For more than forty years, Patt Ward Curtin directed shows at Watonga Community Theatre. With eighty shows in Watonga plus others around the state, she estimates more than 100 community theatre shows directed. Spring 2026, Dearly Departed, marked the final show for Curtin to direct. Watonga Community Theatre will celebrate her retirement at the annual membership party on Sun., Sept. 13, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. at the Liberty Theatre.
With the first performances in the old Middle School auditorium, Patt Ward Curtin and George Ann Bordelon started what would become a constant in Watonga. In 1983, Watonga Community Theatre was born through creativity, passion and hard work.
“I had a bachelor’s degree in theatre, so I thought I would be a good actor,” Curtin said. “When I tried it, I wasn’t, and I didn’t like it. George Ann made me direct because we didn’t have one.” Directing helped Curtin discover a talent and passion that would continue to fuel Watonga Community Theatre and a career that would last decades.
The first show Curtin directed was the musical Sugar Cane Saloon. Directing allowed Curtin to be involved in every aspect of the show such as sound, lighting and advertising. However, her favorite part of directing was working with the actors on stage.
“My grandson once told me after coming to the theatre, ‘I know what you do to direct - you tell the people where to go, and they do it,’” Curtin said with a laugh. The ability to direct may be more complicated than her grandson observed. Curtin could predict what the audience would like how they would laugh, what they would hear, and what they would understand. She knew how to coach the actors to be seen, heard, and most of all - be sure to wait for the laugh!
Being a part of the cast was intense, with high expectations, because Curtin never wanted to disappoint her audience. She wanted to entertain and ensure they got their money’s worth. Actors were expected to be ready and on stage at the start time with costumes, make-up and shoes for each rehearsal. Actors scrambled to run lines in preparation for the dreaded off-book rehearsal. She spent countless hours demanding perfection, and she achieved it. The reward for the actors? Hearing her booming laugh from the back of the theatre when they nailed the line.
Curtin directed three national award-winning actresses - Nadine Pearson, George Ann Bordelon, and Karen Gilliland. Waiting for the Parade placed fourth at the national competition. Local businesses sponsored WCT to help get this play to that level of competition. It was named Outstanding Production for the state of Oklahoma and the Outstanding Production for the Southwest Region of American Association of Community Theatre 1993. In the same year, WCT received Oklahoma Theatre of the Year.
WCT’s success in competitions led other community theatres to hire Curtin during summer months to direct. She also taught workshops and classes for theatres and organizations.
“This theatre helped me make a living, not off of them but because of them.” Curtin explained this helped supplement her teaching salary, so she didn’t have to do other duties during the winter months. Instead, Curtin was able to do something she loved.
Curtin not only loved the stage but the Liberty Theatre building. She explained how great the venue is compared to other places she directed. “We have an amazing stage, a green room, prop and costume rooms, scene shop, light and sound booth, and great backstage area.” There is even an Elvis-themed bathroom that Curtin and Bordelon decorated.
“I love the building! That's why I wanted to get the front of the building fixed,” Curtin said about the recent remodel of the Liberty Theatre. With the help of many loyal patrons and community businesses, Curtin led the charge in fundraising efforts to complete this renovation. “I was able to complete this project because I surrounded myself with smart people who helped me bring it all together. It was a team effort. I might have led the team, but I couldn’t have done it without them,” Curtin said.
Looking back on the last 43 years, Curtin said she considers theatre a family sport because her family was involved. Her kids were at the theatre during rehearsals and grew up running around backstage. They also ended up on stage being directed by their mother. She explained it wasn’t just her kids, but many others. This truly is a community theatre spanning multiple generations, and the community is what makes this place so special.
“I went to a lot of community theatre, and our audience is much more responsive than other audiences.” Curtin said the audience at WCT is interactive. They laugh, react, and enjoy the show. Even during Covid, the audience showed up for the No Show Gala. They still paid membership dues and brought toys for the Annual Christmas Toy Drive knowing there would be no shows. “Our theatre is very supportive, and we have people willing to learn and make it better.”
Even though some changes are being made in the leadership at WCT, the same standards and expectations will be in place. Curtin has been mentoring Kristen Lockhart for the past few shows. Lockhart has been involved in both acting and stage management. Curtin describes her as fun and creative with lots of ideas. Josh Cox, who has been involved in many areas over the last several years, is also stepping up as the new WCT Board president.
“I’m leaving it in good hands. With a new director and a new president, it is reassuring to have people willing to continue the legacy,” Curtin explained. “I’m not going anywhere. I’ll still be involved because I love it!”
Please join us in celebrating Curtin’s career with a tribute from Elvis Presley on Sun., Sept. 13, 2026. Bring your membership dues or pay $10 at the door and let WCT do what it does best - entertain.