Jed Egan/THE POST W.R. Smiddie creates a clay pot. While he enjoys working with his hands, he also writes original dramas which have been performed professionally.

While growing up, many people harbor dreams of becoming an acclaimed writer and having people admire their work. For one local man, this dream came true.

W. R. Smiddie, 68, has been writing plays his entire adult life, but the inspiration for the plays began in the coal fields of Kentucky, where he was born.

"When I was a child, I was told I had an active imagination and made imaginary characters. They were my playmates," he explained.

It was after graduating high school that his creative tendencies were focused toward plays.

"I was in military service during the Korean War and while in Korea, I wrote a friend of mine back home and told him I was interested in writing a play," Smiddie said. "I said, 'I know I've never seen a play. Can you go and ask what a good play is to read?'"

His friend sent him copies of one-act plays by legendary playwright Eugene O'Neill, and the rest is history. In the past 15 years, Smiddie has written 10 full-length plays - some became mainstage OU productions and received professional readings at schools such as Shepardstown College in West Virginia.

Currently, Smiddie is working on "A Parrot's Tale," a play that almost was not. For "A Parrot's Tale," Smiddie again will be teaming with George Sherman, an OU theater professor, who will direct the play.

"I've known (Smiddie) for a long time, and I have a great regard for his writing, his subject matter and his characters," Sherman said.

"The play is about two people from different worlds who fall in love, and the complications it brings to their lives and the lives of others."

The beginning steps for the play were taken Sunday when open auditions took place.

"There was a fairly good response," Smiddie said. "I don't know if they'll be holding auditions or trying to talk to certain individuals we know in the community."

Unlike many playwrights who have a defined message in mind to project to the audience, Smiddie leaves his plays wide open.

"I think often a writer is too close to the work to be able to make a good judgement about the work," he explained. "A lot of people bring things to the play. It is not really written by one person. Actors bring things to the play; the director brings things to the play and he has a particular view. I just would rather leave (the theme) to the people to decide."

"A Parrot's Tale" will be shown Oct. 24 at 3 p.m. at United Campus Ministry, 18 N. College St. For more information, call 594-8604.