From Classroom to Stage: Transforming Theatre Education

With more than three decades of experience, Mark Frank teaches students how to captivate audiences and develop into strong performers.

Published Author. Playwright. Director. Those are just a few of the hats Mark Frank, Tulsa Community College Associate Professor and Theatre Program Coordinator, wears. But teaching college students is one of his fondest roles. 

“I started teaching college right after I finished my master's degree because I fell in love being in college; I just never wanted to leave,” says Frank whose 30-plus-year teaching career has always been at community colleges -- first in Kansas City, MO, then in Coffeyville, KS, where he was a one-person department. Ready for a change in 2013, he learned about a position at TCC. 

“Coming to TCC gave me an opportunity to work on bigger productions with a staff who helps with set and costume designs, lights, and sound,” explains Frank. “Plus, I have always loved teaching theatre to the young and old. I love watching students learn, grow and develop into strong performers.” 

While at TCC, Frank has directed more than 45 productions, including Greek Soup, The War of the Worlds, and Vampires of the Wild West. He also is the Artistic Director of the Writer's Alternative Trial Theatre Festival which is part of the TCC Scriptwriting I and II class.  

From 2016 to 2019 he had the opportunity to serve as the Faculty Chair for the TCC School of Visual and Performing Arts and adds, “I like helping and mentoring faculty with their challenges and their portfolio and being their champion on issues that need to be addressed or solved.” 

In 2024 Frank received a Service of Excellence Award from the College. In his nomination, a colleague wrote, “...Mark consistently recruits a minimum of 60 theatre majors annually. His responsibilities encompass overseeing the production of six shows, four improv performances, a weekend of staged readings, a children’s summer camp, and the management of an active national student organization each year. Collaborating closely with Theatre department faculty and staff, Mark ensures the delivery of high-quality productions that equip our students with the essential skills for their academic and professional pursuits… With over three decades of teaching experience, his love for the College, the department, and the countless students he has mentored is unmistakable.” 

Frank was also part of the first TCC President’s Leadership Institute with President Leigh Goodson and has had an opportunity to serve on multiple committees and assist with New Student Orientation.  

“I like meeting new students and their parents,” he adds. “I'm blessed to never work a day in my life because I love my job.” 

What keeps him busy outside of TCC?  

Frank has directed and acted in more than 300 productions and won numerous awards for writing and directing. He has also served as is the Artistic Director of Tulsa's Children’s Summer Theatre since 1994. If that’s not enough, he has also published a children's novel and a musical called The Adventures of Princess Atlantis.  

Words of wisdom for TCC students and employees 

“Don't sweat the small stuff. Let things go. In 50 years, it won't matter.”