On Stage: Child's play this is not By MICHAEL SMITH World Scene Writer 9/27/2004 Clark Theater announces season hand-picked by students It just made sense to Clark Theater's Julie Tattershall: If you're going to have a young people's theater, the young people should have a say in what they're going to put on stage. So Tattershall -- the artistic director of Heller Theater for more than a decade and starting her second season at Clark -- formed a youth council of 15 to read plays, debate them and form a season of shows. "In order to vote, a person had to read all the plays submitted," about 25, she said. "They made a commitment. They had never had any input in this process before, and I'm real impressed with their season."

Brandon Beaver stars as Charlie, Audra Miller as Beth, Tabitha Littlefield as Gladys and Rebecca Blackmore as Mom in last year’s production. Tulsa World file photo Clark Theater’s production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a holiday tradition. Tulsa World file photo

Tattershall and assistant Frank Gallagher guided the group through the project. They asked the youths to select a comedy, a drama, a classic and a musical. The youths had a request of their own.

"They gave me one condition," Tattershall said. "They told me we had to keep 'The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,' which has been going for about 17 years here. It's their tradition. I understand that."

The 2004-05 season for Clark Theater, made up mostly of middle and high school students, includes quarterly talent showcases, a benefit show and the following plays:

"The Crucible," by Arthur Miller (Oct. 29-Nov. 6). Clark Theater celebrates Halloween with the classic drama about the witch trials in Salem. See how easily neighbor can turn against neighbor in a climate of fear and distrust. The 1953 Tony Award winner for Best Play.

"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," by Barbara Robinson (Dec. 2-5). The Herdmans are the worst kids in school, and they never go to church. So how did they end up with the lead roles in the Christmas play? Terror, intimidation and a little Christmas magic bring the Herdmans, as well as the rest of the town, to a new understanding of the holiday season.

"The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood," by Mary Lynn Dobson (Feb. 10-13). Robin, with the help of Merry Men wannabes, turns this once simple legend into a comedic romp through Sherwood Forest.

"The Taming of the Shrew," by William Shakespeare (March 4-12). Who tames whom in this comedy of war between the genders. Kate and Petruchio turn stereotypes on their heads as each seeks the upper hand.

"Into the Woods," Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by James Lapine (May 13-21). A wonderful storybook musical where favorite characters like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Witch all meet on a journey in the forest.

Clark Theater is at 11440 E. Admiral Place. Information about season tickets is available by calling 669-6455 or visiting www.clarktheatre.com.

Marketplace for acting
and speaking out

Theater Talk is a new online Tulsa theater forum that's been up for a couple of weeks, asking that users "contribute anything, start a discussion, you name it . . . tell your friends to join in the fun and go see a show!"
Those visiting the forum at www.tacta.net -- sponsored by Tulsa Area Community Theater Alliance, a group formed in 1998 to promote theater in the area -- will find a place to share ideas, air gripes and more, openly or anonymously.
A couple of other forums are at the site as well: Theater Library, where one can browse through theater articles and Web sites, and Youth Theater Talk, a place to discuss the latest youth productions.
Whether you're onstage, backstage or simply a theater aficionado, all are welcome. Happy posting!