School of Literary and Performing Arts - News - ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Presents “Peter and the Starcatcher” Oct. 23-26

Bobbie Handcock — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 18:00:00 +0000

NOTE: This article has been updated. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the opening night of “Peter and the Starcatcher” has been moved to Oct. 23. If you had tickets for the Oct. 22 performance, please reserve tickets for one of the remaining showtimes using the link below.

The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock School of Literary and Performing Arts invites audiences to set sail for adventure with its production of “Peter and the Starcatcher,” running Oct. 23–26, in the University Theatre. Admission is free; however, .

Packed with swashbuckling pirates, clever orphans, and more, this Tony Award-winning play reimagines the century-old story of how a miserable orphan boy becomes the legendary Peter Pan.

“‘Peter and the Starcatcher’ is ensemble storytelling at its best,” said Stacy Pendergraft, SLPA’s producing artistic director, who will direct the play. “The imaginative challenge for actors in terms of physicality and swashbuckling style is significant. It’s quite a romp of a show, a playful, heartwarming story celebrating the power of friendship and human connection.”

Audiences will be transported to a world of adventure, friendship, and discovery as they watch an orphan boy and his friends battle greedy pirates and uncover the mysteries of Neverland. With its inventive staging and quick-witted humor, the play captures the timeless magic of growing up and the joy of holding on to childhood wonder.

Performance Schedule:

Evening Performances: October 23–24 at 7:30 p.m.

Matinee Performances: October 25 and 26 at 2:30 p.m.

All performances will be held in the University Theatre on the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock campus.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock students starring in the production include Angelino Juario, Danielle Arum, Madisyn Thomas, Diego Ladino, Marionna Parker, Tory Williams, Maxx Hodges, Ty Waller, Alexis McCalister, Bannon Jones, Cooper Sykes, Levey Saintil, and Jennifer Ben.

The SLPA team and students have been rehearsing for the shows since September. Under the musical direction of Lorissa Mason with choreography by Caelon Colbert, the production features scenic design by Karen Dauenhauer with technical direction by Robert Warner. Reign Venture provides puppet design, with costumes by Don Bolinger and Verda Davenport-Booher, lighting by Mike Stacks, and sound by Gideon Brewer. Guest artist Xander Udochi serves as fight coordinator.

Shows are free and open to the public, but . For more information, contact Colbert at cdcolbert@ualr.edu or 501-916-3291.

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CHASSE Announces November Events

Bobbie Handcock — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 19:04:09 +0000

The College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (CHASSE) at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock has announced its scheduled events for November during the fall 2025 semester. The lineup of events for the remainder of the semester can be found on the college’s website.

Department of History

Evenings with History: “Selling America on Independence: The 1950 Savings Bond Drive and its Replica Liberty Bells” with Kristin Mann

��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Evenings with History series will continue on Nov. 11 with a fascinating lecture by Dr. Kristin Mann, professor of history, titled “Selling America on Independence: The 1950 Savings Bond Drive and its Replica Liberty Bells.” The presentation will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the Ottenheimer Auditorium at the Historic Arkansas Museum, with refreshments served at 7 p.m.

Mann’s talk will explore how the U.S. Treasury Department’s Independence Bond Drive of 1950 used patriotic symbols, including newly cast replica Liberty Bells, to promote savings bonds and American ideals. Working with the copper industry, the Treasury produced exact replicas of the Liberty Bell for each U.S. state and territory. Cast in France, shipped to the United States, and mounted on Navy trucks, the bells toured the country between May 15 and July 4, 1950, celebrating national identity and economic strength.

Arkansas’s replica Liberty Bell later became part of the Bicentennial Memorial at the Arkansas State Capitol in 1975. Mann’s lecture will examine how this campaign reflected broader themes of politics, economics, culture, and American identity in the early Cold War era. The event is free and open to the public.

School of Art and Design

Naima Green: Seismic Feelings Exhibit on Display Nov. 3-Dec. 8

The exhibition, “Naima Green: Seismic Feelings,” is on display from Nov. 3–Dec 8 in the Focus Gallery. Green, the Windgate Center Artist-in-Residence for the fall 2025 semester, is an artist and educator whose photography examines the nature of intimacy, sensuality, and self-recognition.

Her work documents individuals and communities in relationship to place and pleasure, synthesizing archival research with conversations and oral histories to create images that serve as “kinetic, living histories.” A reception will be held for Green in the main lobby of the Windgate Center from 5-7 p.m. on Nov. 20.

Holiday Art Sale and Open House Nov. 7

The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock School of Art and Design will host its 2025 Holiday Sale and Open House from 3-8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, in the Windgate Center of Art + Design.

The annual community event showcases one-of-a-kind work by students, alumni, faculty, and staff, featuring a diverse range of media, including drawings, prints, photography, illustration, jewelry, ceramics, textiles, sculpture, furniture, and graphic design. Organizers expect 60 to 70 artists to participate.

Studios across the Windgate Center will be open for self-guided tours, giving guests a behind-the-scenes look at student workspaces and processes. Additional highlights include:

Utopia Deli on-site outdoors
A student-organized Pop-Up Gallery in Room 234
Make-and-take activities for kids (and kids at heart) in Room 220
A festive photo booth
New decorations created by illustration students

“We are really excited to share our space with the community, and we can’t wait for the community to see what our students and alumni have been working on,” said Kristi Crow, administrative analyst for the School of Art and Design. “Follow us on Instagram at @ualrart for a sneak peek at items that will be available for sale.”

Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Kristi Crow at kncrow@ualr.edu or 501-916-5101.

Nicole Seisler-Some Truths About Clay Exhibition on View Nov. 7-Dec. 12

��Vlog��ý Little Rock will present “Nicole Seisler-Some Truths About Clay,” an exhibition by ceramic artist Nicole Seisler, from Nov. 7 to Dec. 12 in the North and South Galleries of the Windgate Center of Art and Design.

Seisler is known for her experimental and conceptual approach to ceramics that challenges traditional techniques and perspectives. Her work has been exhibited and presented at institutions including the California College of the Arts, Otis College of Art and Design, University of Florida, Ashoka University in India, Berkeley Art Center, and the Wignall Museum.

A graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (MFA) and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (BFA), Seisler has taught ceramics for more than a decade at universities across the country. She is the founder and director of A-B Projects, a space dedicated to exhibitions and alternative education in conceptual ceramics, and an assistant professor and head of ceramics at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon.

School of Literary and Performing Arts

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Percussion Ensemble to Present “Something New” Fall Concert

The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Percussion Ensemble will present its annual Fall Percussion Concert, titled “Something New,” on Tuesday, Nov. 4, from 7:30-9 p.m. at the Arkansas Repertory Theater in downtown Little Rock.

The concert will feature an evening of rhythmic energy and musical exploration, showcasing works by Steve Reich, Eckhard Kopetzki Pawassar, David Cole, and Alex Flannigan. The program highlights the ensemble’s creativity, precision, and range of percussion styles. In addition to the ensemble’s performance, the Trojan Steel Band will take the stage with a lively selection of traditional Calypso tunes, adding an upbeat Caribbean flair to the evening.

Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Dr. Justin Bunting at jbunting@ualr.edu

Dr. Justin Bunting to Present Faculty Percussion Recital Nov. 6

Little Rock will present a faculty recital by Dr. Justin Bunting, associate professor of percussion, on Thursday, Nov. 6, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. at the Arkansas Repertory Theater.

The recital will feature an engaging program of solo percussion works, including the world premiere of Bunting’s newly composed marimba solo. Additional selections include Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1 arranged for marimba, a piece for solo children’s deskbells, and works by Michael Burritt, Ivan Trevino, and Blake Tyson.

Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Dr. Justin Bunting at jbunting@ualr.edu.

Dr. Michael Underwood to Perform Faculty Recital Nov. 10

��Vlog��ý Little Rock will host a faculty recital by Dr. Michael Underwood, instructor of music, from 7:30-9 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10, in the Haislip Theatre at the Center for Performing Arts.

The performance will feature an evening of dynamic and expressive music highlighting Underwood’s versatility as both a low brass performer and jazz artist. His program will blend classical, contemporary, and jazz influences, offering audiences a diverse showcase of his musicianship and creative range.

Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Underwood at mpunderwood@ualr.edu.

Visiting Writers Series Features Brian Turner

Celebrated American poet, essayist, and U.S. Army veteran Brian Turner, will speak Friday, Nov. 14, from 2-3 p.m. in the Fine Arts Building, Gallery 1. Turner will offer a poetry reading, followed by Q&A and a book signing as part of the School of Literary and Performing Arts Visiting Writers Series. During his visit, Turner, who is the founding director of the University of Nevada, Reno Low-Residency MFA in Creative Writing, will also meet with students of creative writing at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.

Turner is the author of five collections of poetry (from Here, Bullet to The Wild Delight of Wild Things) and a memoir (My Life as a Foreign Country), and is the editor of The Kiss and co-editor of The Strangest of Theatres anthologies. His poems and essays have been published in The New York Times, The Guardian, National Geographic, Harper’s, among other journals, and he was featured in the documentary film Operation Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience, which was nominated for an Academy Award. A Guggenheim Fellow, he has received a USA Hillcrest Fellowship in Literature, the Amy Lowell Traveling Fellowship, the Poets’ Prize, and a Fellowship from the Lannan Foundation.

Sponsored by the Cooper Honors in English Program, this event is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Heather Hummel, creative writing faculty, at hkhummel@ualr.edu or Dr. Kris McAbee, SLPA director, at kxmcabee@ualr.edu.

Festival Featuring Senior Capstone Performance set for Nov. 18-19

Join us for the Kerry Kennedy Foundation Festival of New Student Work, an inspiring evening of original and directed works as senior theatre students present their capstone projects. Sponsored by the Kerry Kennedy Aspiring Playwright Endowment, the festival will be held Nov. 18-19 at 7:30 p.m., in the University Theatre at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.

This year’s showcase features Kenshi Lewis, who has written and directed an original piece titled “The Mistake,” and Jaye Bottom, who is directing “The Most Massive Woman Wins” by Madeleine George. Each performance reflects the artists’ unique vision and marks a defining moment in their transition from students to emerging professionals.

Experience two powerful works, performed back to back each evening, that celebrate storytelling, risk-taking, and the next generation of theatre makers.

Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Caelon Colbert, SLPA coordinating assistant at cdcolbert@ualr.edu.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Jazz Ensemble to Perform Nov. 19

The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Jazz Ensemble will present its fall concert from 7:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, in Morgan Hall at the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra building.

Under the direction of Dr. Michael Underwood, the ensemble will perform an exciting program featuring a blend of classic and contemporary jazz. The concert will include a dynamic mix of swing, blues, and modern jazz styles, showcasing the group’s creativity, precision, and improvisational talent.

Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Underwood at mpunderwood@ualr.edu.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Wind and Chamber Ensemble to Perform Nov. 20

Join the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Wind and Chamber Ensemble for Defying Gravity, an evening of powerful and imaginative music celebrating the spirit of flight, freedom, and transformation. The concert will be held on Thursday, Nov. 20 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the University Theatre, Center for Performing Arts. The program will feature This Cruel Moon by John Mackey, Open Space by Brian Balmages, Selections from Wicked by Stephen Schwartz (arr. Bocook), and Berceuse and Finale from Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite (arr. Longfield).

In a playful nod to the release of Wicked Part 2 hitting theaters the same day, the Modern Band will also perform Gravity by John Mayer, bringing a contemporary edge to the program.

Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Dr. Nick Doshier at ndoshier@ualr.edu.

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CHASSE Announces October Events

Justin Bates — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 13:36:07 +0000

The College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (CHASSE) at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock has announced its October events for fall 2025. A full calendar for the semester is available on the college’s website.

A Reading with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock alumnus Jared Lemus — Visiting Writers Series & Equinox Launch Reception

The English program will host the Fall 2025 semester’s Visiting Writers Series Lecture, which is free and open to the public, on Oct. 3 at 2 p.m. Author Jared Lemus will share insights into his craft in Gallery 1 in the Fine Arts Building.

Jared Lemus is the author of the short story collection, “Guatemalan Rhapsody,” published with Ecco-HarperCollins on March 4. His debut novel is forthcoming with Ecco-HarperCollins. Lemus’s work has appeared in the Atlantic, Story, the Pinch, and the Kenyon Review, among others. He holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Pittsburgh and is currently the Kenan Visiting Writer at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Equinox, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s undergraduate literary magazine is celebrating the release of its newest issue! Join us for a student reading and party at 3pm, following the Jared Lemus lecture in Gallery 1 in the Fine Arts Building.

Evenings with History — “Spooky Season: Monsters in History”

To kick off the 2025-26 Evenings with History lecture series, four faculty members will explore how cultures have imagined monsters and what those stories reveal at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Arkansas Historic Museum (200 E. Third St.) in Little Rock. The speakers include

Michael Heil: Undead in medieval England
Katrina Yeaw: Jinn in the Islamic world
Hannah Anderson: The Jersey Devil and early American politics
Yi Ren: The fox spirit in late imperial China

Light refreshments will be served at 7 p.m., and the lecture will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Ottenheimer Auditorium. This event is free and open to the public.

More details regarding the Evenings with History series, as well as detailed descriptions of the lectures, can be found on the Department of History’s website. For additional information, contact Dr. Michael Heil at mwheil@ualr.edu.

Wind and Chamber Ensemble Concert

Dr. Nickolas Doshier, the director of music education at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, will lead the October Wind and Chamber Ensemble Concert at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at Arkansas Repertory Theatre, 601 Main St, Little Rock. The concert is free and open to the public.

Lauren DiCioccio — “Soft Skills”

An exhibition by artist Lauren DiCioccio will open Oct. 16 in the Windgate Center of Art and Design. The exhibit, “Lauren DiCioccio: Soft Skills,” will feature DiCioccio’s fiber work and small abstract sculptures. Her work will be on display in the Ann Maners and Alex Pappas Gallery through Dec. 8.

The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Art Gallery is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and closed on holidays. The Windgate Center of Art and Design is located at 5617 W. 28th St., Little Rock. For more information, email Gallery Director Brian Young at byoung2@ualr.edu or call 501-916-5117.

2025 Student Competitive Exhibition

��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s School of Art and Design is hosting its 2025 Annual Student Competitive, a juried exhibition open to any student enrolled in a School of Art and Design studio course.

The annual student show runs Oct. 20–Nov. 7 in the Ann Maners and Alex Pappas Gallery in the Windgate Center of Art and Design. An awards show and reception is scheduled from 2-4 p.m. Nov. 7.

The Annual Student Competitive will feature work in drawing, painting, printmaking, graphic design, photography, illustration, textiles, metals, sculpture, ceramics, and furniture. Kevin Cole will serve as the juror/curator for the show.

NPR Tiny Desk Contest: Arkansas Showcase 2025

Little Rock Public Radio, in collaboration with Arkansas NPR affiliate stations K��Vlog��ýF and KASU, will host the third annual NPR Tiny Desk Contest: Arkansas Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 18, at The Hall, 721 W. 9th St., Little Rock.

Doors open at 5 p.m., while the show begins at 6 p.m. This vibrant event shines a spotlight on emerging local musicians, featuring the top three Arkansas entrants selected from NPR’s national Tiny Desk Contest.

More than 50 artists from across the state submitted performances for consideration, representing genres from folk to hip-hop. This year’s showcase will feature Sarah Lily of Bella Vista, Mildenhall of Fayetteville, and Maestro3000 of Jonesboro.

“Each year, it’s inspiring to see more musicians entering the contest and raising the bar with their songwriting, musicianship, and unique voices,” said Grace Zafasi, director of development at Little Rock Public Radio. “Arkansas has an incredible depth of talent, and if you love music and are looking to discover your next favorite artist, Tiny Desk is the perfect place to find them.”

The Arkansas Showcase expands opportunities for musicians and communities alike, forging connections between artists, fans, public media, and civic stakeholders. This event continues to grow as Little Rock Public Radio strengthens its commitment to elevating local talent.

For more information and to purchase tickets, .

Applied Communication Leadership Lecture Series with Nathan Jeffers, CARTI

��Vlog��ý Little Rock welcomes its very own alumnus Nathan Jeffers for the Department of Applied Communication’s Fall 2025 Leadership Lecture, “More Than a Message: Building Culture Through Brand & Ethics.”

Jeffers is the director of marketing and public relations for CARTI, a not-for-profit multidisciplinary cancer care provider with 18 locations across the state and the state’s first cancer-focused surgery center. Before joining CARTI, he oversaw marketing and business development for a Central Arkansas-based specialty hospital.

He will explore how brand identity, ethical leadership, and organizational culture are deeply connected. When words and actions align, organizations build lasting trust and clarity, both internally and externally. Drawing on practical leadership insights and real-world examples, this session examines how values-based communication, recognition systems, and ethical consistency can shape a stronger, more unified culture. Attendees will leave with questions to reflect on, and strategies to help ensure that what their organization says is genuinely lived every day.

The presentations, which are free and open to the public, highlight research and work done by faculty and alumni in the areas of communication, management, and leadership. The presentation will be held on Zoom from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 21.

To sign up to attend the presentation, visit . For more information, contact the Department of Applied Communication at 501-916-3158.

Theatre Production — “Peter and the Starcatcher”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Theatre will present its season opener, “Peter and the Starcatcher,” Oct. 22-26 in University Theater, Center for Performing Arts.

This swashbuckling prequel to Peter Pan, the-boy-who-wouldn’t-grow-up, is rich in stage magic, off-the-wall humor and touching sincerity as it takes us on a voyage to an island where dreams are born and time is never planned. In this imaginative play with music, actors transform into sailors, pirates, mollusks and more through ensemble storytelling. Winner of Five 2012 Tony Awards.

Evening performances are 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22-24; matinees are 2:30 p.m. Oct. 25-26. The event is free and open to the public. Tickets may be reserved .

Choirs Concert — “Solace: Music for Choir and Cello”

Join the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Choirs for an evening of harmony and reflection as they present Solace, a concert exploring the profound beauty of nature and the human spirit.

This unique program blends the rich textures of choral music with the soulful sounds of the cello, featuring a special collaboration with guest artist Joanna Klett on cello.

This concert will take place Oct. 27 at the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. The event is free and open to the public. The performance will begin at 7:30 p.m.

For additional information regarding the above events, contact Dr. Lorissa Mason at ldmason@ualr.edu.

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��Vlog��ý Little Rock Announces New Leadership Positions in College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 13:00:00 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has announced three new leadership appointments within the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (CHASSE) that reflect a continued commitment to academic excellence and creative innovation.

Kiel Thorlton has been named director of the School of Mass Communication, while Dr. Kris McAbee has been appointed permanent director of the School of Literary and Performing Arts. Additionally, Stacy Pendergraft has been named artistic director of the School of Literary and Performing Arts.

“These faculty leaders bring a wealth of talent, vision, and experience to their new roles,” said Dr. Jeremy Ecke, interim dean of CHASSE. “Their leadership will strengthen our programs and elevate opportunities for students and faculty across the college.”

Thorlton, an associate professor of mass communication, is an award-winning writer and director whose feature film, “A Place Called Home,” has been distributed globally. He has just finished filming his latest feature film, “Before We Knew.” He is leading a dynamic program of about 200 students known for its emphasis on hands-on student learning in media, journalism, and film production.

“The Mass Communication program is a vibrant hands-on department focused on student growth, hands-on learning, and innovation,” Thorlton said. “It’s an honor to help guide our department into a bright future.”

McAbee, an associate professor of English, specializes in Shakespeare and early modern popular culture. She has served as interim co-director of the School of Literary and Performing Arts since its creation in 2022. The school includes programs in music, theater, and English, which collectively offer classes that enroll more than 500 individual students each semester. In her new role as permanent director, McAbee will continue building interdisciplinary bridges that connect students to diverse creative and professional pathways.

“I’m deeply honored to continue leading the School of Literary and Performing Arts,” McAbee said. “This school is built on the belief that creativity, scholarship, and performance are essential to a well-rounded education. It’s rewarding to support our faculty in their innovative efforts to empower students through the meaningful study of literature, creative writing, music, and theatre. The recent evolution in our leadership roles is a prime example. With the critical new position of artistic director, we have a dedicated leader who develops and brings to life the school’s creative vision by overseeing our numerous events and productions. I look forward to our continued partnership as we enter a fourth year of growth and invention.”

Pendergraft, an associate professor specializing in directing, performance, and human simulation, will take on the new role of artistic director of the School of Literary and Performing Arts, leading the school’s overall creative identity and mission.

A seasoned director, actor, and educator, Pendergraft has directed numerous acclaimed productions at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and beyond, and has fostered collaborative partnerships with organizations such as ��Vlog��ýMS, FBI, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock School of Nursing, CHI St. Vincent’s, Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Children’s Theatre, Actors’ Theatre of Little Rock, and the Arkansas Repertory Theatre. She served alongside McAbee as interim co-director of the School of Literary and Performing Arts for the past three years.

“As a school, we are uniquely positioned to offer high-impact artistic experiences across three disciplines, allowing creatives of diverse backgrounds opportunities to interact, challenge, and learn from each other,” Pendergraft said. “As artistic director, it’s exciting to work alongside Dr. McAbee as well as our exceptional faculty and staff to produce vibrant work that both engages and inspires our students and our community.”

Together, these leadership changes position CHASSE for continued growth and innovation in the arts, humanities, communication, and education.

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��Vlog��ý Little Rock Music Students Compete at the National Association of Teachers Competition

Rian Newman — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Music students from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock traveled to the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville for the National Association of Teachers of Singing Competition (NATS).

This competition and conference, held from Feb. 28 to March 1, is a culmination of talent from across the state of Arkansas. It allows students to not only compete with others but is a place for them to learn and improve their singing abilities.

The students compete in a variety of categories, such as musical theatre and classical music. They can attend master classes where they learn from professional singers and teachers. There are even recitals performed by professional singers that showcase a range of musical genres.

“It was a great learning experience,” said Analise McKenzie, music student. “It was an honor, and there was such an encouraging spirit from the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students! I work with Professor Kristina Buck, and without her training, I would not be where I am now!”

Six singers made it as finalists in the competition. They are:

Lexi Anderson – 1st Place, Younger Student Adult Classical – Treble
Valerisse Bell-Ovwioumoriemu – 3rd Place, Upper Non-Traditional Adult Classical Treble, and 1st Place, Musical Theatre
Donavon Lloyd – 1st Place, Upper Non-Traditional Adult Musical Theatre Tenor, Bass, Baritone (TBB)
Analise McKenzie – 2nd Place, Third Year Lower Classical Treble
Evan Smith – 1st Place, Third Year Lower Musical Theatre TBB
Joshua Warren – 1st Place, Upper Non-Traditional Adult Classical TBB
JT Watford – 1st Place, Adult Avocational Musical Theatre TBB, and 1st Place, Adult Avocational Classical TBB

Semifinalists of the competition were Julia Branton, Mary Conley, Victoria Gardner, Kaitlyn Kendrick, Avery Litton, and Madisyn Thomas. Other students who participated in the competition included Lyndsey Abbott, Kennis Ellis, Georgia Geren, and Bricen Green.

“This is my third time participating in NATS. I now hold five certificates from placing all three of the years that I’ve gone,” said Valerisse Bell-Ovwioumoriemu, voice student of Diane Kesling. “I love having the opportunity to receive affirmations and confirmation from other vocal instructors who judge my performances. Their notes are very helpful and beneficial to my vocal studies.”

Voice professors Diane Kesling, Don Brazile, and Kristina Buck were also in attendance, supporting their students.

“Professor Kesling, Professor Brazile, and I are so proud of all the hard work and dedication our students have put into this event,” Buck said. “The music area is fast growing, and it’s exciting to see the growth and success that all of our music students are accomplishing.”

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School of Literary and Performing Arts Launches Hands-On Simulation Course

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 13:00:00 +0000

The School of Literary and Performing Arts at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is advancing student professionalization and community collaboration through an innovative curriculum focused on simulation-based learning.

The first course, “Special Topics in Simulation and Therapeutic Uses of the Performing Arts,” was created by Stacy Pendergraft, the producing artistic director of the school.

The spring 2025 pilot involved student participation in real-world simulation scenarios with on-campus and external partners such as the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (��Vlog��ýMS), the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock School of Nursing, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Arkansas State Police, Arkansas Repertory Theatre, the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, and CHI St. Vincent.

“After planning this course for the past few semesters, it’s been a joy to see it come to fruition,” Pendergraft said. “The course’s success relies on collaboration, and we are grateful to work with such wonderful partners at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and in the local community.”

Among the course’s early projects, the students acted as patients for mental health training simulations in the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock School of Nursing’s Simulation Lab.

“My background in theatre has helped me understand how to play a character in order to advance a story,” said Maxx Hodges, a student in the special topics course. “Knowing how to ‘sit’ in another mindset while still being myself has helped me assist learners in simulation attain their learning objectives, and it has also helped me give valuable communication feedback once the simulation is completed.”

Later in the semester, students participated in a day-long exercise for the Regional Crisis Negotiation Course hosted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Arkansas State Police. Involving 22 law enforcement agencies from across the state, the simulation gave students the opportunity to portray individuals in high-stakes crisis scenarios and allowed officers to hone their response and communication skills.

The course has also incorporated work in drama therapy and emergency preparedness. In collaboration with the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Tamra Patterson Calamese, the director of community, learning, and public programs, led a two-week unit on drama therapy that offered insight into the therapeutic aspects of their performance.

“Truthfully rendered simulation portrayal can also elicit emotional reactions and foster a ‘safe place’ for learners to train communication skills in high stakes circumstances,” said Cooper Sikes, a student in the course. “It’s been so meaningful to apply my theatre skills in simulation and to actually have an impact on the way responders communicate in high stakes or emergency situations.”

An additional aspect of the course was a simulation for the FAA-mandated Triennial Full-Scale Exercise at the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, which was focused on enhancing readiness and emergency responsiveness.

The course concluded with students participating as scenario actors and providing specialty make-up effects for the CHI St. Vincent Mass Casualty Incident training.

Students joined forces with MEMS and CHI St. Vincent Emergency Department healthcare providers in a simulation that gave participants the opportunity to train with Pulsara, a communications and logistics platform that can be used in mass casualty emergencies.

Through this hands-on approach to curriculum, the School of Literary and Performing Arts continues to offer immersive experiences for its students while strengthening community partnerships across Little Rock.

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��Vlog��ý Little Rock Choirs Presents ‘Beautiful Wild Forces’

Rian Newman — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 13:30:49 +0000

The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Choirs will be showcasing their talent in their finale concert on Friday, May 2, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Edward Catholic Church on 801 Sherman St. in Little Rock. It is free and open to the public.

This concert will feature all four choral ensembles – Concert Choir, Women’s Choir, Chamber Singers, and Night Shift, as well as soloists and instrumentalists. The program will have selections by composers Levente Gyöngyösi, Johann Sebastian Bach, and Jake Runestad.

The concert marks a celebratory conclusion for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Choirs’ spring semester.

Last year, the choir focused on music from the traditional choral canon, but this year the concert will be less focused on traditional choral repertoire. The music is primarily for choirs and string instruments.

To prepare for this concert, the ensembles rehearse on a weekly schedule similar to classes all around campus.

“I work on layering in all the elements of the music in rehearsal so that singers are comfortable with the music,” Dr. Lorissa Mason, director of choral activities, said. “The text becomes part of our identity as an ensemble, and we have meaningful conversations about the meaning behind the music. It is important to internalize the music fully in order to have a compelling performance.”

This concert is a collaboration between a diverse group of guest performers. It will feature a string quartet of professional instrumentalists from Central Arkansas. Also, the Women’s Choir will be performing a piece with the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Percussion Ensemble.

Mason is excited to perform in a new and beautiful space.

“I am most looking forward to performing this variety of music in the wonderful acoustic space at Saint Edward Catholic Church,” she said. “It is a lovely place to sing, and I enjoy experiencing music in new venues with our students.”

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��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Kerry Kennedy Aspiring Playwright Endowment Brings Opportunities to Theatre Students

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 13:00:00 +0000

With support from the Kerry Kennedy Aspiring Playwright Endowment, the School of Literary and Performing Arts is hosting two unique events this semester.

Associate Professor of Theatre Arts Dr. Lawrence Smith and the school will present Kerry Kennedy’s play, “The Last Beautiful Words,” at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 11 at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Downtown.

The week following the play reading, six juniors and seniors in the School of Literary and Performing Arts will perform their joint capstone project, “Vesitiga: Fragments of Us” on April 17-19 at 7:30 p.m. in Haislip Theatre.

The project was created, designed, and produced by the students under the mentorship of Jimmy Maize, a member of the . The performances mark the culmination of Tectonic Theater Project’s second year in residency at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.

“For over three decades, Tectonic Theater Project has been dedicated to creating theatrically innovative and formally groundbreaking works through a unique method called ‘Moment Work,’” Maize said. “As one of its co-developers, I am always thrilled to collaborate with young artists who are using this method to explore material and topics that resonate deeply with them. Witnessing the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students from the School of Literary and Performing Arts channel their creativity into crafting this new piece of theater has been an absolute delight.”

The continued development of the Kerry Kennedy Aspiring Playwright Endowment allows hands-on, collaborative projects such as these to continue in the future. Since 2006, the endowment has supported residencies, student mentorship, and annual school events, including the Fringe Festival of New Student Work. Approaching its 25th year, the endowment recently received a $50,000 donation from Dr. Keith Kennedy, Kerry’s brother.

Kennedy was a playwright, dancer, and a screenwriter for a number of television pictures. Including “The Last Beautiful Words,” her short stories, unproduced plays, and screenplays are part of an archival collection at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Center for Arkansas History and Culture, and the April 11 event is a continuation of the partnership between the school and ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Downtown.

“It is a privilege to be part of Kerry Kennedy’s legacy,” said Stacy Pendergraft, producing artistic director of the School of Literary and Performing Arts. “I cannot emphasize enough the significance this endowment has had on giving voice to original student work and shaping the student-centered focus of our program.”

These performances are free and open to the public, but . For additional information, contact the school’s coordinating assistant Caelon Colbert at cdcolbert@ualr.edu.

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Women to Watch at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock: Dr. Lorissa Mason

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 13:00:00 +0000

In celebration of Women’s History Month, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is highlighting women who are making a difference at the university and in the community.

The next Woman to Watch at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is Dr. Lorissa Mason. Mason is an assistant professor and the Director of Choral Activities for the Music Program, which is housed in the School of Literary and Performing Arts. Both her background, experience in the music community, and her collaborative nature have brought a number of innovations to the school.

Tell us about yourself and your background.

My name is Lorissa Mason. I am married to Brady Mason, who is a nurse, and we have one son, Silas, age 12. I grew up in a small town near Lubbock, Texas. Upon graduating high school, I attended Texas Tech University. I had wonderful instructors and mentors as a student in Texas Tech’s School of Music. I graduated with my undergraduate degree and immediately began my Master of Music in Conducting with Dr. John Dickson and Dr. Pamela Elrod-Huffman. Those two years opened a world of possibilities for me.

After completing my master’s degree, I taught choir in the public schools in west Texas for thirteen years. It was during that time that I met my husband and had my son. In 2016, we moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where I studied with Dr. Robert Bode and completed my doctoral work at the Conservatory at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

What is your current position and professional duties at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock?

I am the Director of Choral Activities at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. I direct the choral ensembles, and I teach Conducting and Music Education courses. As part of my administrative duties, I program the performance season for the choirs, and I oversee the day-to-day activities within the voice area of our music program.

What brought you to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock?

Upon graduating from the Conservatory, this position was one of several I interviewed for. Not only was I looking for a place where I could grow, but also a place where my entire family could thrive. This position offered the opportunity to teach all the material I have always wanted to teach, and the city itself offered opportunities for my entire family.

What are some of the exciting projects that you are working on at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock?

The biggest project on the horizon is a Conducting Residency in Austria in June of 2026. I have been invited as a headlining conductor with a festival choir and the Symphonisches Orchester Wien, performing Marianna Martines’s “Dixit Dominus.” Students from all over the country, including students from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, will have the opportunity to participate in this event, and we will sing concerts in Vienna and Salzburg.

Another big event happening in March is the national conference for the American Choral Directors Association in Dallas. We are planning for 18 students to travel to this conference, where they will represent ��Vlog��ý Little Rock as they participate in sessions and round tables in the field of choral music education.

There have also been a number of events in the past few years that are worth noting. The Concert Choir traveled to New York to perform at Carnegie Hall in the summer of 2022. Since then, various students have traveled to sing in London at Cadogan Hall in 2023 and again to New York’s Carnegie Hall in 2024.

What woman has inspired you the most and why?

It is difficult to narrow it to only one. I would have to begin with my mother. She taught me to be strong and independent and smart. It never occurred to her to tell me I might not achieve something I had my sights set on. She quietly provided opportunities to set me up for success in everything I ever did. My mom also taught me how to deal with people. She is quite introverted herself, but she is an observer of people and through those observations, she was able to teach me about human nature and how to read people.

When it comes to mentors in my profession, there are two very important women who had astounding impact on my path. Those women are Dr. Pamela Elrod-Huffman and Robin Dent. I did my student teaching internship with Robin Dent at Mackenzie Middle School in Lubbock, Texas. I learned an unimaginable amount about what it is to teach from her—from watching her and from her own unwavering belief in me. I always felt her faith in me, and I have always known I could reach out to her. It came full circle when I took this job at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. Robin is originally from Little Rock, and she had wonderful insight for us as we began planning our move. She even helped us find a realtor when we were searching for a house!

Dr. Pamela Elrod-Huffman was at Texas Tech when I studied there, and even after she took a position elsewhere, I stayed in touch with her and frequently asked her questions about conducting workshops and good graduate school programs. She was always patient with my questions and my search for the “right place for me.” Her advice was always exactly what I needed as I found my way in this field. It was no coincidence that when I finally decided to take the plunge and audition for DMA programs, both of these mentors recommended I study with Dr. Robert Bode at the UMKC Conservatory. It is a magical thing when all the pieces come together in life, and the impact all these wonderful people have had on my life and career is certainly an example of such magic.

What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career?

I have learned so many lessons… For me, the most important lesson I’ve learned (and one I still sometimes must remind myself about) is that I cannot expect every person I encounter to work at the same pace or with the same processes that I do. To let people work in their own way is the true heart of collaboration, particularly in the arts. So, I have learned to give people enough time to process and even enjoy that process. Part of that lesson is also that people won’t always be happy with me, but it is important to nevertheless push for excellence. And in that push, we are back to the lesson of giving people time. Time to process, time to create, time to come around to the idea of possibilities, and time to learn their own lessons along the way.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Be yourself, but make sure “yourself” is a person who operates with kindness always. Kindness does not make you weak. You can be kind and stand your ground. You can be kind and be direct.

Seek joy. It is all around us. Seek joy in the people you work with, in the work you have chosen as your career, in your family and friend circles, in solitude, in noise and in quiet.

Name something about yourself that most people would be surprised to learn.

Oh goodness… which of my quirky things do I want to share here? Once upon a time, I was a computer programmer. I did not begin as a music major, but a Management Information Systems major in the College of Business. But I eventually realized I couldn’t “not do” music, and I made the change to study Music Education.

What is your favorite quote and why?

“Don’t only practice your art, but force your way into its secrets, for it and knowledge can raise men to the divine.” – Ludwig van Beethoven

The sentiment of Beethoven’s quote is the very reason I ended up becoming a conductor. The treasures in a score of music are endless, and when I began down this path, I found myself almost obsessively digging into the music I studied to find those treasures. That feeling is still as fresh today as it was years ago when I was first learning how to study a score. When I find those treasures, I’m almost giddy to share them with other musicians who also find it as fascinating as I do. Music is transcending, and Beethoven’s quote captures that perfectly.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

��Vlog��ý Little Rock is a wonderful community in which to work, and I am happy my family and I landed here.

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CHASSE Announces April and May College Events

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 14:00:00 +0000

The College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (CHASSE) at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock has announced its remaining events for the spring semester.

To see the full list of events, visit the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock calendar online.

School of Art and Design

artWORKS Lecture and Workshop by Vivian Chiu: The School of Art and Design welcomes artist Vivian Chiu to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock as part of its artWORKS program, which is made possible through support from the Windgate Foundation.

Chiu will be leading a workshop titled “Piece by Piece” at 1:40 p.m. Wednesday, April 2 and at 1 p.m. Friday, April 4 in the Windgate Center of Art + Design. She will also give a lecture titled “From Tradition to Abstraction: Woodworking Techniques in Sculpture” at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 3 in Room 101 of the Windgate Center of Art + Design.

Chiu received her BFA in Furniture Design from the Rhode Island School of Design and her MFA in Sculpture from Columbia University. She describes her artistic process as using “wood to create optical sculptures through repetitive, labor-intensive processes.”

For registration information, contact the school’s administrative analyst Kristi Crow Pruett at kncrow@ualr.edu.

“Beverly Buys: Gone But Not”: The Focus Gallery is unveiling its final exhibition of the semester on Friday, April 4. This exhibition showcases work from Hot Springs photographer Beverly Buys until Friday, May 30.

Buys’ series in the Focus Gallery is a group of 11 cyanotypes. She utilizes light sensitive materials and chemistry in order to create her photographs.

“All the work is derived from film and darkroom processes and relies on the very earliest practices of exposing light sensitive paper to the ultraviolet rays of the sun for exposure,” Buys says on . “The work is seasonal, and I am connected to the sun’s cycles, just as the Delta farmers and farmlands are.”

A reception will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 17 in the Windgate Center of Art + Design. The event is free and open to the public.

“Dawn Holder: Strange Meetings”: The work of Dawn Holder, a sculptor and installation artist, will be unveiled in the North and South Galleries on Friday, April 11 and will be on display until July 11.

According to , Holder “investigates various elements of landscape and their socio-cultural significance through ceramics, photography, and mixed media.”

Holder’s work will be featured in the April 17 reception alongside Beverly Buys.

Puppy Mugs: A School of Art and Design tradition—Puppy Mugs—is making its return on Saturday, April 19 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the Windgate Center of Art + Design.

Photography students will use solid color backdrops and fashion lighting to photograph dogs. The photo session is free, but the following can be purchased for $25 each: two 5×7 prints, one 8×10 print, or one digital file.

This event is open to the public and is a fundraiser to support ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Photography Program. For additional information, contact the school’s interim director Joli Livaudais at jklivaudais@ualr.edu.

“BFA Projects:” The annual student showcase will make its return on Thursday, May 1 with the reception that evening at 5 p.m. in the Brad Cushman Gallery in the Windgate Center of Art + Design. The exhibition will be on display until Saturday, May 17.

The artwork that makes up the exhibition is created by School of Art and Design students who are graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, including Olivia Bacot, Sunny Jenkins, Kate Lusk, and Charla Tozer. Their work in their studio emphasis culminates with a presentation of their final project.

“a��ٳ��”: An exhibition highlighting the 2024 artLAUNCH recipients will be on display from May 24 until June 30 in the Ann Maners and Alex Pappas Gallery in the Windgate Center of Art + Design.

Funded by a grant from the Windgate Foundation, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s artLAUNCH program provides early-career alumni with funding and mentorship opportunities to accelerate their artistry. The five recipients for 2024 are Emma Estelle, Bailey Holley, Emmy Reynolds, Annika Shunn, and Courtney Wilson.

Free and open to the public, the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock galleries are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. The galleries in the Windgate Center of Art + Design have additional hours on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. All ��Vlog��ý Little Rock galleries are closed on university holidays.

For additional information, contact Gallery Director Brian Young at byoung2@ualr.edu.

Department of History

Evenings with History: Dr. Kyungsun Lee, “The Arkansas River: Navigating the Impact of Climate Change”: The final Evenings with History lecture for this academic year features Assistant Professor of Geography Kyungsun Lee at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1 at the Historic Arkansas Museum.

Last year, Lee was one of 14 selected to participate in the second cohort of the SciComm Identities Project Fellowship. The April 1 lecture will showcase her research thus far from the five-year fellows program.

The public is invited to attend the event at no cost in the Ottenheimer Auditorium at the Historic Arkansas Museum. More details regarding the Evenings with History series can be found on the Department of History’s website. For additional information, contact Dr. Michael Heil at mwheil@ualr.edu.

School of Literary and Performing Arts

Guest Recital: Yun Park, Percussion: The School of Literary and Performing Arts will welcome percussionist Yun Park for a Guest and Faculty Recital alongside music faculty Naoki Hakutani and Jaeyeon Park at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 4 in the Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall on the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock campus.

The program will include “The Final Precipice” by Jeffrey Payton, “Spider Walk” by Marta Ptaszynska, and “The Planets” by Gustav Holst.

The recital is free and open to the public. For additional details, contact Naoki Hakutani, associate professor of music, at nxhakutani@ualr.edu.

Brought to Light: Plays from the Archive: Dr. Lawrence Smith leads “Brought to Light: Plays from the Archive,” a reading of Kerry Kennedy’s play “The Last Beautiful Words.”

As a continuation of collaborative efforts between the School of Literary and Performing Arts and ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Downtown, the performance will take place at 5 p.m. at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Downtown. The reading is free and open to the public.

Chancellor’s Concert: The fourth annual Chancellor’s Concert will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 12 in the Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall.

This special event spotlights student musicians and ensembles as they celebrate their dedication and artistic growth throughout the academic year. This year’s program highlights Arkansas composers and will feature selected student soloists.

Composers for the choral portion of the event include Jordan Bennett, Andrea Ramsey, Sean Sweeden, and Gideon Brewer. The concert, which is free and open to the public, is the music program’s largest event of the year.

Theatre Production: Student Devised Work: The spring 2025 student-led production will be showcased in Haislip Theatre at the Center for Performing Arts from April 17 to April 19 at 7:30 p.m. each evening. The performances are free and open to the public.

This original production was created and performed by students under the mentorship of Jimmy Maize, a member of the Tectonic Theatre Company. The Company has been in residence at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock for the semester, which has been made possible, in part, through the Kerry Kennedy Aspiring Playwright Endowed Fund.

April Jazz Ensemble Concert: Led by Dr. Michael Underwood, the April Jazz Ensemble Concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22 in the Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall.

This exciting performance will showcase a wide variety of jazz styles performed by talented student musicians. The concert is free and open to the public.

April Chamber and Wind Ensemble Concert: Led by Dr. Nickolas Doshier, the April Chamber and Wind Ensemble Concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, in the Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall.

This concert will feature performances by multiple ensembles, highlighting a varying repertoire within the music program. The concert is free and open to the public.

April Percussion Concert: Led by Dr. Justin Bunting, the April Percussion Concert will be at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29, in the Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall.

This collaborative performance will feature the Percussion Ensemble, the Trojan Steel Band, and the West Memphis High School Percussion Ensemble. The concert is free and open to the public.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Choirs Finale Concert: At 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 2, the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Choirs Finale Concert will take place at St. Edward Catholic Church on 801 Sherman St. in Little Rock. The concert is free and open to the public.

Led by Dr. Lorissa Mason, the concert titled “Beautiful Wild Forces” marks a celebratory conclusion to the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Choirs’ season. The music will feature both choral ensembles and soloists performing in a range of music styles, each performance with its own distinctive character.

May Piano Ensemble Concert: The final performance of the spring semester will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, May 5, in the Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall. Dr. Naoki Hakutani will lead ensemble performances by student pianists. The event is free and open to the public.

For additional information regarding the events hosted by the School of Literary and Performing Arts, contact the school’s coordinating assistant Caelon Colbert at cdcolbert@ualr.edu or 501-916-3291.

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School of Literary and Performing Arts - News - ����Vlog��ý Little Rock

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Presents “Peter and the Starcatcher” Oct. 23-26