History :
Home of the Laughing Matter Improv Troupe and many fine community theatre productions, Heller Theatre presented its first production, Falling in Love With Love, in October 1981. Long-time patrons of Tulsa community theatre will remember Ken Spence, the first director of Heller's theatre program.
Originally established in a partnership with Theater Tulsa, the hard-working and gifted staff of Heller have earned a reputation for producing quality contemporary and often cutting-edge material. Side-splitting comedy and thought-provoking drama take place in a very intimate 50-seat black box setting. The audience is too close for anything but the very best performances, and over the years Heller's patrons have learned to expect fine work.
Currently directed by Julie Tattershall and an entity of the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Tulsa, Heller is the smallest building in the department, housing a very intimate, 50-seat black box stage. One of two programs in the department, Heller strives in it’s mission to provide diverse educational and cultural experiences through both its productions and its programming.Heller offers many different opportunities in its programming. Julie began a “New Plays” series in 1990, a tradition that currently continues in production. Julie also began Tulsa’s first regular performing improvisational troupe, The Laughing Matter Improv, who, after fifteen years, still performs regularly to packed crowds. Along with Frank Gallagher they head an education program that includes classes in improvisation for all ages, acting, acting methods, technical theatre, playwriting, and direction.
