“On the contrary, those technical elements are what sealed the deal in terms of making us excited about this adaptation!” said the duo in an email exchange when asked if they felt intimidated by the prospect of pulling off an onstage avalanche, a crashing flying saucer, and aliens who take the shape of ordinary earthlings. “We love working with seemingly impossible story elements, because it forces us to find creative, theatrical solutions. If it’s too simple or straightforward, you might as well just be watching the movie. But if—instead—you have one actor playing half the town while simultaneously operating a flying saucer on a fishing pole, suddenly it’s a unique, theatrical experience that really has to be witnessed live in a theater.”

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The research is clear: integrating theater arts into a regular school curriculum can have concrete benefits. According to the American Alliance for Theatre and Education, theater involvement improves academic performance and performance on standardized tests; increases student engagement and attendance; improves reading comprehension; builds self-esteem; and helps bridge the “achievement gap”. Given the research, are we doing enough in Arkansas to help fund the performing arts in our public schools?

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It can be hard for adults to find opportunities that help them dust off their thinking caps and polish their competitive edges, but starting August 24, TheatreSquared’s adult classes in acting and improvisation are the perfect prescription to help get you out of your comfort zone and into a fun, energetic learning environment.

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When a group of artists in Springdale realized they weren’t seeing their own faces—and the faces of their family and friends—represented in the arts and culture scene of Northwest Arkansas, they decided to do something about it—and around 2016, the LatinX Theatre Project was born. Initially, it was going to be a year-long project created by a group of friends looking for a creative outlet; but, says co-founder Martin Garay, the overwhelmingly enthusiastic reception they received from the community convinced them to stick around for a while. Six years later, they’re still going strong. Their devised project, “El Camiòn de Ensueño”, is featured at this year’s Arkansas New Play Festival, and Garay says he hopes the organization’s success will help other members of the community see themselves reflected in the vibrant NWA arts scene.

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