Meet David Theune

Today we’d like to introduce you to David Theune.

David, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I moved to LA from Milwaukee, WI back in 2009. In WI, I had a normal desk job that was killing me (great people, just not my thing), and on nights and weekends, I was performing improv comedy at ComedySportz Milwaukee, as well as a little bit in Chicago at iO (formally Improv Olympic) which was saving me. Once I landed in LA, I started taking classes at UCB. While taking classes, I started to perform with ComedySportz LA, iO Los Angeles (now closed), and by the beginning of 2010, I was performing improv and sketch with UCB as well. I started booking commercials here and there. Started catching a few breaks and booking some tv and small film work along the way as well. Today, I have a regular Friday night 8 pm improv show at UCB (my group is named Bangarang), as well as recent roles on Netflix’s Santa Clarita Diet, Hulu’s Future Man, the upcoming Comedy Central show, Robbie, and Pop TV’s Florida Girls.

Doesn’t this sound easy?

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Yup. Super smooth. Not one hiccup.

Wouldn’t it be insane and infuriating if that was my real answer?

I’ve had a great time, and wouldn’t trade it for anything, but I would hardly call it a smooth road.

Personally, I’ve lost some wonderful relationships along the way. I’ve lived in six different places in 10 years. I’ve had three vehicles stolen (one of them twice!), and can’t tell you how many times I’ve lost internet connection.

Professionally, I got a late start. I didn’t move out here until I was in my 30’s. I had a lot of catching up to do, and wouldn’t say I’ve caught up by any means. I’ve taken TONS of improv classes, commercial workshops, and acting classes. And those classes are not free. They are, in fact, the opposite. I’ve auditioned for TONS of commercials and tv/film work, for which I am very fortunate and grateful, and have booked an incredibly LOW percentage of them. I’ve had to take my shirt off in several commercial auditions, and I cannot properly express to you how unhappy everyone in the room is when that happens.

Also, I’ve blown every audition I’ve had for Fargo. And I have the accent!

What should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I don’t know if this part really applies to me, but if we’re talking acting/comedy-wise, I guess what sets me apart is that I’m taller than some and have a mustache. Good lord, I don’t know.

Here’s something that I’m proud of: I keep at it. This job (acting) is like any other job/hobby/interest that exists anywhere else in the world. I do the same garbage that anyone else does for anything else that they want to improve at. I have a good attitude, my attendance is good, and I have some semblance of ability. The three A’s, I call ’em. Attitude. Attendance. Ability. In my opinion, you need to be really good in any two of those areas, and at least somewhat competent in the third in order to succeed. The good news is that two of them are totally within your control. I do my best to control those two, and work hard to improve the other.

(Attendance to me means, going to acting classes, seeing shows at the theatre you want to perform at, going to any and all auditions that are sent your way, updating your website, etc. Basically, hustling and getting involved in any way in the thing you want to do.)

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Performing regularly at a comedy theatre that I love and supporting myself as a working actor.

And I’ve kissed every single star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://davetheune.com
• Instagram: @davetheune
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidtheune
• Twitter: @davetheune

Image Credit:
Bangarang art by: David Kantrowitz
Sassy Bluff/Toledo Rep art by: James Mullholland

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