For the past 26 years W. Randolph Clark has spent his time helping youth actors in Southern California enhance their reputation, and increase their exposure in the world of film and television. As the new Executive Director for the Creative Arts Theatre & School, he now hopes to enhance the reputation of CATS while increasing its exposure in the community as well.

Though Mr. Clark had been residing in California since the early 1970’s, he actually grew up in Fort Worth. After graduating from Paschal High School, he received his Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from what is now known as the University of North Texas in Denton, and then went on to work at Casa Mañana for a few years before making the move to “the Golden State”. Once there, he worked as stage manager for several theatres prior to making the transition into the world of film where, after working as a production assistant for a time, he finally found his niche as a talent agent. Over time however, the talent agency industry evolved, along with the rest of the world, into a more technological business. More and more, Mr. Clark found himself sitting face to face with a computer, pushing buttons, rather than working directly with casting directors, producers, and production personnel. He also began feeling the strain of living in the fast-paced, Hollywood society. He felt the desire to find a career in which he could interact more with other people, and a society that did not seem so self-involved. Since he had grown up in Fort Worth and still had friends here with whom he spoke on a regular basis, Texas seemed the logical choice.

When Kathey Ward, CATS’ Artistic Director, heard the news that her good friend W. Randolph Clark was moving back home to “Cowtown”, she informed him of the job opening at CATS, and encouraged him to apply. Mr. Clark had been feeling the draw to return to the world of theatre, in which he found his start, and liked the idea of continuing to work with children. “Working with young people helps keep us young,” he states. “There is something about the uplifting feeling and atmosphere that young people provide. They always seem so happy and energetic, and it’s wonderful to be around that ambiance.”

The Board of Directors for CATS had been searching for a new Executive Director since July when Cheryl Ford-Mente resigned from the position. After several months, and numerous interviews they finally narrowed it down, and came to the conclusion that the talent agent from California was the best choice. Cindy Paslay, Board of Directors’ President for Creative Arts Theatre & School, feels that Mr. Clark’s, “? experience working with children and their parents in a performing arts setting coupled with his years of business experience makes him a great match for what CATS needs from its executive director at this time. [Mrs. Paslay] believes that Mr. Clark’s background will compliment the creative staff that CATS already has in place by allowing them to focus on what they do best – teaching students, staging productions, and developing new ideas to stimulate the creativity of our students. He has already taken the opportunity to get out and meet our students and understand their goals and interests. I believe we will have a great partnership between W. Randolph, the staff, the students, parents and the board.”

Mr. Clark is very grateful for this fortunate turn of events that has led him back home to Fort Worth and theatre simultaneously. He has always been interested in CATS, and would frequently stop in, visit, and enjoy a show, when he was in town. He believes that CATS is a quality organization that has much to offer the Arlington and Fort Worth / Dallas community, and looks forward to helping it reach its fullest potential as a theatrical and educational establishment.