The Maestro of Denton’s Halloweentown: David Pierce
Rising the steps to the conductor booth, David Pierce prepares for rehearsal of Act 2 of the Cirque du Horror Halloween musical. He oversaw the setup of the big top tent the musical was held in.
In the sun room of his home, Pierce plays some chord progressions of "All of Me" by John Legend. He remarked that this song was one that consistently got stuck in his head.
Polly Maynard and David Pierce perform the song "Demon's Lament" from the 2025 Cirque du Horror Halloween musical. This was their last dress rehearsal on Wednesday, October 22nd.
While conducting the orchestra pit for the song "The Old Clock," Pierce gestures at the chorus members standing beside the stage.
In the attic space of Pierce's house sits his studio, full of years of Cirque du Horror sheet music and planning. His desk features a keyboard, a microphone, and numerous sheets of notes for Cirque du Horror 2026.
David Pierce plays a tune on his baby grand piano.
Sheet music for the song "The Old Clock," composed by Pierce, sits on a music stand in front of the marimba, played by Megan von Dreau.
Standing on stage at the top of the show, David Pierce gives his opening monologue as "The Ringmaster."
Outside the big top tent, the hand-painted wooden entrance to the Cirque du Horror show depicts the Ringmaster, David Pierce's character.
On the music stand in David Pierce's studio sits the sheet music from the 2025 Cirque du Horror Halloween musical. The lighting in the room was kept dim for ambiance, according to Pierce.
David Pierce, playing the Ringmaster, starts the Cirque du Horror dress rehearsal with his opening monologue, "This Halloween Night." Pierce is also the Executive Director of the Day of the Dead festival, though he says he focuses mainly on the musical.
David Pierce poses with his trombone, which he has used for multiple live performances throughout the years. On the wall behind him is a photo of his son, Jonah, whom he says inspires and motivates his work.
The Orchestra of the Undead practices a song before the dress rehearsal starts. Violinist Roni Gan and Reed player David Monsch are visible.
Pierce sits on a bench in Wolff's Park with his son Jonah as they laugh about an assignment Jonah worked on in his class.
A note is pinned on David Pierce's music stand in his studio. The note reads his son's name, Jonah, and a motivational message.
David Pierce smiles for a photo with his wife Jessica, who aided in the preparations for the musical.
While attempting to pose for a portrait, David Pierce laughs at his two dogs trying to knock the photographer over. He joked that Mabel, his Yorkie, was trying to ruin his photo.
In the pitch black of the tent during the Act 2 transition, Pierce raises both arms to conduct the orchestra into a crescendo.
David, Jonah, and Jessica Pierce share an inside joke in Wolff's Park on Saturday, November 22. Jonah acted in Cirque du Horror alongside his dad as a Junior Player.
At the beginning of the song "Demon's Lament," Cirque du Horror creator David Pierce sings as he crosses from the orchestra pit to the stage. Pierce split his time during the show as his character, The Ringmaster, and as the conductor for the Orchestra of the Undead.
David Pierce has become a quiet pioneer of the Denton community. When he landed in Denton 30 years ago to pursue a degree in music education, he never imagined a passion project with friends would turn into one of the year's most attended events: Denton’s Day of the Dead festival.
Pierce began the Cirque du Horror musical in 2009 with his wife Jessica and some local creatives. Over the years, as the annual Halloween musical grew and he became more involved with the local music scene, Pierce saw an opportunity to bring the community together. Along with other local businesses and community members, Pierce started the Day of the Dead festival in 2011 with the musical as the main attraction.
In the beginning, his goal wasn’t to be the biggest and best show in Denton, but rather to share his then-little passion project with others. Now, as they have joined with groups such as the Craft Beer Alliance and local restaurants like El Taco H, Pierce has watched his art become a lasting mark on the Denton community.
“It’s somewhat overwhelming for me to even process,” Pierce said. “Right now, the most important thing I need to do is focus on making it the absolute best that it could possibly be.”
As Pierce wrapped up the 2025 Cirque du Horror show, he realized how much of his life had been dedicated to the art and decided it was time to step back and prioritize his family. As a freelance gig artist, he used to spend most of his days performing live music at various establishments in the DFW area. Now, he spends most of his time writing the music for the next Cirque du Horror musical in 2026 and spending time with his wife and son.