Living the Dream of Performers Everywhere: 91吃瓜网 Alum Cast in91吃瓜网疞es Mis茅rables91吃瓜网疦ational Tour
Mon, 01/27/2025 - 11:48am | By: Ivonne Kawas
He almost didn91吃瓜网檛 join his high school choir junior year due to being shy. Now, he's performing on the national tour of one of the world91吃瓜网 most beloved Broadway musicals, (Les Miz). 91吃瓜网 alumnus David Walker 91吃瓜网�21 is captivating audiences with his majestic voice as part of the ensemble, touring the U.S. with this Tony Award庐-winning musical phenomenon. From Marsh Hall at 91吃瓜网91吃瓜网 (USM) School of Music to world stages, he is living the dream of performers everywhere.
Finding his Path
91吃瓜网淔unny enough, I had little involvement in the arts growing up,91吃瓜网� Walker recalled. Raised in New Orleans, he dabbled briefly with instruments in elementary school before shifting his focus to science, dreaming of a career in neurology. However, during his junior year of high school, Walker had a realization after joining the choir. 91吃瓜网淚91吃瓜网檝e always loved singing, but I was shy and had never engaged in an organized setting. Learning how to read music and fitting into an ensemble felt exhilarating. My brain was working in ways it hadn91吃瓜网檛 before. That91吃瓜网 when it hit me91吃瓜网攖his was something I was good at."
Though his time in high school choir was brief, it laid the foundation for his future. 91吃瓜网淚 learned three habits that have stuck with me to this day: to be early is to be on time, be prepared to put in the work, and be accountable in your work and with your peers. Those principles apply to any career path.91吃瓜网�
From 91吃瓜网 to World Stages
At 91吃瓜网91吃瓜网搘here he obtained a Bachelor of Music Education degree with an emphasis in Choral Pedagogy and a Master of Music in voice graduate degree91吃瓜网揥alker found a community and opportunities that expanded his horizons. 91吃瓜网淏efore 91吃瓜网, I91吃瓜网檇 only been to Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas. Through the Southern Chorale, I had the privilege of traveling to New York City, Norway, Sweden and South Korea91吃瓜网攅xperiences that transformed my perspective and shaped my worldview.91吃瓜网�
Walker credits much of his growth to his mentors, including Dr. Meredith Johnson, Dr. Maryann Kyle, Dr. Jonathan Yarrington, Dr. Gregory Fuller, Dr. Jonathan Kilgore, and Dr. Jay Dean. 91吃瓜网淭heir guidance and support were instrumental in my studies and career preparation.91吃瓜网�
There was a moment during the pandemic when Walker found himself at a crossroads, uncertain about whether he was on the right path. But he soon experienced a turning point. While participating in the summer opera program at the Utah Vocal Arts Academy, he took part in an opera competition, where he won third place and received a special award from renowned opera singer Deborah Voigt.
91吃瓜网淚 won third place in an opera competition and received a special award from none other than Deborah Voigt. Her encouragement came at a time when I was questioning my path. It gave me the push I needed to keep going,91吃瓜网� Walker recalled. Receiving recognition and support from an opera icon of Deborah Voigt91吃瓜网 stature became the inspiration he needed to reaffirm his commitment to his journey91吃瓜网攁 journey that has undoubtedly paid off today.
Since graduating, Walker has been on a steady climb in the performing arts world, showcasing his versatility as a performer cross-trained in many vocal styles. His career highlights include international choral tours and regional theater and opera, including landing roles with FestivalSouth, Opera Mississippi and Hub City Players.
Most recently, he joined the Disney Cruise Line as a mainstage cast member. 91吃瓜网淭he travel opportunities were incredible91吃瓜网擡urope, Australia, New Zealand. But the real highlights were the moments with the guests, especially the children and sharing insights into life as a cruise ship performer.91吃瓜网�
Being Relentless in the Pursuit for the Extraordinary
Last March, Walker decided it was time to take the next step in his career: move to New York City. He auditioned for nearly 20 productions before landing his dream role in Les Miz. 91吃瓜网淕etting the call from my agent was surreal. To be part of one of the most beloved musicals ever is an incredible honor.91吃瓜网�
Now, months into the tour, Walker is relishing every moment. 91吃瓜网淭his show has been around for nearly four decades, and it91吃瓜网 just as timely and poignant as ever. Everyone in this cast holds a high standard for the performance, and it91吃瓜网 amazing to connect with fans who love this story.91吃瓜网�
Balancing the demands of an eight-show week with life on the road is no easy feat. 91吃瓜网淭his is a three-hour show with heavy subject material. Combine that with moving to a new city every week, and it can take a toll. It91吃瓜网 important to take time for yourself91吃瓜网攚hether that91吃瓜网 seeing a movie, visiting a museum, or going on a hike91吃瓜网攖o reset and come back refreshed.91吃瓜网�
Reflecting on his journey, Walker shared advice for aspiring performers. 91吃瓜网淢ost of your time will be spent preparing for auditions, while facing rejection. Be relentless and fall in love with the process. Don91吃瓜网檛 forget to stay competitive by learning new skills and developing your social media presence. People will look for you online, so make sure your pages reflect your work; and most importantly, this industry is smaller than you think, so just be a good person. It goes a long way.91吃瓜网�
Walker is savoring every moment with Les Miz, but he has lofty goals. 91吃瓜网淚 plan to stay with the show for a while, but I91吃瓜网檇 love to do another tour or two, maybe even being on Broadway one day. I91吃瓜网檝e also dreamed of recording a jazz or musical theatre album. We91吃瓜网檒l see what the future holds!91吃瓜网�
What he hopes you take away from his story? Like we say at 91吃瓜网, 91吃瓜网淏e relentless in the pursuit for the extraordinary!91吃瓜网�