Our Mission & History

The Arkansas Repertory Theatre creates vibrant, engaging, and accessible theatrical experiences to make the lives of all Central Arkansans more full, more connected, and more joyful.

The Rep embraces the myriad, multi-faceted backgrounds of our community, and prioritizes inclusion on and off our stages.  We seek to represent diverse perspectives, using art to explore our world through the lens of others’ experiences. We want our work to be enjoyed by all, regardless of one’s familiarity with the artform, and regardless of one’s ability to pay.

Our core programming includes a season of freshly created productions, performed at our downtown Little Rock facilities – including a 340-seat auditorium and 100-seat black box space – or around our broader community.  We tell stories that provide entertainment and escape, that help us process the world around us, and that foster a sense of mutual understanding.  The live experiences of The Rep are distinctly theatrical – immersive and shared, in real time, by the community in a public space.

In conjunction with our season of productions, The Rep aspires to capture the collective imagination and build community by embracing the art of theatre in all its forms.  We recognize the unique ability of theatrical activities to improve mental well-being and emotional development. We strive to celebrate and develop the artistry of community members regardless of their age or experience.  We provide a platform for the sharing of varied human experiences to drive community conversations.  And we seek out collaborations with, and make our resources accessible to, like-minded community organizations.

WHERE WE BEGAN

Since our founding in 1976, we have maintained the highest artistic standards. Our vibrant history includes award-winning artists — both local and from across the country — with a focus on celebrating artists and works with connections to our community.

MEMBERS OF THE REP’S ORIGINAL ACTING COMPANY & STAFF
(pictured from left to right):

Craig Fuller, Phyllis Blumenfeld, Ron Aulgur, Cliff Baker (Founder/Producing Artistic Director), Lynn Frazier (Office Manager/Controller) Janine LeMay, Jeanne Hendrickson, David Eubanks (volunteer), Bob Boles, Scott Edmonds, Jane Mooney (General Manager), Guy Couch, Ken Klingenmeier

Founded by Cliff Fannin Baker, the Arkansas Repertory Theatre opened in the former Hunter Memorial Methodist Church at East 11th and McMath Streets. Its first production, The Threepenny Opera, was performed in November 1976. The Rep mounted 243 productions under Cliff’s creative leadership.

(pictured): Cliff Baker, August: Osage County 2015