit Score: David Wasson