Forty & Fabulous: Arkansas Repertory Theatre Gets Better With Age
The Arkansas Repertory Theatre has provided 40 seasons of truly masterpiece theater! The theater’s productions have run the gamut from gut wrenching drama and tragedy to the heights of hilarity and even the full Monty. The Rep’s rep is known far and wide for exquisite artistry through costuming, staging, lighting, acting and more. Its presence serves as the ideal anchor for downtown Little Rock’s Creative Corridor.
The Rep’s programming has evolved over time. It has expanded from all adult productions to musicals, and child-friendly shows such as this season’s “The Little Mermaid” and “Peter and the Starcatcher.”
(Also see: Marvelous McCurdys Celebrate Life in the Theater and the Rep's 40th Season!)
Youth and educational offerings have expanded as well. The Student Matinee Program allows teachers from across the state to introduce more than 6,000 school children to The Rep’s MainStage productions for as little as $8 a seat. From “Memphis” and “Wait Until Dark” to “Macbeth” and more, the program exposes students to a variety of challenging topics and provides them with what may be their first live theater experience. Pre-performance classroom visits, study guides and post-performance talkbacks complement every performance. To book students for student matinees, contact Katherine Tanner at KTanner@TheRep.org.
Since 2005, The Rep’s SMTI (Summer Musical Theatre Intensive) program has nourished the creative minds of our state’s talented young artists. SMTI is an intensive, audition-based theater training program designed exclusively for motivated young artists who are serious about the arts and musical theater. Each session involves intensive daily rehearsals culminating in a public workshop performance of a selected musical or musical revue. If your child is interested in participating in the Summer Musical Theatre Intensive, contact Katherine Tanner at KTanner@TheRep.org.
Last but not least, there’s the new education space called The Rep’s Annex. With a black box and three classroom spaces, Arkansans will benefit from expanded education programming in this new space on Main Street. Programming is set to begin in Fall 2016.
Join the Rep in Commemorating Their 40th Season!
Saints and Sinners
January 30, 2016
Statehouse Convention Center, Wally Allen Ballroom
6 p.m. Cocktails and silent auction
7 p.m. Dinner, live auction and entertainment
This year’s fete is a birthday themed version of the annual black tie gala benefiting Arkansas Repertory Theatre. Go to TheRep.org for tickets or more information. (Also see from our sister publication, Little Rock Soirée, Rep 40: Sonya & Mark Murphy Ready for an Epic Bash for Saints & Sinners.)
In June, The Rep will have a second act of celebration with a family-friendly birthday ballyhoo. Planning is still underway. Little Rock Family will share all the exciting details as they become available!