It’s often the oldest relationships that mean the most, and for Debbie David it has been the theater that has kept her company throughout the years.

“I grew up an overweight, awkward kid of a single mom who worked nights as a nurse in the ER,” said David, whose passion for the arts led to a degree in musical theater.  “I learned to entertain myself in my room, performing shows for my wall.”

David says her 4-year-old son has also learned to love the stage, and will perform what he calls a “mash-up”—a compilation of songs from The Wiz and The Wizard of Oz.

“This is a kid who has grown up in a house where we sing all the time. We play music all the time,” she said. “As much as I want him to be a brain surgeon, (the theater) is where he spends his time.”

David has produced nearly 10 plays and acted in countless roles during her 30-plus year career. The former artistic director for PowPAC, Poway’s Community Theatre, she left the organization at the end of 2011 after eight years.

“People are there for different reasons,” said David, who’s lived in Poway for seven years. “I think my vision differed from the leadership there, and that’s OK. That happens.”

She’s found a new home at Scripps Ranch Theatre, where she’s producing Neil Simon’s California Suite. She says community theater provides the perfect platform to push the boundaries and connect people.

“The whole idea behind a community theater is to be out there and create a community identity,” David said. “It brings people together who might not otherwise come into contact with each other.”