Tulsa's Clark Theatre Gears Up For Kickoff After Programs Are Resurrected

Budget cuts were to doom the amateur theatre programs until the mayor's office, city council and backers of Clark Theatre found a way to pay for one more season.

Wednesday, July 16th 2014, 6:07 pm

By: News On 6

Tulsa's Clark Theatre Gears Up For Kickoff After Programs Are Resurrected

Patrons of the Clark Theatre at Tulsa's Henthorne Performing Arts Center are celebrating news of their upcoming season.

Especially considering they weren't supposed to have a next season.

City budget cuts were to doom the parks department's amateur theatre programs until the mayor's office, city council and backers of Clark Theatre found a way to pay for one more season that includes a full schedule of performances.

“The mayor, his staff, the council and the community all came together and agreed that this is a facility worth saving,” District 9 Tulsa City Councilor GT Bynum said.

At least for one more year.

After that, Clark Theatre will have to survive with private financing and volunteers.

6/3/2014 Related Story: Tulsa Theater Supporters Hope To Save Henthorne Performing Arts Center

It's the kids who take part in the programs who are getting credit for saving this year's season.

They were a regular part of city council meetings, pleading for money to keep the programs going until a public-private partnership could take over paying for things.

“The kids that came out, Thursday after Thursday after Thursday to let us know how important this program is to them, I applaud you for coming,” District 5 Tulsa City Councilor Karen Gilbert said. “It's definitely been an enlightening experience of getting to be a part of the democratic process and really learn what it takes for your voice to be heard and that when your voice is heard, things happen.”

You can view the Clark schedule by clicking here.