Carron Clark got her start in theater at age 5, playing a celestial being in a play about the nativity, no less. Since then, wrapped around a 20-year career in human resources, she’s bought props for Paramount Pictures and been involved in theater and film both on and off camera and stage. Now, she’s directing “Fool for Love” at Theatre Downtown. She answered some questions about all of that and more.
Tell me a little about yourself.
I’m originally from North Alabama, a small farming town named Courtland, just outside of Decatur. After graduating from high school, I left Alabama and lived (school / work / etc.) all over the U.S. and Caribbean, even giving birth to my oldest in Jamaica. I moved back to Alabama, specifically Birmingham, when she was about 2 – she just turned 20, so I’m feeling really, REALLY old right now. I’m happily married, living on Smith Lake, and tearfully looking forward to being an empty nester soon.
You worked in HR for awhile, correct? Were you doing any theater work on the side?
I worked in human resources for a little over 20 years. But that career has been book-ended by work in film and theater. At 18 or 19, I worked for Paramount Pictures as a props buyer for several episodic series. Then, the need for a “real job with real benefits“ meant I had to shift out of that industry. After retiring from my “real job,“ I decided to get back to my first love of creative art – specifically film. The market for filmmaking here in Birmingham is perfect, as I love independent-type environments where the work feels more like hanging out with family for 14 hours a day while doing something fun!
When did you first do theater?
All of that said, I have been involved with theater since the ripe old age of 5 (that means a 45- year career)! The origin story involves something along the lines of coming home to tell my parents that I was the star of the nativity play at school. It took some time before they realized I meant literally the north star! Social media recently reminded me that I did my first Birmingham theater show 12 years ago (“Clybourne Park” at BFT). Through that show I met some fabulous people – Bates Redwine, Mel Christian, Josh Roberts, Lavelle Galloway, just to name a few. That happened about the time I started to think about retirement from corporate life. I enrolled in some theater classes at UAB, got to do several shows there and fell in love with costuming, which led me to my current career of costume design (IG: alcostumedesigner). Those relationships also led me to Theatre Downtown, where I’ve been lucky enough to play both on and off the stage, recently becoming a board member.
Who is your favorite playwright? What about favorite roles?
I’ve loved theater for so long that it should be easy to name a favorite playwright or a favorite show or a favorite performance – or maybe that’s why it’s hard. I will shout out Yasmina Reza as being at or near the top of the list for her work, though. A career goal would be to direct a production of every single one of her works. As an actor, I think the roles I would list as favorite experiences would be: Betsey/Lindsey (“Clybourne Park”), Emma (“Stupid F’ing Bird”) and M’Lynn (“Steel Magnolias”). Hopefully, one day I’ll get to play Nurse Ratched or Mrs. Robinson!
Tell me about “Fool for Love.”
“Fool for Love” by Sam Shepard is one of the scripts I discovered during my time at UAB. I remember thinking, “I can’t wait until I direct this one day.” After years of lobbying several groups, Theatre Downtown answered my prayers … or maybe decided to shut me up. The show at its heart is a story of love and betrayal and secrets and hurt and hope. It’s my hope that this production at TD is just a little different – a little dirtier, a little more raw – and a lot more heightened than other productions. It’s odd, I’ve never wanted to play any of the roles in this show, but there are aspects of each character that I either relate to or no someone that has some of the traits. Centering around the “Old Man” (Josh Roberts), patrons are put into a fever dream of sorts. Set in a seedy motel room somewhere in the southwest, Eddie (Tim Seale) and May (Sara James) work through past personal and familial trauma. The final character, Martin (Blake Tanner), acts as a catalyst to them digging even deeper. I’ve worked with all of the actors before. They never fail to bring that little something extra. That little something that makes me giggle with delight. That little something that reminds me of why I love to direct… Hell, why I love Theatre!
What kind of music do you listen to?
I listen to almost all types of music, but bluegrass and jazz (modal) are my favs!
What’s the last book you read?
The last book I read was either “12 Years a Slave” or the latest Steve Berry.
What about podcasts?
My favorite podcasts are “Morbid,” “Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me” and “Grey Area.”
What’s the last TV series you binged?
I’m currently binge-watching “The Bear.”
Tell me something about yourself that might surprise people.
I was a collegiate cheerleader and got to perform at Opening Ceremonies of the ‘96 Olympic Games in Atlanta
“Fool for Love,” at Theatre Downtown July 25 through Aug. 10.
