David DelBianco was never involved in theater in high school or college, though he did write some poetry and short stories.
A decade or so ago, he was looking for another creative outlet when he learned about an introductory to acting course at the Walnut Street Theater in Center City.
The experience was a positive one.
"I enjoyed it," DelBianco said. "I found myself wanting to explore it more."
In the last 10 years, DelBianco has worked in community theater. The 39-year-old from Parkwood has had small roles and leads and played good guys and villains.
He’s appeared in shows ranging from Shakespeare to drama to romantic comedy and slapstick.
Perhaps his most prominent role came in March, when he played the schoolmaster, the lead character, in a performance of Neil Simon’s Fools at Celebration Theater in Lansdowne, Delaware County.
Today, DelBianco is preparing for an appearance at the Philly Fringe festival. He’s written and produced and will star in The Kids Are Radioactive! There will be five performances in September at the Society Hill Playhouse’s Red Room Cabaret.
The 35-minute show consists of three short solo plays, which are linked by the loose theme of parent/child relationships. It is intended to be entertaining and thought-provoking for audiences.
This will be DelBianco’s second appearance at the fringe festival. In 2006, he starred in a three-show performance of Farmboy Wage Theater at the Old Academy Players theater in East Falls. He didn’t charge admission.
This year, he’s happy to be at the Society Hill Playhouse. While the Old Academy Players theater is a long-standing building that has seen some future stars — Grace Kelly and Robert Prosky — perform there, it’s a little off the beaten path for the Philly Fringe, which runs from Aug. 29 to Sept. 13 in tandem with the Philadelphia Live Arts Festival. Most of the venues are in Center City and environs.
The writer/producer/actor will invite professional theater people to watch the show.
"My goal is to get exposure, learn more about dramatic writing and grow as an actor," he said.
Like two years ago, DelBianco will seek anonymous audience feedback by putting blank index cards in programs. He gives audiences a chance to play director for a day.
Guests of Farmboy Wage Theater appeared to enjoy themselves.
"I got mostly good reviews," he said.
DelBianco, who lives on Gurley Road, welcomes constructive criticism and won’t hold it against any critics.
"I’m not going to follow them home or slash their tires," he said. "The idea that theater is for the audience gets lost sometimes."
DelBianco is hoping for positive comments. He believes The Kids Are Radioactive! is a good script and will be an improvement on his show from 2006.
"I have more material and more time to rewrite," he said.
DelBianco — who graduated from St. Anselm Elementary School and Archbishop Ryan High School and attended Penn State University — performs data entry and clerical duties at a collection agency in Horsham.
Of course, he would love to trade that for a career in the theater or film.
For now, he’s not considering moving to New York or Los Angeles to pursue his dream.
"It’s really easy to get lost in the crowd," he said of the two prominent entertainment locales. "The Philadelphia theater scene is good. It’s a good place to learn your skills."
After The Kids Are Radioactive!, DelBianco will spend the following year trying to land paying roles in Philadelphia’s professional theater circuit.
"And then I’ll see where that goes," he said. "I’m not exactly sure how far it will go, but I’d love to make it a career." ••
Reporter Tom Waring can be reached at 215-354-3034 or twaring@phillynews.com
Get Radioactive . . .
David DelBianco’s The Kids Are Radioactive! will play at the Society Hill Playhouse’s Red Room Cabaret, 507 S. Eighth St., on Sept. 4 and 5 and 11 to 13.
Show time is 7 p.m., except Sept. 5 at 9 p.m. Tickets cost $10 and include one drink. They are available at the door, by calling 215-413-1318 or by visiting www.livearts-fringe.org