The Walton Arts Center does more programming than many people realize. One particular program that's been flying a bit under the radar is called SEEK -- and it's just for you young 'uns. The next SEEK event is on Thursday before, during and after that evening's performance of the WAC's upcoming Broadway show, "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time." The event celebrates some of the best things Fayetteville has to offer and is the perfect opportunity for college students and young professionals to learn more about the cool things happening at the WAC. Randi Cruz, public relations coordinator at the WAC and one of the creators of SEEK answered these questions for What's Up to provide some insight.
Q. What is SEEK?
FAQ
‘SEEK’
WHEN — 5:30 p.m. Thursday
WHERE — Puritan Coffee & Beer; Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville
COST — $25
INFO — 443-5600, waltonartscenter.org
FYI — Use promo code “SEEK” to access the special tickers. Search “SEEK Fayetteville” on Facebook for event information.
A. SEEK Fayetteville is a new semi-annual event for students and young professionals co-hosted by Walton Arts Center, Fayettechill and Puritan Coffee & Beer. "SEEK" represents the unique aspects of Fayetteville that inspired us to create this event:
SAVOR Fayetteville's artfully crafted cuisine, coffee and craft beers at Puritan.
ENRICH and expand your mind by experiencing the artistic nature of our community at Walton Arts Center.
EXPLORE the beauty of the Ozark Mountains by connecting with nature and getting lost in the relaxed and harmonic state of mind that Fayettechill embodies.
Get to KNOW your local community and everything that it has to offer.
Each year we host the SEEK in conjunction with a Broadway show at Walton Arts Center and this year we chose the Thursday performance of "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time."
Q. What is the ultimate goal -- as it relates to the WAC, to the businesses you're partnering with, and to the program's addition to the community in general?
A. The purpose of SEEK Fayetteville is to introduce young professionals and college students to the artistic and cultural community that thrives in Fayetteville. It is our belief that the arts have a unique potential to cater to every individual's academic, professional, social and creative interests.
We partner with Puritan and Fayettechill, two local businesses that young professionals and students frequent, to cohost pre-show and post-show parties with show-relevant entertainment, an open tab and other activities to speak to a younger audience.
Q. Why is the event just for students and young professionals?
A. We think it's important to invest in the future of the arts in Northwest Arkansas by offering programming and events, like SEEK, that speak to a younger demographic. If we don't, we're not accomplishing our mission. We aren't engaging our whole community in inspiring arts experiences because we're not doing everything we can to reach a demographic that is a huge part of this community.
Q. What can we expect from the evening?
A. Pre-party
At 5:30 p.m., the party starts at Fayettechill and Puritan. Grab your shades and enjoy the sunshine, friends and free drinks. We will have an open tab at Puritan for everyone with a SEEK ticket (your Walton Arts Center ticket stub) and food trucks will be on-site for tasty treats! Plus, we'll be raffling off some sweet door prizes from Fayettechill, Puritan and the Walmart AMP.
Showtime
Around 6:30 p.m., we will walk to Walton Arts Center for "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time."
After-party
Immediately after the show, we'll meet in the Sudduth Garden Room at WAC for an open bar, live DJ, dancing, games, virtual reality gear from Samsung, door prizes, cast appearances and a ton of photo ops!
Q. What kind of connections and interactions are fostered through the events surrounding the play?
A. The pre-and-post parties are opportunities for people to become more familiar with the diversity of arts opportunities in our community. Young professionals and students are given the opportunity to not only meet, but also to speak directly with artists from around the world in an environment that is open, relaxed and super fun! We invite the entire company of the Broadway show -- including the cast, crew and creative team -- to mingle and interact in meaningful ways.
At a time when young people are developing their interests and discovering who they want to be, we think it's important for them to have the opportunity to not only meet new people, but to engage in unique ways with professionals in the arts industry. And, it's just super cool to say you got to have a beer with a Broadway star!
NAN What's Up on 04/14/2017