Close to 100 guests witnessed tales involving a Grand High Witch and Greek mythology Aug. 8 at the Trike Theatre Season Preview Party at a private residence in Bentonville.
The 2014-15 season of plays will be Trike Theatre's first official season, development director Rachel Cox said. The organization is raising $40,000 to keep the ticket prices between $5 and $12, pay for scholarships for its academy camps and classes and provide funds for expanding the Dramatic Book Club pre-K drama-based literacy program in place in more than 60 pre-K classrooms in Northwest Arkansas, according to an Aug. 20 Trike Theatre press release. Chip and Susan Chambers and the Walmart Foundation donated $20,000, and a goal date of Sept. 1 has been set to raise the rest of funds, Cox said.
At A Glance
Trike Theatre Season Preview Party
When: Aug. 8
Where: 606 Enfield Road in Bentonville
Information: 464-5084 or triketheatre.org
Go & Do
Trike Theatre 2014-15 Season
Theatre for Youth
“Bear State of Mind” — 6:30 p.m. Sept. 19 and 2 and 4:30 p.m. Sept. 20
“The Odyssey Experience” — 6:30 p.m. Nov. 14 and 2 and 4:30 p.m. Nov. 16
“Digging Up Arkansas” — 6:30 p.m. April 24 and 2 and 4:30 p.m. April 25
Where: Starr Theater at Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville
Cost: $10-$12
Little Trike Series
“In My Own Backyard” — Dec. 5-14
“Three Billy Goats Gruff” — Jan. 30-Feb. 8
Where: Trike Theatre’s Black Box Studio
Cost: $5
Youth Theatre
“The Witches” — 6:3o p.m. Oct. 23-25 and 2 p.m. Oct. 26
Play in a Day — Fall 2014
“The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza” — 6:30 p.m. March 12-14 and 2 p.m. March 15
Where: White Auditorium at Northwest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville
Cost: $10
Information: 464-5084 or triketheatre.org
The preview party included three areas showing scenes from plays that will be performed during the 2014-15 season. The first area was youth theater, which showed pieces from "The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza" and "The Witches." Another area was Theater for Youth, professional theater productions performed by adults that engage the whole family, according to the Trike Theatre website, triketheatre.org. The productions that will be performed this season are "Bear State of Mind," "The Odyssey Experience" and "Digging Up Arkansas."
The final area featured a large blue tent where people could gather to see elements from the Little Trike Series, which is geared toward children ages 2 to 5. The Little Trike Series plays for the season are "In My Own Backyard" and "Three Billy Goats Gruff."
Trike Theatre defines itself as Northwest Arkansas' professional theater for youth and families. Since it formed in 2008, its mission has been to create extraordinary theater experiences for young people and families, strengthen community, advance education through the arts and inspire young voices. Trike Theatre provides in-school and in-studio exposure to the arts to more than 25,000 students.
Cox said the most exciting part of the first official season is the launch of the 360 experience. The model for Trike Theatre is see, learn and do, so each production will feature interactive lobby experiences prior to the show, Cox added.
"It gives children an opportunity to not just come and see great productions, but they'll be able to have interactive learning experiences as well."
NAN Profiles on 08/24/2014