The North Little Rock icon is entering a new era. The Argenta Community Theater announced today it will now be known as the “Argenta Contemporary Theatre” as it enters its 15th season.
According to ACT, the name change is a reflection of the nonprofit’s expansion in recent years, including the ACT II Sharon Heflin Performing Arts Education Center, and is also a “strategic move” officials hope will raise its potential for securing much-needed grants.
“We are deeply rooted in central Arkansas, and this name change allows us to embrace our history while recognizing our growth and reach and what the future potentially holds,” says Alyson Courtney, ACT’s director of development. “We will continue to honor the vision of our co-founders and serve the community through the performing arts, making meaningful contributions to the cultural landscape.”
Along with the moniker, ACT announced a number of new elements to its programming and operations. These include new seating for the theater, reserved seating options, a partnership with The Joint to host select programs, the addition of Warren McCullough as director of creative services and an all-cashless system.
ACT also announced plans to become a “semi-professional” theater by offering actor stipends for one show each season with the hope of expanding the offerings to more shows. These will be known as “special engagement” productions, and the first will be “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” on April 17-27.
“This is the right moment for this change,” co-founder Vincent Insalaco says, “and I couldn’t be more proud of where we are and where Argenta Contemporary Theatre is headed.”
Having recently wrapped up its mainstage season with “Godspell,” the theater also released the lineup for its upcoming 15th anniversary season. Coming to the stage beginning this summer are:
- “Annie Jr.” – June 26-27
- “Grease” – July 24 – Aug. 3
- “The Sunshine Boys” – Sept. 11-21 (in partnership with Acansa)
- “My Fair Lady” – Oct. 9-19
- “A Christmas Story: The Musical” – Dec. 4-14
- “School of Rock” – Feb. 12-22
- “Gypsy” – April 16-26
- “On Golden Pond” – May 5-25
Season passes are available now and are on sale for 15% off for 15 days, ending March 20. Reserved riser seats will now be available for an additional $10.
Learn more about the next act for Argenta Community Theatre on its (also new) website, and follow along on Facebook, X and Instagram for updates.