My daughter started Clark summer theatre camp when she was 8 and was hooked! She went every summer until she aged out and then came back as a counselor in training. She has also been in and continues to audition in shows. The staff and volunteers are exceptional! Clark not only teaches children to develop their talents and skills, but also to be compassionate and empathetic to others. My daughter is 16 now and will be a Clarkie for life!
I will be honest...I can not tell my story without tears. Clark is more than a theater to my family and I, it is a 2nd home. Six years ago, I lost my husband and my children lost an amazing father. We were lost and looking for our new normal. Then one day we heard about Clark Youth Theater. I started talking with my 8 yr old and she wanted to audition for Best Christmas Pageant Ever. That was when we found the most amazing group of people, adults and kids alike. We found that Clark is a family. The kids support and cheer each other, they grow together and form life long friendships. With the addition of The Penguin Project, I was able to include my adult daughter who is on the spectrum. This simply lead to a bigger family!!!
I have been involved with Clark for almost ten years as a parent, volunteer and Board Member. Clark Youth Theatre is a safe place for kids to not only learn valuable performance skills, but also a place to learn teamwork, completion of task, cooperation, creative problem solving, and public speaking. These skills help Clark participants grow as people AND as performers. Clark is a safe place to make mistakes and learn to use them creatively to grow and excel. There is no judgement or testing, only the creative process of growing as a artist and a human being. In addition to classes, camps and free to participate stage productions, Clark offers Leadership Training within our Youth Council and our Conservatory groups, and an avenue toward Advocacy and Mentorship through our Penguin Program musical for artists with special needs. "All Characters Welcome" at Clark Youth Theatre, Tulsa's safe place for kids to pursue their dreams.
Both my children grew up at Clark, one from age 10 and the other from age 8. They are both grown up now and I can truly say they are different people than they would have been without this theatre: more confident, more empathetic, more skillful, and with lifetime friends they met here.
We tried a for profit performing arts school that we could barely afford before Clark, but the quality of instruction and the opportunities were superior at Clark and didn't strain my small budget.
My older son has chosen a career in writing and performance, and Clark set that in motion by giving him chances as a teen to see his written work on stage, and to learn all different aspects of theatre, from improv to tech to acting techniques.
I can't say enough good things about how necessary and useful this organization is for the greater Tulsa community. I have volunteered throughout the last decade and continue to work with Clark even though my children have graduated because I believe so strongly in their mission.
Clarkie’s Rock!
Clark Youth Theatre is Tulsa’s longest running Youth Theatre, starting in 1978, and now in its 41st year of operation.
I offer this review, as a Volunteer Board Member (Treasurer), and Box Office and Concession and Cleaning Volunteer. in other words a willing supporter of a great non-profit organization. But, most importantly, I offer these comments as a grandfather.
My grandchildren have been a part of this group for over 14 years. From the age of 7, the oldest quickly determined there was no other place she preferred to be, than at Clark. Not only were her closest friends involved, but the atmosphere allowed for interaction with adults, offering professional instruction, and a level of personal respect not found outside this arena.
She set the tone, and her Siblings saw the result and wanted to enjoy that nurturing Spirit which allows open expression, trust, and finding of self-worth. Life skills learned at Clark, and applied in every relationship they encounter.
I see in the population of Clarkie's, current & graduate, a bond they will carry throughout their lives.
The level of professionalism provided by the Staff, and the Acting and Voice and Dance Instructors is Top Quality. Through Fall and Spring Classes, and Spring Break and Summer Camps, and the variety of Dramatic and Comedic and Improv and Musical Performances, these children learn Theatre!
Culturally diverse, in a non-bullying atmosphere, this Youth Theatre provides a place for young people to grow into productive citizens of the future!
I’m a Big Fan ... I recommend Clark for your children’s Theatre Family Experience!
Clark Youth Theatre is hands down, the BEST value in extra curricular activities and absolutely invaluable to my family! 4 of my 5 children have been very active at Clark with Saturday classes, summer and spring break camps, and Shows. Try it. You will not be disappointed!!!!
We love Clark so much. My daughter has been to multiple camps and been in two of the productions. She has had so much fun being a part of Clark. It's a safe space for her. She has made some really good friends too. The staff and everyone has always been really professional and so kind.
Clark Youth Theatre has literally been a home away from home for both of my children. They schedule their lives around classes and productions in no small part because they feel so welcomed, so nurtured and supported and because they have a blast learning very valuable skills not only for theatre, but for life.
I can't say enough about the staff and the dedicated volunteers that make up the Clark family. It truly is a place where kids can come, be themselves, find a place to not only belong but to thrive and learn.