Argenta Contemporary Theatre was founded in 2010 by Vincent Insalaco and Judy Tenenbaum — originally named the Argenta Community Theater. ACT has made a name for itself as a destination for local theater at a very high quality. Thousands of audience members have been treated to professional quality performances produced by friends and neighbors from right here in Central Arkansas.

ACT’s inaugural production, Cabaret, was produced in 2012, with direction by Bob Hupp, then the producing artistic director of the Arkansas Repertory Theatre. ACT has gone on to produce well-received and critically acclaimed musicals and plays, including the world premiere stage adaptation of the Academy Award-winning film Mrs. Miniver in 2015, the original musical During Wind and Rain in 2017, and a yearly production of an original adaptation of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. Argenta has made a name for itself as a destination for outstanding theatre, but that is just one facet of our varied mission.

The Argenta Contemporary Theatre also conducts a robust education outreach program, with our ACTing Up summer camp being the flagship. Beginning in 2014, students from across Central Arkansas have gathered for a two-week summer intensive in acting, music, dance, and film at our signature educational program. Over the years our educational program has expanded to include the PACT scholarship program in conjunction with the University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College, the ACT II program for adult theatrical education, and our daytime student Lunch & Learn matinee performances for area students.

ACT also seeks to collaborate with area non-profit organizations, artistic institutions, and charitable endeavors to further enrich the community we inhabit and serve. Over the years, we have partnered with organizations like Arkansas Enterprises for the Developmentally Disabled, SeisPuentes, the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Thea Foundation, ACANSA Arts Festival of the South, Opera in the Rock, Laman Library, and many, many more. Here at Argenta, we believe that our collaboration with these and many other organizations doing great work in Central Arkansas allows all of us to expand our reach to serve those who need it most.

In honor of ACT’s co-founder and matriarch, and to mark the organization’s tenth year, Judy Kohn Tenenbaum’s name was officially added to our name.

In 2024, the organization’s name was given another update — from the Argenta Community Theater to Argenta Contemporary Theatre — making our official name today the Judy Kohn Tenenbaum Argenta Contemporary Theatre. The decision to adopt our new name reflects the organization’s expansive growth, new education programming, and our commitment to advancing the performing arts within and beyond the community. While our history began on Main Street in the heart of North Little Rock, ACT’s influence has grown far beyond our initial community to reach people in every corner of the state and even further afield. This expansion includes engagement with industry professionals who wish to teach, participate, and support our educational, and production efforts.