In theatre, they say, timing is everything. And now, at long last, the timing is right to bring back live dramatic productions to Clark College. After moving to remote operation due to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, the Clark College Theatre Department returns to in-person performances at Decker Theatre, with a collection of one-act plays running March 10-12.

“We are elated to return to live theatre,” says Theatre department chair Dr. Gene Biby. “After nearly a two-year hiatus, our students are thrilled to be rehearsing and performing once again. This production is six sketches that include a cast and crew composed of current and former Clark College students.”

All in the Timing is a collection of six one-act plays written by David Ives. Winner of the John Gassner Playwrighting Award, the collection has been described by the New York Times as “like sketches for some hilarious, celestially conceived revue. The writing is not only very funny, it has density of thought and precision of poetry.”

All in the Timing runs March 10, 11 & 12 in the Decker Theater, on Clark College’s main campus. Visit www.clark.edu/maps for maps and directions. All performances are at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $5 and tickets can be purchased through the Clark College Bookstore. Seats will be assigned upon arrival. Social distancing and mask requirements are in effect for these performances.

This show contains adult themes, language, and content and is recommended for a mature audience.

Full cast and crew

Sure Thing 

• Directed by Linda Owsley
• Cast:  Andrew Poletto and Dani Neblock                                                               

Words, Words, Words 

• Directed by Sterling Buck
• Cast:  Neil Wade Freer, Colby Conerly, and Lizzy Swanson

Variations on the Death of Trotsky 

• Directed by Travis Beagley
• Cast: Sterling Buck, Ariel Huntley, and Andrew Poletto

The Philadelphia 

• Directed by Lila Soelberg
• Cast: Andrew York, Brenden Kinnee, and Madison Harris

The Universal Language 

• Directed by Autumn Fivecoats
• Cast:  Lizzy Swanson, Neil Wade Freer, and Vic Paxman

English Made Simple 

• Directed by Dani Neblock
• Cast:  Ariel Huntley, Vic Paxman, and Corey Harper

Shelly Williams contributed to this article.

In its 2014-15 season, Clark College Theatre takes its audience on a wild trip across the border—whether that’s the border between two countries, between propriety and hedonism, or between reality and art. With the announcement of its three productions—Night of the Iguana, The Rocky Horror Show, and bobrauschebergamerica—the college’s Theatre Department continues its push to provide work that challenges, entertains, and provokes.

The season opens with Night of the Iguana by Tennessee Williams. Often considered the last great play written by that classic American dramatist, this provocative exploration of sin and virtue is set in the dusty swelter of a ramshackle Mexican resort, where defrocked minister T. Lawrence Shannon has come to escape both the law and his own inner torment. He’s seeking solace, but instead finds the sultry widow Maxine and the quiet artist Hannah—a gathering of lost souls that quickly ignites into scenes of passion, despair, and surprising poignancy. Nominated for a 1962 Tony Award for best play, this is a major work by one of theatre’s most respected and celebrated writers. The production is directed by Mark Owsley and runs Nov. 7 – 22.

Cast includes: Garrett Dabbs (Pancho), Linda Mathews Owsley (Maxine Faulk), Steven Koculis (Pedro), H. Gene Biby (The Reverend T. Lawrence Shannon), Philip Graves  (Wolfgang), Rianna Workinger (Hilda), Nathan Willbanks (Dorph), Sam Ruble (Herr Fahrenkoph), Madison Harris (Frau Kahrenkoph), J.D. Carpenter (Hank), Emily Wells (Miss Judith Fellowes), Elana Mack (Hannah Jelkes),  Kiara Goulding (Charlotte Goodall), Zak Campbell (Nonno), and Wayne Yancey (Jake Latta). Production includes strong language and adult themes.

Show Dates: November 7, 8, 14, 15, 20, 21, and 22. All show times are at 7:30 p.m. November 15, there will also be a 2:00 p.m. matinee.

Ticket Information: Students (with ID) $9; Alumni (with membership) $9; Senior Citizens $11; General Admission $13. Tickets may be purchased in person at the Clark College Bookstore in Gaiser Hall, online at http://www.clarkbookstore.com/site_theatre.asp, or call 360-992-2815. If you need accommodation due to a disability in order to fully participate in this event, contact Clark College’s Disability Support Services Office at or (VP), or visit Penguin Union Building room 013, two weeks before the event.

“See, I always figured on the future. I banked on it. I was banking on it getting better. … I figured that’s why everyone wants you to buy things. Buy refrigerators. Buy cars, house, lots, invest. They wouldn’t be so generous if they didn’t figure you had it comin’ in. At some point it had to be comin’ in.” –Weston, Curse of the Starving Class

Clark College Theatre opens its 2013-14 season with a mordant examination of American aspiration, Curse of the Starving Class by Sam Shepard. Winner of the 1976-77 Obie Award for best new American play, this is a major work by one of theatre’s most respected and celebrated writers. The production is directed by Mark Owsley and runs Nov. 8 – 23.

At once dark and absurdist, comic and challenging, Curse of the Starving Class focuses on the dysfunctional Tate clan—the drunken dreamer of a father, burned-out mother, rebellious teenage daughter, and idealistic son—as they struggle for control of the rundown family farm in a futile search for freedom, security, and ultimately meaning in their lives. Clark College Theatre Program Director Gene Biby says, “Given the recent economic crisis, the issues raised in this drama are as relevant today as they were 35 years ago.”

Cast includes Derek J. Neiman (Weston), Emily Wells (Ella), Katie Lindstrom (Emma), Nicholas Detering (Wesley), and Andy Houseman (Taylor). Production includes nudity, strong language, and adult themes.

Show Dates: November 8, 9, 15, 16, 21, 22, and 23. All show times are at 7:30 p.m. November 16, there will also be a 2:00 p.m. matinee.

Ticket Information: Students (with ID) $9; Alumni (with membership) $9; Senior Citizens $11; General Admission $13. Tickets may be purchased in person at the Clark College Bookstore in Gaiser Hall, online, or by calling 360-992-2815. All shows held in the Decker Theatre in Frost Arts Center.

If you need accommodation due to a disability in order to fully participate in this event, contact Clark College’s Disability Support Services Office at 360-992-2314 or 360-991-0901 (VP), or visit Gaiser Hall room 137, two weeks before the event.

Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley

See more photos on Flickr.