TheatreSquared garners national attention in The Wall Street Journal

Dear TheatreSquared community:

I'm thrilled to share some incredible news that underscores the impact of your generosity and commitment to TheatreSquared.

In an article in the The Wall Street Journal Saturday titled "American's Non-Profit Theaters Are Finding Ways to Thrive", T2 was singled out as one of the American regional theaters that successfully navigated the rough waters of the pandemic while currently adapting to what a post-pandemic world means in the arts.

"But in our atomized postpandemic era, theater is more necessary than ever," notes The Wall Street Journal writer Rachel Shteir. "It offers a civic space where the most complex issues of the day unfold live, in real time. Robert Ford, the founder and artistic director of TheatreSquared in Fayetteville, Ark., says that for its audience, theatergoing is more a civic relationship than a transactional one. Ticket holders hang out in “the commons,” as they call the lobby, and Ford emphasizes personally greeting people who return to the theater multiple times. The immediacy and impermanence of live performance define it as a humane and vital town square, rather than a polarizing online substitute."

(Read the full article here.)

This isn't the first time we've had the bright spotlight of The Wall Street Journal upon us—Terry Teachout reviewed our pandemic production of The Half-Life of Marie Curie in December 2020, calling it "inherently dramatic", and "beautifully staged"; TheatreSquared, said Teachout, is "an outstanding drama company clearly worthy of its fine reputation."

Our theater's resilience is a direct result of your steadfast support and belief in our vision. Together, we've not only weathered the storm but have continued to build something extraordinary that Northwest Arkansas can proudly call its own—a cultural gem that shines not just in our community but across the nation.

Thank you for standing with us and for being an essential part of the TheatreSquared family.

Warmly,

Shannon A. Jones

Executive Director