Maria Chattin-Carter talks to children about the mesh masks shaped as fruit bats she is making for the musical, “Stellaluna” at the Chattanooga Theatre Center.CHATTIN-CARTERAge: 36.Family: Married to David, has three children and three stepchildren.Favorite play: “The Children’s Hour,” by Lillian Hellman.Favorite shows she’s done at CTC: “Pinocchio Commedia,” “Yellow Boat,” “The Outsiders”Favorite movies: “Edward Scissorhands,” “Young Guns”Favorite actor: Robin Williams.Favorite actress: Natalie Portman.Hobbies: Reading, theater, spending time with her kids.Unusual skills: Juggling, playing saxophone, roller-skating.Favorite quote: “Creativity is more important than knowledge.” — Albert Einstein
Some might say Maria Chattin-Carter has come full circle. After graduating from East Ridge High School in 1994, she attended Stephens College in Columbia, Mo., receiving of bachelor of fine arts degree in theater. Fifteen years after returning to her hometown, Chattin-Carter is in her ninth season as the director of the Chattanooga Theatre Centre Youth Theatre, where she took the stage herself as a child.
Currently, Chattin-Carter is in the midst of producing “Stellaluna,” based on the book by Janell Cannon, about a fruit bat who lives among birds. The play incorporates music, sign language, dance and puppets.
“We’ve never done anything like this before,” she said.
“Stellaluna” is Chattin-Carter’s 36th play as director of the Youth Theatre. She said she is seeking unique works that will be challenging both to herself and to the children. “That’s why we’re doing ‘Stellaluna,’ because it’s a little bit different,” she said. “[We want] something to keep our audience jazzed and coming to see things.”