Spotlight On: X. Alexander Durden

X. Alexander Durden (he/him/his) is an actor, classical vocalist, and arts administrator.

X. Alexander Durden

How did you get started in the arts?

I've always been drawn to the arts, with singing being my primary entry point. In 2006, I was cast in my first play: the stage pilot of Disney's High School Musical. The production was extended due to demand, and I got to be on Disney Channel and NBC, performing with the cast of the film for the Regis and Kelly Christmas Parade in Orlando, FL. At that point, the dream began to feel tangible and I've kept the same dream ever sense.

If you could direct/produce one show, what would it be, and why?

This is a tough one because there are so many. I would love to direct Buried Child by Sam Shepherd. There's a beautiful mix of fancifulness and rural realism that I would love to delve into. The story, on paper seems so pragmatic, like a situational drama, but there is magic in the words that would be so much fun to extrapolate and elevate.

If you could play one character in all of theatre or film, who would it be and why?

Marius in Les Miserables, hands down. I did my first production of Les Mis as an ensemble member in 2008 and fell in love with how the show is a perfect mix of opera and musical theatre. Marius' story is powerful because many people can resonate with the rock and hard place he finds himself between. In some ways, mainly in the case of his relationship with Eponine, he's kind of a villain. This adds an added layer complexity to his storyline and I love decoding the choices of someone so who is under the pressures of their society and their heart.

Name two artistic role models and why you look up to them.

William Jackson Harper is always at the top of my list. What I appreciate most about his artistry as an actor is not only the authenticity he brings to each role, but also the types of characters he portrays. He's versatile, which allows viewers and industry professionals to see the possibilities for different kinds of actors in leading, quirky, introspective or outlandish roles.

Whoopi Goldberg has long been an inspiration to me. Very seldomly do (the collective) we get the opportunity to watch a career blossom in the way that hers has. Her high level of care and integrity is a reliable quality of her work, across mediums. The ability to pivot in an effort to lean into her artistic interests also stand as a guiding light on how I navigate my own professional career.

What did you want to be when you were a child? Are you fulfilling that dream?

I learned to follow the music. I'm the first undergraduate and first graduate degree holder in my family — in the arts, no less. So many of my family members had no context or vested interest in classical music or the theatre. Despite that, my dad reminded me that as I child, I'd run to the front of any concert hall or church just to conduct the music because that was the language I spoke first. Since, I haven't always known where I was going, but somehow the art has consistently gotten me closer to my dreams, including the parts I didn't know were there.

What is your artistic guilty pleasure?

I love watching the compilations of iconic moments on stage by different artists. Prime examples are the "Courtney, take your break" moment from Legally Blonde or the Elphaba "war cry" at the Act 1 break of Wicked. It's so fascinating to see how differently people interpret the same words or notes based on their training an experiences.

What role/show/experience on your resume is most memorable and why?

Max in The Play That Goes wrong was my first, flat-footed dive into comedy. I've never classified myself as a comedic actor but that production, for lots of reasons, pushed me to learn the equation of comedy and apply it in real time. It taught me to read a room and learn a new ways to interact with scene partners. It was like starting all over again and I loved it.

What is your dream for the Michigan Arts Community?

My biggest dream for the Michigan Arts Community is that it unifies. It could, and should, be a large presence the national scene if it did. There are so many talented artists throughout Michigan but, as a transplant, I've found that community is spaced out, both geographically and in communication; the space is in need of a more closely knit network. This provides a mutually beneficial and more cohesive community of artists, patrons, and arts executives.