The Arkansas Repertory Theatre in downtown Little Rock has suspended its operations effective immediately, it announced on Tuesday afternoon.
The theater's Board of Directors said in a news release that the final production of the 2017-18 season, "God of Carnage," will not be completed.
"The inability to reach its projected goals for charitable giving and ticket sales, and the change in the theatre landscape in Little Rock have created a perfect financial storm for The Rep," Board Chair Brian Bush said. "The Rep's ticket sales have been on a downhill slope for several years. Our community is on the verge of losing an amazing arts organization and a tremendous asset to our city."
Bush said closing The Rep will have a "devastating" impact on the redevelopment of Little Rock's Main Street.
Producing artistic director John Miller-Stephany is stepping down May 8, along with most other staff, according to the release. The theatre said it will suspend all operations upon completion of its Education at the Rep summer program on Aug. 3.
The future of the theatre is under board evaluation.
