Diane Bearden is originally from Tennessee (a little south of Nashville). As a pianist and clarinetist, Diane thought she was destined for a life as a music teacher. However, her High School drama instructor and mentor, Chris Urbaniak (God rest her soul) had other plans. Thanks to Chris, Diane made her theatrical debut as Aunt Agnes in "Arsenic and Old Lace" and things were never the same again.
Diane received her undergraduate degree from Middle Tennessee State University, all the while working for any summer stock company that would hire her. Notable roles include: "See How They Run," "Side By Side By Sondheim," as well as Jewel in "Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," Big Mama in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," Maria in "El Grande De Coca Cola," Agnes Gooch in "Mame," Domina in "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," and Salome in "The Robber Bridegroom."
After graduation, Diane spent a few years in Nashville before heading even further south to Florida. There, Diane attended the University of Florida, where she received her Master of Fine Arts in Acting. While at UF, Diane appeared as Miss Plum in "Uncommon Women and Others," Jenny in "Company," Helga Vain in "Stageblood," Mother Superior in "Agnes of God," and Golde in "Fiddler on the Roof."
While in Florida, Diane had the pleasure of working with the Hippodrome State Theatre where she appeared in "Six Women With Brain Death or Expiring Minds Want To Know," as Mirna Thorne in "Ruthless," and as Vidalia Sparks in "The Sugarbean Sisters." Following a character building TYA tour entitled "Eco Heros," Diane headed North to New York City.
"Lighten Up!" marks Diane's first appearance at the "Duplex," although she has been known to sing a few tunes downstairs with the piano man...after a few beers. She is delighted to be on stage with her fellow Gators...as in University of Florida Gators. Other New York credits include "Happy Hour" at the Producer's Club and "The Edge of Obsession" at the Raw Space. She is currently in rehearsal with the Aruru Theatre Company for their upcoming original piece inspired by the book, Succulent Wild Woman by Sark.
Film/TV credits include appearances on "As The World Turns," "Spin City," and the upcoming independent film, "Thicker Than Water."
Diane made her Broadway debut, Friday, January 28, 2000 as Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, along side Dame Edna Everage in "Dame Edna, The Royal Tour." Although it is true she did only one performance, nevertheless, it was a Broadway show on a Broadway stage.
If you like what you see, Diane is available for private parties...just notify someone in the theater who looks official and she will surely get the message.
Thanks Mom, for everything. I love you.
As Helga Vain in "Stageblood"
With Peter Zachari in "Fiddler on the Roof"
As Sarah Fersugon in "Dame Edna, The Royal Tour."
(Diane is the one on the right)