Irvine Junior Finds Direction at a Young Age : Theater: Gregg Alberg liked his role in charge of ‘Album’ so much, he’s thinking of making a career of it.

There’s no hesitation in Gregg Alberg when asked what he’d like to be when he, uh, grows up.

“I want to be a director, most likely the theater,” the 16-year-old junior at Irvine’s Woodbridge High School declares with the confidence of a pro. “I plan to get my foot in the door somewhere, maybe up in Los Angeles, and then take it from there.”

Hasn’t he heard about all the throat-slashing competition? About how older, more experienced folks have traveled to the avenues of plenty with big dreams and bigger smiles, only to slink home with a stack of soiled resumes in hand?

“I think I’m good, and I’m going to get better,” he says, not missing a beat. “I’m getting the training (I need) right now, and I think I can build on that a lot.”

Maybe he can. As director of Backstage Theatre’s current production of “Album” by David Rimmer, he’s the first teen to take the reins of the small Costa Mesa playhouse.

Gregg was picked by Al Valletta, who runs the company. While working with Gregg in acting classes (when Gregg was 14), Valletta saw “super potential.”

When Gregg was working as assistant director to Valletta on “West Side Story” for Universal Studios’ Performing Arts Theatre of the Handicapped, Valletta realized Gregg had the savvy to steer his own show.

“I could see early on how professional and determined he was,” Valletta said. “He really loves the theater, which is a commitment in itself, and he also knows what he wants. I noticed how well he worked with people, so I just started looking for the right vehicle. I settled on this one, and it’s working out fine.”

m Gregg’s staging of “Album,” a seldom-produced piece about four high-schoolers in the ‘60s, has received good notices. A Times reviewer wrote, “Rimmer’s play is a timeless tale of teen-age Angst, and Alberg’s compassionate direction comes from the heart, without cuteness, condescension or apology.”

Valletta said “Album” is ideal for Gregg because the subject matter relates to his own experiences. Gregg, whose interests also include sports, music and “all the normal things kids my age are into,” agreed, noting that life at Woodbridge gives him insight into the play’s characters.

“Oh yeah, it was very simple for all of us,” he said, referring to the actors--John Bajorek, Chris Sansone, Melanie Wilber and Sarah Tuntland--who also are Gregg’s classmates. “Although it takes place in the ‘60s, a time that we aren’t very familiar with, we do find some universal things. The attitudes of kids today are very similar to the attitudes then.”

Although he’s happy with the way everything turned out, Gregg confessed that he went in with more than mild anxiety. Being assistant director for “West Side Story” was one thing, stewarding a full show quite another.

“It was such a big challenge and, in the beginning, I was doubting it would go well,” he said. “I had all these goals, like making sure there was movement on stage but not too much movement, that it all made sense. It seemed great at the start, with everybody enjoying themselves” during rehearsals.

“But then I had to think about producing: things like getting the lights right, the set put together, making sure that everything was a bit gloomy but not too somber. The play has comedy moments, and I didn’t want to lose those.”

Valletta helped, but all final decisions were Gregg’s. He came to enjoy that responsibility.

He laughed. “I guess I have to say it, that I love to be in charge. Creating something out of nothing is really fun, that and the collaboration process with everybody.”

“I like the responsibility of directing because I really don’t trust anybody else. . . . I’m happiest doing it all myself.”

Gregg, who has another year of high school, plans to take a break once “Album” closes Saturday. But soon after, he said, he’ll approach local colleges for directing opportunities.

Then Gregg plans to visit Los Angeles theaters, big and small, and see what he can get going.

“I know that you just have to work at it, keep your spirits up and keep pushing,” Gregg said without a trace of doubt. “I’m sure I can find some place that will give me a chance. You have to be optimistic about these things.”

David Rimmer’s “Album,” directed by Gregg Alberg, continues through Saturday at the Backstage Theatre, 1599 Superior Ave., Suite B2, Costa Mesa. Curtain: 8 p.m. $12 general admission; $7 students. (714) 646-5887.