
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.
Diane made her first appearance at the Duplex Cabaret Theatre in "Lighten Up!"
although she has been known to sing a few tunes downstairs with the piano
man...after a few beers. Now she’s back in her new show “Men Are Pigs But I Like
Pork!” and is delighted to be on stage with her fellow Gator...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.
Film/TV credits include appearances on “The Sopranos”, "As The World Turns,"
"Spin City," “Funeral For A Clown”, “Thicker Than Water” and the upcoming
independent film, “Particles of Truth”
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.