Arkansas Repertory Theatre facts for kids
The Arkansas Repertory Theatre, often called The Rep, is a special kind of theater in Arkansas. It's the longest-running theater in the state that puts on its own shows and uses any money it makes to create more amazing plays. The Rep works with a group that supports professional actors, called the Actors' Equity Association.
The theater is located in Little Rock, Arkansas, and has a stage with 377 seats for the audience. It was started in 1976 by a person named Cliff Fannin Baker.
Today, the main person in charge of the shows at The Rep is Will Trice. Before him, John Miller-Stephany was the Producing Artistic Director until April 2018. He took over from Robert Hupp in 2016, who had been in charge for a long time.
The Rep usually puts on six or seven plays each year. More than 70,000 people come to watch their shows every year, and they perform over 200 nights! The Rep has put on more than 350 plays in total. Forty-five of these were "world premieres," which means they were brand new shows seen for the very first time anywhere! Some of their recent popular shows include The Crucible, Jar The Floor by Cheryl L. West, and the musical Sister Act.
In April 2018, The Rep had some money problems and had to stop putting on new shows for a while. But a group of volunteers, led by Ruth Shepherd, worked hard to raise money to help the theater. Even when they weren't putting on plays, The Rep still continued its educational programs for young people.
Thanks to all the support, The Rep was able to start performing again on February 20, 2019, bringing live theater back to Arkansas!
Images for kids
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The logo of the Arkansas Repertory Theatre.
