ARGENTA CONTEMPORARY THEATRE TO EXPAND EDUCATION CLASSES WITH OPENING OF THE BENSON/MCADAMS ARGENTA CONTEMPORARY THEATRE ACADEMY
Where creativity meets inspiration.
Argenta Contemporary Theatre (ACT) is thrilled to announce the expansion of its performing arts education program with the opening of The Benson/McAdams Argenta Contemporary Theatre Academy. This new academy is named in honor of retired North Little Rock High School drama teachers Pris Benson and Carol Ann McAdams, who have inspired countless students over the years through their dedication and passion for the performing arts.
The Benson/McAdams ACT Academy will be located next door to Argenta Contemporary Theatre’s main location at 401 Main Street inside the top floor of the Thea Foundation building. The 3700 square foot academy will offer a wide range of classes, camps and workshops designed to nurture and develop the talents of aspiring actors, singers and dancers. From beginner courses to advanced training, the academy aims to provide comprehensive after school and summer classes for students of all ages and skill levels.
The establishment of this academy has been made possible through the generous contributions of donors Pat Carlton of Little Rock, Dr. Tucker and Laura Patterson of Sheridan, and Bob Bidewell of Little Rock. Their unwavering support and commitment to the arts have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life.
“We are incredibly grateful to our donors, who are also our friends and advisors, for their support in making The Benson/McAdams Argenta Contemporary Theatre Academy a reality,” said ACT Director of Development Alyson Courtney. “Pat Carlton wanted to recognize the legacies of Pris Benson and Carol Ann McAdams, and it is fitting that this academy, which will shape the future of performing arts in our region, bears their names.”
Additionally, in recognition of the significant contributions of the Pattersons and Bidewell, students will take dance inside the TLM Dance Studio and vocal training inside The Bob Bidewell Music Studio.
ACT Director of Education Bridget Davis is currently programming new classes for the academy this fall. “The staff and I have been dreaming about this for more than a year and it is humbling to have such esteemed donors stepping up to help us make that dream a reality,” said Davis. “We are beyond excited for the hundreds of young artists who are going to get to imagine a future in the arts and on the stage that wasn’t possible before. Also, because of longtime, generous supporters including Karla & Will Feland, the City of North Little Rock, Pulaski County and Sharon Heflin, no student will ever be turned away because of the inability to pay tuition and we will be able to hire qualified teaching artists who can set our students up for long term success.
ACT currently holds performing arts classes in ACT II The Sharon Heflin Performing Arts Education Center located at 315 Main Street in North Little Rock. ACT II will remain a black box theater, rehearsal space and will continue to host education workshops.
“Every class feels like a front-row seat to pure joy and I absolutely love being part of their journey under the spotlight!”
– Bridget Davis, ACT Director of Education
