After discovering his passion for acting later in his twenties, his appreciation for cinema, theatre, and performance grew alongside his understanding of film making and the human condition.

As a graduate of his Social Sciences college course, he also studied Film Studies as part of his course at Edinburgh Uni exploring film theory and cinematic language through the material found in the book Understanding Film Studies and studying various classic influential films. His studies also encompassed sociology, philosophy, creative writing, and psychology as well as politics and history, disciplines that have shaped his insight into character, motivation, and storytelling.

Having attended introductory acting workshops and stage classes, Dave soon joined a stage school where he performed in his first original theatre production. The collaborative play introduced him to his debut role as Jonny. The part was of a burglar named Jonny who happens to be robbing a house at Christmas time and is confronted by who at first he believes to be the owners of the house, but is disturbingly shocked and surprised when he realises they are apparitions of his conscience who then begin fighting over his mind and soul trying to convince him on whether or not he should be robbing the family at this festive time of the year. The part had a politically tinged vibe to it regarding Jonny’s poverty stricken situation and the particular time of year, it also dealt with moral issues in society but it also had comedic moment’s which the crowd enjoyed. The role allowed him to completely transform into the character from changing his voice characteristics and his personality to the point that he could not rehearse the lines without snapping into character in somewhat of a method acting manner. This role was a completely new experience and definitely put a bug for acting firmly in his life, and was a great introduction to the craft.

Following this experience, he began to transition into filmmaking, writing, directing, and starring in his first film, Half Moon, a 38-minute semi-feature that dives into themes of relationships and circumstance, morality, mental health, paranoia and survival with again a dark comedy vibe. It marked his first full venture into independent film production, encompassing writing, directing, editing, and colour grading, a process that tested and expanded his creative range and knowledge.

Wanting to build more showreel, he went on to complete his second film, Wrong Place, Wrong Time inspired by an improvisation at a theatre audition for an Irish play, It’s a uniquely Irish comedy, once again blending narrative detail with strong performances and humour.

Both films are available to watch HERE on the films page.

Now after moving to London the acting journey continues with a new optimism and motivation instilled by a city that never stops. Dave is back continuing to develop his craft and building his experience with a focus on authentic storytelling and emotionally driven performances.

His next project, “It Can Happen to Anyone”, will explore human connection and survival in modern urban life, a story drawn from real experience and empathy for those living on the margins and people he has encountered both as friend and stranger.