Department of theatre and film alumnus Jake Berne (A.B. Theatre, 2018) recently completed his Off-Broadway debut in Rajiv Joseph’s “Archduke,” which closed Dec. 21 at the Roundabout Theatre Company’s Laura Pels Theatre in New York. The darkly comic play blends historical inquiry with sharp contemporary insight, examining how ambition, disillusionment and manipulation can push young men toward irreversible choices.

Berne portrayed Gavrilo Princip, the individual responsible for the 1914 assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Rather than focusing exclusively on Princip’s notorious act, “Archduke” chooses instead to spotlight the human forces behind that moment, using humor and absurdity to probe the psychology of its characters. “Most of us are aware of the one sentence from history class — that Gavrilo Princip assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand and that it led to the First World War,” Berne said. “But we don’t really understand the circumstances or the person behind the trigger.”

The production brought together a distinguished creative team, including Pulitzer Prize finalist Rajiv Joseph and Tony Award–winning director Darko Tresnjak, alongside Tony nominees Patrick Page (“Hadestown”) and Kristine Nielsen (HBO’s “The Gilded Age”), as well as rising actors Adrien Rolet and Jason Sanchez. Reflecting on the experience, Berne emphasized the impact of working within such an intimate group. “It’s truly an ensemble effort,” he said. “Seeing how all of these pros work, prepare and bring life to the show eight times a week was amazing and enlightening.”

Berne credits his artistic foundation to his training in the University of Georgia’s department of theatre and film, where a rigorous and wide-ranging curriculum shaped his approach to acting. Rather than pointing to a single formative class, he notes the cumulative value of his education and mentorship. “I took nuggets of wisdom from each of my professors that now make up my tool box as an actor,” he said.

He continues to draw on skills developed in text analysis, movement, voice work and theatre history. “Having this broad knowledge means I can always rely on my foundation when I’m struggling to figure out a role or a play,” Berne said. “It also helps me have a shared language with other people in the industry.”

Mentorship within the department proved equally influential. Berne cited Josiah Meigs Distinguished Professor George Contini as a key influence during his time at UGA, serving as an advisor and director across multiple productions. “So much of my time at UGA was spent under his tutelage,” Berne said. “He always took the time to give me advice and help me find my path as an actor and student. I owe so much of the drive I have to continue pursuing this career to his motivation and guidance.”

Following graduation, Berne began his professional career with a 10-month acting apprenticeship at Florida Repertory Theatre, performing in educational tours and mainstage productions. He later returned to Atlanta, appearing in Joshua Harmon’s “Skintight” at Actors Express before relocating to New York to pursue theatre, film and television.

His early years in New York were marked by significant challenges, including the COVID-19 shutdown and the difficulty of navigating the industry without representation. “I wasn’t fully aware of the tenacity and patience it takes to pursue acting as a career,” Berne said, noting the emotional and logistical realities of time between jobs.

In the years that followed, Berne continued auditioning independently while building credits with institutions such as the Alliance Theatre. He secured professional representation in early 2023 and soon after expanded his screen work, appearing in the Amazon Prime feature film “Merv” alongside Zooey Deschanel and Charlie Cox.
His casting in “Archduke” represented a culmination of years of persistence. “It’s been nearly eight years since graduation, with plenty of ups and downs and mostly ‘no’s,’” Berne said. “This has been a very exciting ‘yes.’ It was a dream role, a dream play, and a dream theatre.”

With “Archduke” now closed, Berne’s performance stands as a significant milestone in a career shaped by rigorous training, mentorship and resilience — and as a point of pride for the University of Georgia’s department of theatre and film, where his artistic journey began.