Our Mission & History

THE ARKANSAS REPERTORY THEATRE EXISTS TO PRODUCE DIVERSE THEATRICAL WORKS OF THE HIGHEST ARTISTIC STANDARDS.

A fundamental anchor for the quality of life in Central Arkansas, The Rep creates vibrant and engaging theatrical experiences that are accessible for everyone in our community. With our work, The Rep seeks to make lives more full, more interesting, and more joyful.

Our core programming is a year-long season of 5-6 productions, freshly created for our audiences in an intimate, 340-seat theatre in downtown Little Rock. We tell stories that provide entertainment and escape, that help us process the world around us, and that foster a sense of mutual understanding. Unlike most of the ever-present electronic media, the live experiences of The Rep are distinctly theatrical–immersive and shared by the community in a public space outside of individual homes.

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