The World’s His Stage

Name: David BerberianPosition: Scene shop coordinator, Event ManagementYears at Duke: 13 years

What I do at Duke: My shop builds all the sets for the Theater Studies department, big and small. I have a crew of about eight students that helps, too. We build just about anything from materials like foam, window screening or even stuffing from quilts.

If I had $5 million, I would: Pay off my wife’s student loans then travel. I love to experience new places. I’ve always wanted to land anywhere in Europe and use the train system to explore everywhere. It sounds like an awesome way to explore.

My dream job: To be an actor for a living. I do local theater and film, but I’d love to do it for a living. I love the opportunity to be on set, even if it’s for no money. You’re surrounded by people with different talents – from lighting to cinematography – and they’re always the nicest people. I think my talent lies in comedy, but I like doing all sorts of projects that stretch me and make me work hard emotionally or touch a dark side.

If someone wanted to start a conversation with me they should ask me about: My kids. They’re my life. I even do less theater because I want to spend time with them. I have two boys – Cody, who’s 9, and Jacob, who’s 4.

The best advice I ever received: Know thyself. I think we have a tendency to compare ourselves to other people, and I think knowing yourself, your limitations and how you approach life is super important.

What I love about Duke: My student employees. I really started to realize a couple years ago what kind of effect I have on their experience. We were setting up graduation at Wallace Wade and on Sunday, students came to me with their parents who would say ‘we’ve heard so much about you, and we can’t thank you enough.’ It made me realize how much the kids enjoy working in the shop.

Something most people don’t know about me is: I participated in a Tough Mudder endurance event last year. It was a dare and I was very nervous going into it. My goal, even if I skipped a few obstacles, was to make sure I didn't walk between obstacles. I am happy to say I did accomplish that goal. I was sore in places I didn't know I could be sore, but I was proud of myself for doing it.

An interesting/memorable day at work for me: I had to build a Model T Ford for a performance of Ragtime three years ago. There was a lot of engineering to make the wheels so it would roll straight. The chassis was a steel platform. We actually went to a vintage car yard outside Charlotte to find headlights.

The skills I bring to my work: I think this job requires you to be a jack-of-all-trades, master of nothing. You have to have a working knowledge of a lot of different trades, and I’m able to do it all to an extent that works in the end. You have to be able to think on the fly in this job.