10 QUESTIONS: Stagestruck software engineer Larry Alldredge directs San Diego REP Theatre

• 10 QUESTIONS:

Larry Alldredge hails from Indiana where he was the first in eight generations not to become a farmer. He caught the theater bug as a kindergartner where he was cast as one of the Little Red Hen’s chicks. The 5-year-old Larry would have preferred instead to produce his own version of “The Wizard of Oz.” He taught Computer Science at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. He enjoyed working at Community Theatre of Terre Haute, Indiana as an actor and designer.

After arriving in San Diego in 1988, he worked at Telesoft, designing and consulting on software engineering systems, primarily for the defense industry. He met his future wife, Dawn Moore, when she interviewed him for a job at QUALCOMM. He got the job and later the wife, when they were married on a glacier in Alaska.

Alldredge made the natural career progression in 2008 to become managing director of San Diego Repertory Theatre.

What brought you to La Jolla?

When I first arrived in San Diego for a job interview in 1988, my prospective boss drove me around. I distinctly remember him driving me down Coast Boulevard past La Jolla Cove. Coming up the sidewalk next to the Cove were some Buddhist monks chanting. I thought, “This must be one of the most interesting places in the world.” Ten years later, when Dawn and I were looking for a place to live, we lucked upon a condo right there on Coast Boulevard next to The Cove. It seemed we were destined to live there.

What might you add, subtract or improve in the area?

I don’t think I would change a thing. The area changes at a fascinating pace on its own. I enjoy watching these changes unfold. I like the ambiance of the Village, the great walk along the coast, the wildlife and the people. When I see pictures of the area from early in the 20th century, I wonder what it would have been like to live here back then.

If you hosted a dinner party for eight, whom would you invite?

Any group of eight artists from the many great theaters in town.

What are your five favorite movies?

“Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” “Heavy Metal,” “Howl’s Moving Castle,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “Trainspotting.”

What is it that you most dislike?

When people don’t play together well.

What is your philosophy of life?

Be adventurous. Experience many choices.

What is your most-prized possession?

I collect experiences more than things. There have been several times in life, where I have gotten rid of all my things because they were getting in the way of new experiences.

What clothing item in your closet will you never part with?

I have a couple of sentimental neckties from my father. Even though I rarely wear ties, I like knowing they are there.

What are your favorite comfort foods?

I begin almost every day with a Soy Latte from Goldfish Point Café. Other than that, I like to eat almost anything, especially foods or drinks I have not tried before.

What would be your dream vacation?

One that never ends. Every time we travel, we meet new and interesting people who add 12 more places to the list of future vacations. This fall, we are going to South Africa and Zimbabwe for the first time. I’m really looking forward to that new experience. Antarctica is high on the future list, as is anywhere with great scuba diving! Each time we return to La Jolla, however, it feels that this is the most beautiful place on the planet.