"The Ugly Duckling" utilizes shadow puppetry and nearly 100 paper puppets.

An exciting new show will open at the Arkansas Arts Center Children's Theatre this Friday, Aug. 28, but the audience shouldn't expect to see a typical AACCT production. Instead of the usual big stage action and bright backdrops, "The Ugly Duckling" surprises its viewers with intricate shadow puppetry performed by only three actors, live music played by the Arkansas Symphony Youth Orchestra, and nearly 100 paper puppets.

Two projector screens, three actors and nearly 100 paper puppets are used in the Arkansas Arts Center Children's Theatre's production of "The Ugly Duckling."

The experimental production is part of the Children's Theatre's Studio Show series—a brand-new offering for the 2015-2016 season—which will explore new ideas and themes with smaller productions. Longtime fans, don't worry: You can still see the AACCT's tried-and-true productions, or Main Stage shows, which will include popular titles like "Puss in Boots" and "Schoolhouse Rock" this year. But the Studio Show series will present three additional productions: "The Ugly Duckling," Aug. 28-Sept. 6; "Apollo: To the Moon," Oct. 9-11; and "The Odyssey," Feb. 19-28.

First up is "The Ugly Duckling," a reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen's famous tale. Devised and directed by Katie Campbell, the modern take on the fairytale follows a young girl on her transformative journey of self-discovery. The 36-minute show is performed by just three actor-puppeteers who maneuver nearly 100 paper puppets.

"The Ugly Duckling" utilizes shadow puppetry and nearly 100 paper puppets.

The story is told entirely through shadow puppetry and music, both of which sound like they're going to impress audience members. The show received a 2015 Jim Henson Foundation Family Grant which celebrates innovation and excellence in puppetry. Plus, the music is an original score written by Jessica Drake Mosher and performed live by a 15-piece ensemble from the Arkansas Symphony Youth Orchestra, directed by Geoffrey Robson.

Two projector screens, three actors and nearly 100 paper puppets are used in the Arkansas Arts Center Children's Theatre's production of "The Ugly Duckling."

After seeing all of that artistry work together, we're pretty sure you'll be feeling inspired. Luckily, the audience will be invited to take part in a hands-on demonstration of the shadow puppetry process after each performance!

"The Ugly Duckling" will play Aug. 28-Sept. 6 at the Arkansas Arts Center Children's Theatre. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Fri., 2 & 7 p.m. Sat., and 2 p.m. Sun. Tickets are $10, members $8. The show is best enjoyed by children in grades kindergarten and up.

For more information, visit ArkansasArtsCenter.org.