Four beloved arts organizations are coming together to create meaningful connections for central Arkansans. Acansa, Argenta Community Theater, Ballet Arkansas and Opera in the Rock are teaming up for a three-week, multi-disciplinary collaboration called Arts All Access.
The virtual series will feature nine masterclasses from professional artists across creative genres, three topical discussions and three streaming performance broadcasts. The collaboration is geared toward teen and adult artists, participants and observers and will run from Sept. 21-Oct. 9.
This collaboration grew out of a desire to create meaningful connection, discussion and learning opportunities during this unprecedented time for the performing arts.
Tickets for individual master classes are $20 each, and an all-access pass to all masterclasses and events will be available for $150. A reduced registration cost will be available to students and educators. Thursday evening panel discussions and interviews will be presented free of charge, and Friday evening virtual performances are “pay what you can.”
Here’s a peek at what you can expect:
Masterclass Presenters
OperaHarmony: Directing Opera in a Digital Age
Sept. 21, 7:30 p.m.
Ella Marchment, an international opera director and educator, recently launching #OperaHarmony, a global initiative creating micro-opera during the pandemic. She has worked with companies including The Royal Opera House Covent Garden, Wexford Festival Opera, Copenhagen Opera Festival, Bury Court Opera, The Juilliard School, The Royal College of Music and Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
Contemporary, Broadway Dance and Audition Q&A
Sept. 22, 7:30 p.m.
Internationally renowned Broadway and touring dance veteran Marc Holland will speak on his numerous choreographic and instructional credits that include “Cats,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Guys and Dolls” and “La Cage Aux Folles.”
Musical Theatre Audition Tips and Tricks
Sept. 23, 7:30 p.m.
Laura Leigh Turner, a North Little Rock native, will share her tips and tricks for musical theatre auditions with participants.
Text Attack – How to get the most out of your Monologue or Scene
Sept. 28, 7:30 p.m.
Ashlie Atkinson, a Little Rock native whose film, TV and stage credits include Spike Lee’s “Black Klannsman” and “Inside Man,” “Mr. Robot,” “Rescue Me,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” and numerous Broadway, Off-Broadway and regional theatre roles.
Black on the Block: William Grant Still’s Connection to Little Rock
Sept. 29, 7:30 p.m.
Jamiee and Ron Jensen-McDaniel are community musicians, classically trained vocalists and teachers based in the central Arkansas area. They are alumni of the University of Limerick, where they received their M.A.s with top honors. Currently, Jaimee teaches at the University of Central Arkansas and Ron works with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra.
Ballet and Variations
Sept. 30, 7:30 p.m.
Renato Penteado, Brazilian native, formerly a celebrated Principal Dancer with the Miami City Ballet. Renato is a highly sought-after master teacher across the USA and abroad.
Excerpts of Contemporary Repertory and Improvisation
Oct. 5, 7:30 p.m.
Mariana Oliviera is a visionary contemporary choreographer whose past credits include the New York City Ballet Choreographic Institute, Nashville Ballet, Richmond Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, Carolina Ballet, BalletX, Dayton Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, Joffrey Ballet Academy, Madison Ballet, National Choreographers Initiative and Ballet Arkansas.
Creating Your Own Work
Oct. 6, 7:30 p.m.
Chris James, North Little Rock native and award-winning spoken word poet, TED Talk speaker, playwright, educator, photographer and author. He is the founder of Arkansas’ only poetry venue and second black-owned gallery, The House of Art.
The Operatic Singer as Artist and Athlete
Oct. 7, 7:30 p.m.
Francesca Mondanaro, an internationally acclaimed dramatic soprano, has had teaching clients that include lead actors on Broadway (“Phantom of the Opera,” “Sweeney Todd National Tour”) and guest artists at Glimmerglass Opera, Vancouver Opera, Arizona Opera, Kammeroper Hannover and more.
Panel Discussions and Interviews
Potluck & Poison Ivy
Sept. 24, 7 p.m.
Dr. Guy Lancaster and Dr. Brian Mitchell will discuss the revised edition of the book “Blood in Their Eyes: The Elaine Race Massacres of 1919” with musical guest Joshua Asante.
The State of Broadway
Oct. 1, 7 p.m.
Tony Award-winning producer and Arkadelphia native Elizabeth Williams will speak on the current state of Broaday amidst the pandemic.
The Arts in Arkansas
Oct. 8, 7 p.m.
This will be a roundtable discussion with area arts organization leaders on the path forward during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
Virtual Performance Broadcasts
- Ballet Arkansas, Sept. 25 at 7:30 p.m.
- Opera in the Rock, Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m.
- Argenta Community Theater, Oct. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
For more information, all-access passes and individual registration for all events, head to the Acansa website.