As Reynolds Performance Hall at the University of Central Arkansas embarks on 25 years of remarkable productions, Executive Director Amanda Horton remains steadfast in its dedication to academic vitality, integrity and diversity. While each season is filled with artistic and inspirational programming – she notes, with great pride, the Main Stage Education Series continues to impress constituents. “Our generous season ticket-holders are often the number one advocates for this educational field trip series.” It is a collaboration that cultivates community and creates accessibility to the arts for children who might not otherwise experience the magic.
“We make it a priority to serve all students through our Main Stage Education Series.” This translates into offering kid-friendly production field trips, providing special tools for children with disabilities and more. “We created the Delta Project to break down barriers in rural areas of the state and make sure all have a seat in our theatre. For many, this is the first time they have attended a live production; it helps plant the seed for future artists, college students and patrons.”
Established in 2015 under Amanda’s leadership, the Main Stage Education Series has served more than 72,000 students across 32 Arkansas counties. Amanda explains that the university provided necessary funding for the first two years. “Today – sponsorships, private donations, grants, ticket sales and support from the Public Appearance Community Council cover all costs.” Congruent with the vision of diversity and inclusion, she realized another obstacle and created a simple solution, “We provide access for ALL students regardless of economic status.” Amanda notes that approximately 40% of tickets are donated to children who qualify for free/reduced lunches.
Each production is carefully curated to be equal parts entertainment and education, featuring subjects that blend seamlessly into current curriculums. Teachers receive supplemental resources to introduce the academic themes before the students see the show come to life on the stage. “The series is designed to ignite the imagination. With the study guides, teachers can incorporate topics into the classroom before the performance. This multifaceted experience encourages learning and retention. It helps ensure a valuable student experience.”
Throughout her childhood in Stuttgart – Amanda remembers education as a necessity, not an option. “My mother used to tell me that once you receive an education, it cannot be taken away from you. I feel the same way about the arts. All students deserve it.” It wasn’t until she was an undergraduate at the University of Central Arkansas that Amanda was introduced to the magical appeal of performance. “I absolutely loved the fanfare and storytelling and still do.” She returned to UCA and Reynolds Performance Hall in 2013 and insists every production is a new adventure. “Although I’ve never been a performer, I’ve experienced the power of the arts. Theatre opens your mind to various perspectives and delves into new ideas. The impact this program has on the youth in our state is immeasurable. It is not only creating future art lovers, but also potential future UCA Bears.”
MORE FROM AMANDA
Main Stage Education Series Inspiration
My first year as Director of Reynolds I did not make any major changes or additions to our programming. I just assessed our strengths and looked for opportunities for growth. I immediately noticed that we were serving college students, UCA faculty and staff, and our local community. However, there was a sector of the community that we did not see in the hall, children. We initially hosted a performance of Flat Stanley, a beloved children’s book character that had a stage play. The performance was on a Saturday afternoon, and we hosted a coloring contest for all of the local elementary students. The winners, around 100 kids, were given 2 free tickets to the show. When I introduced the show, I recognized the section where we had the winners and their families sitting and about half the section was empty. It was quite disheartening, and I thought about this for weeks. It occurred to me in order to make sure all children were served we should bring them in school buses as part of an educational field trip program. That’s when the seed was planted for the Main Stage Education Series. I started to research these types of programs and met with colleagues at other performing arts centers in the south to learn about best practices.
Inaugural Season
The very first show that we presented was Fancy Nancy’s Splendiferous Christmas. In the middle of the show, we had a tornado warning siren, and we had to evacuate the theatre and take students to our safe spaces. The warning passed quickly and within 10 minutes we were back in the theatre finishing the show. I did learn that if you have to evacuate a hall then it’s not a bad experience with kindergartners and first graders. They had practiced drills and were prepared. The students and teachers were so calm, and they sang Christmas carols to pass the time before we received an all clear. It was definitely not the start to the series that I expected but the day was a success regardless of the weather.
Main Stage Education Series Testimonial
Ms. Horton,
My name is Baylee Sparks and I am a second-grade teacher at Morrilton Elementary School. My class had an amazing opportunity to see Ada Twist at Reynolds Performance Hall for a field trip and it was such an exciting trip for them! Before going to the show, I used the Ada Twist, Scientist and Friends study guide to introduce my students to key concepts before attending the show. We focused on how Ada and her friends explore science and engineering to solve problems, and this inspired a hands-on classroom project where students used pipe cleaners to build their own structures. Through this activity, they learned the basics of design, stability, and creativity – essentially taking on the role of young architects. This connection helped them better understand the characters’ actions and challenges during the performance, and many excitedly recognized that they had just done something similar in class. It made the experience both meaningful and memorable.
UCA Public Appearance | Reynolds Performance Hall Season