Edmond Youth Theater 

When siblings Tyson Woodard and Ally Cole dreamed up Edmond Youth Theater in 2023, they weren’t driven by profits or prestige. They simply wanted more of what influenced them as children: Christ-centered theater that provides young people with a safe space to grow.

“We did years and years of theater with a homeschool group,” Tyson said. “And we wanted more of that for our community. We didn’t realize how huge the demand was until our very first camp had a waitlist.”

The feedback only reinforced what they suspected. Families in Edmond appreciate opportunities where kids can learn, perform, and feel encouraged. From the start, Edmond Youth Theater set itself apart by prioritizing accessibility: Rehearsals are held just once a week, productions are often donation-based, and Tyson himself chooses not to take any income from the program.

“This is the type of work that gives me life,” he explained. “I’ll get off work, hole up at a coffee shop, and block scenes. It doesn’t feel like a burden, I love what I do.”

Tyson balances his role as artistic director with a full-time IT career. As a mom of young children, Ally has stepped back from daily operations but still contributes to the vision. “She planted such great seeds for how things are run,” Tyson said. “I definitely carry a lot of what I learned from her.”

Tyson’s own training came from a mix of natural talent and early opportunity. A mostly self-taught performer, he earned a full scholarship to an OKC Ballet intensive, later trained with OU faculty, and by his sophomore year had made a professional debut at the Civic Center in Newsies. He knows firsthand what excellent training can unlock, and he insists on offering the same level of rigor to his students.

“We don’t sacrifice technique, hard work, or professionalism just because it’s gospel-centered,” he said. “In fact, it raises the standard. Our lives should be marked by excellence.”

For Edmond Youth Theater, every production is more than entertainment. “God is a storyteller,” Tyson said. “Every role matters in the story, even the ensemble. That’s what we want kids to see: Everyone has a purpose, both on stage and in life.”

The group’s next show, Mary Poppins, will be performed on January 17 at Oklahoma Christian Academy with “pick-your-price” tickets. It’s another chance for the community to experience what makes Edmond Youth Theater unique.

Looking ahead, Tyson dreams of expanding classes to accommodate more students and offer age-specific instruction. “Right now, I’m just thankful for the spaces we’ve been able to use,” he said. “But the goal is to have a space where anyone in Edmond can come and be part of something bigger.

For Tyson, it all comes back to one simple mission: “We get to use our gifts for God. Theater is just the tool. The real story is the growth, the faith, and the community we’re building.”

Watch for ticket links, updates and more on Facebook or Instagram @EdmondYouthTheater.