Broken Arrow Community Playhouse Resetting After Volunteer Controversy

Theater says changes to policies and procedures are being discussed to prevent similar situations in the future.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 12:52am

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The Broken Arrow Community Playhouse (BACP) is moving forward after a controversy involving a former volunteer and playwright who was discovered to be a convicted sex offender. The volunteer, Bradley Hart Morris, had limited involvement with the theater, but his past criminal record raised concerns among some board members and led to resignations. BACP says it is reviewing its policies and procedures to ensure the safety of all participants.

Why it matters

The controversy at BACP highlights the challenges community theaters face in balancing artistic expression, volunteer engagement, and ensuring the safety of all involved, especially minors. The situation raises questions about background check policies, transparency, and how organizations can best protect their communities while providing opportunities for rehabilitation.

The details

Bradley Hart Morris, a former Edison High School choir director, pleaded guilty to sex charges in 2015 involving students. He was sentenced to 7 years in prison and 5 years of probation. Morris was an infrequent volunteer and playwright at BACP, playing piano for one comedy event. Former board member Kelley Childers Friedberg allowed Morris' play to be considered for the theater's Shorts Festival, which she now regrets. The previous BACP president, Janet Brister, was aware of Morris' convictions but did not inform the full board. This led to Brister's resignation, as well as several other board members stepping down.

  • In 2015, Bradley Hart Morris pleaded guilty to sex charges involving students.
  • In July 2025, Kelley Childers Friedberg stepped down from the BACP board and transitioned to a trustee role, limiting her involvement to the Shorts Festival.
  • In March 2026, the BACP Shorts Festival was cancelled due to the controversy.

The players

Bradley Hart Morris

A former Edison High School choir director who pleaded guilty to sex charges in 2015 involving students. He was an infrequent volunteer and playwright at the Broken Arrow Community Playhouse.

Kelley Childers Friedberg

A former board member of the Broken Arrow Community Playhouse who was the executive producer of the Shorts Festival. She allowed Morris' play to be considered for production, which she now regrets.

Janet Brister

The previous president of the Broken Arrow Community Playhouse who was aware of Morris' convictions but did not inform the full board. She has since resigned.

Taylor Neill

An assistant stage manager for the Broken Arrow Community Playhouse Shorts Festival who was informed about Morris' previous conviction and confronted the board president about it.

Broken Arrow Community Playhouse

A community theater in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma that is reviewing its policies and procedures to prevent similar situations in the future.

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What they’re saying

“This was a serious lapse in judgment on my part. I was aware that he is a registered sex offender who had completed his sentence, and I should not have permitted his work to move forward in the festival.”

— Kelley Childers Friedberg, Former board member and executive producer of the Shorts Festival

“We are taking steps to develop policies and procedures that ensure additional safety. We will post those guidelines on our website following their adoption at our next board meeting. Meanwhile, know that the safety and well-being of the actors, families, volunteers, and staff involved with Broken Arrow Community Playhouse is our highest priority.”

— Broken Arrow Community Playhouse

What’s next

The Broken Arrow Community Playhouse is currently producing 'Alice in Wonderland', which debuts on April 10. The theater is also seeking new volunteers and board members, all of whom will be vetted, as it prepares for its annual meeting in June where elections will be held.

The takeaway

This controversy highlights the importance of thorough background checks, clear communication, and robust policies to protect participants in community theaters. It also underscores the delicate balance between providing opportunities for rehabilitation and ensuring the safety of all involved, especially minors. As the Broken Arrow Community Playhouse moves forward, its actions will be closely watched by the local community.