From the plains of Central Kansas, to the hills of Hollywood?

"I could absolutely see myself going out to LA and making a run at it," Barton Community College sophomore and aspiring actor David Burdett said.

The 19-year-old from Larned has dreams to one day be cast in the bright lights of the big city, but in the immediate future, the aspiring actor will be playing the role of Pete in the upcoming BCC theater production of "Almost, Maine."

Burdett owes his interest in the performing arts to what is arguably the most despised insect on the planet.

"I was a junior in high school, and I got to play the role of a cockroach. It was fun, and after that, I just kind of fell in love with it," he said.

The sophomore said acting allows him to transcend the boundaries of his own identity and personality.

"I’m pretty outgoing, but I’ve always had kind of a shy side, and when I started acting, I realized I could be whoever I wanted to be, and no one is going to judge me ... they are just going to judge the character I’m playing," Burdett said.

While stepping outside of his own psyche has drawn Burdett to theater, he said often times that can be the most challenging aspect of being an actor.

"I really focus mentally when I’m trying to get into that character, and I don’t want people to come to one of my productions and just see me," Burdett said. "I want them to see a completely different person, but I also want it to seem believable and like they’re really there and not just watching."

The comedy genre is where Burdett said he feels most comfortable, and he often draws inspiration from his favorite actor Jim Carrey. Even though "Almost, Maine" is not a comedy, he said it has been a comfortable fit for him.

"It’s more of a bright type of drama," He said.

Burdett plans to continue acting as he moves forward with his education. He will be auditioning for theater scholarships in Kansas City before he makes any solid decisions about where he will finish out his college career. He added that even if he doesn’t make it in the professional world of acting, he would possibly pursue teaching acting.

"Almost, Maine" is structured around nine short plays that visit the emotionally charged elements of both love and loss during the cold, crisp winter season. Set in the fictional town of Almost, Maine, the play has been described by the New York Times as "a whimsical approach to the joys and perils of romance." BCC Theatre Director Erin Renard will direct the play.

Performances are set for Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 in the BCC Fine Arts Auditorium, at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free for BCC students. General admission for non-students is $7. Tickets are available at the ticket window on the night of performance, and the doors open at 7 p.m.