Meet Patrick Hart of Big Oak Theatre, Avenue Act 1 in Chatsworth

Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrick Hart.

So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
The first play I ever performed in was “the Crucible” in Washington, I played the role of Hale. A rewarding moment in my life as I discovered that I had a gift that I have experienced many times since then, mostly involving the performing arts and particularly, live theatre. I did, however, work in a film in Washington called the Hanging tree with Gary Cooper, Karl Malden and George C. Scott. It was Scott’s first work on a film. It didn’t appear it was his favorite thing to do, as he viewed himself as a stage actor. And I guess the money was probably good and he took the part. I moved to Los Angeles at the encouragement of the folks from the Hanging tree, which in retrospect, I feel was a mistake, as I have found my niche in stage work. I would have served my gift better had I gone to New York.

During several years in LA, I worked in several television series at Fox and Warner Bros, I guess this was the time that I realized I did not have all the ingredients, nor was I suitable for a career in film. While in SoCal, I did a play with Kaye Ballard, called I’d Stake My Life that toured. I did “Hello Dolly” with Sue Anne Langdon, in the role of Vandergelder at the Disney Hotel. I did the role of Rote in Wait until Dark at Hollywood Center Theatre and was a member of the Masquers Club of Hollywood (no longer in existence). I had a fun time working “Playboy After Dark” at the time Barbie Benton was discovered by Hefner. Many plays, too numerous to mention kept me busy sowing my crazy young oats. I left Hollywood for military service and while serving at Fort Sam Houston (San Antonio) in the medics, I met my bride of now 57 years.

While in San Antonio, I did several productions including Ghost Sonata under the direction of Mr. Paul Baker (Dallas Theatre Center). We moved on to San Francisco where Bonnie, my wife, completed her residency at Letterman General Hospital. There I performed at the International Repertory Theatre as Willie Brown in Eugene O Neil’s “Great God Brown”. Several years and numerous productions passed and I moved to the Northwest where I had the good fortune to purchase an old 600 seat movie theatre where I produced and directed over 110 theatrical productions. A couple of special treats was having a Guest Equity Contract with Virginia Mayo (a well-known film star) play the role of the mother in “Butterflies Are Free”. I also had the good fortune to have Academy award winner, JK Simmons at the very early stage of his career play the role of El Gayo in the “Fantastiks” as well as direct “Godspell” at my theatre. JK was thoughtful, giving person, as well as a talent, and that had much to do with his success. I am happy to see he has moved on to a very successful career.

After 15 joyful years, we decided to return to Los Angeles where we purchased an old 103-year-old stagecoach transfer station (so we are told). We have an enormously wonderful big oak tree on our property. After living there for a couple of years, we decided to do what we love to do most and built what we refer to as THE BIG OAK LITTLE THEATRE. We have produced approximately 33 productions we have had the good fortune of selling out every performance.

We are grateful for an extremely loyal audience and we always strive for good entertaining productions. The last two productions were Neil Simons’ “Last of the Red Hot Lovers” and a musical revue called “O POO PEE DOO.” For 25 years we have performed “Scrooge, The Musical” during the holiday season, where I have played Scrooge as a bumbling light-hearted fellow that the young people never seem to be afraid of. We are both getting a little “long in the tooth”, but it is difficult to hang up our shingles. So, we will continue to plug along doing productions. PS we pay our performers 2-3x more than equity waiver.

Has it been a smooth road?
Well, as you may well guess, there are many struggles in theatre. Or I like to refer to them as challenges. And once again, our love for what we do has made those challenges less daunting. I must say that in Los Angeles getting theatre disciplined talent to come to Chatsworth has been a bit of a challenge, as most of them are here to pursue careers in film. All in all, though we have had a rewarding and wonderful life and I am forever grateful for the gift I referred to previously.

What else should we know?
The Big Oak Little Theatre is directly behind our 103-year-old home and is protected by a giant 300-year-old big oak tree at the deck of the theatre. We have a miniature donkey and small horse and I never throw anything away. So, for many, it is like “getting out of Dodge” plus, the exciting experience in a small theatre.

Our theatre attendance is mostly via”word of mouth” except for email. We do not have an advertising budget. We are proof that if you strive for good theatre, you can build an audience just about anyplace.

We have never received any grants or corporate donations, we have always lived off our ticket sales.

Pricing:

• Our ticket prices are between $25-30 and seem very reasonable in comparison to similar productions.

Contact Info:

• Address: 22200 Chatsworth St, Chatsworth, Ca 91311
• Website: www.bigoaktheatre.com
• Phone: 818 998 0185
• Email: [email protected]

Image Credit:
Patrick Hart

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