This week , Airedale Theatre Presents : Footloose
The renowned Alma Airedale Theatre brings you another blockbuster hit based on the iconic 1984 movie! Featuring all the songs you know and love, this high-energy stage adaptation is directed by Danny Hobson and choreographed by Alma Dance Coach Sarah Murray-Sellers.
This is one show you do NOT want to miss!
📅 Show Dates:
December 4th, 6th & 7th, 2025
At the Skokos Performing Arts Center
Get your tickets at the skokospac.org website or call the box office 479-632-2129
The renowned Alma Airedale Theatre brings you another blockbuster hit based on the iconic 1984 movie! Featuring all the songs you know and love, this high-energy stage adaptation is directed by Danny Hobson and choreographed by Alma Dance Coach Sarah Murray-Sellers.
This is one show you do NOT want to miss!
📅 Show Dates:
December 4th, 6th & 7th, 2025
At the Skokos Performing Arts Center
Get your tickets at the skokospac.org website or call the box office 479-632-2129
THE MIRACLE WORKER
The Story Behind the Story
Did you know that Helen Keller and her teacher, Anne Sullivan Macy, once lectured in Fort Smith?
Born in 1866 to poor Irish immigrants, Joanna Sullivan, known throughout her life as Anne or Annie, was eight when her mother died. Two years later her father deserted the three children. Sullivan, whom an earlier illness had left nearly blind, entered the Perkins Institution for the Blind in
1880. Surgery the next year restored some sight, and she graduated from Perkins at the head of her class in 1886.
In March 1887, Sullivan arrived in Tuscumbia, Alabama, to become governess to six-year-old Helen Keller, who had been left blind and deaf by an illness contracted at the age of 19 months. Keller had grown into an undisciplined, willful, and ill-tempered child with no means of contact with the outer world but touch. With patience and creativity, Sullivan within a month succeeded in teaching Keller, by means of a manual alphabet, that things had names. Her progress was rapid thereafter. Keller and Sullivan gained a national reputation as Keller mastered a full vocabulary and displayed a gifted intelligence.
In 1888 the two began spending periods at the Perkins Institution, and Sullivan subsequently accompanied Keller to the Wright-Humason School in New York City, the Cambridge School for Young Ladies, and finally Radcliffe College, where Sullivan painstakingly spelled out the lectures to Keller and read to her for hours each day. As a result, Helen Keller was the first deaf and blind person to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Witness Micaleigh and Blakely’s powerful portrayals of Helen and Anne in:
THE MIRACLE WORKER
at the KING OPERA HOUSE, Van Buren, AR.
Nov. 21,22,23
Tickets can be purchased online: www.skokospac.org up to 2 hours prior to showtimes
Or at the door.
Box Office: 479-632-2129
The Story Behind the Story
Did you know that Helen Keller and her teacher, Anne Sullivan Macy, once lectured in Fort Smith?
Born in 1866 to poor Irish immigrants, Joanna Sullivan, known throughout her life as Anne or Annie, was eight when her mother died. Two years later her father deserted the three children. Sullivan, whom an earlier illness had left nearly blind, entered the Perkins Institution for the Blind in
1880. Surgery the next year restored some sight, and she graduated from Perkins at the head of her class in 1886.
In March 1887, Sullivan arrived in Tuscumbia, Alabama, to become governess to six-year-old Helen Keller, who had been left blind and deaf by an illness contracted at the age of 19 months. Keller had grown into an undisciplined, willful, and ill-tempered child with no means of contact with the outer world but touch. With patience and creativity, Sullivan within a month succeeded in teaching Keller, by means of a manual alphabet, that things had names. Her progress was rapid thereafter. Keller and Sullivan gained a national reputation as Keller mastered a full vocabulary and displayed a gifted intelligence.
In 1888 the two began spending periods at the Perkins Institution, and Sullivan subsequently accompanied Keller to the Wright-Humason School in New York City, the Cambridge School for Young Ladies, and finally Radcliffe College, where Sullivan painstakingly spelled out the lectures to Keller and read to her for hours each day. As a result, Helen Keller was the first deaf and blind person to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Witness Micaleigh and Blakely’s powerful portrayals of Helen and Anne in:
THE MIRACLE WORKER
at the KING OPERA HOUSE, Van Buren, AR.
Nov. 21,22,23
Tickets can be purchased online: www.skokospac.org up to 2 hours prior to showtimes
Or at the door.
Box Office: 479-632-2129
Airedale Theatre Presents: FOOTLOOSE the Musical!
The renowned Alma Airedale Theatre brings you another blockbuster hit based on the iconic 1984 movie! Featuring all the songs you know and love, this high-energy stage adaptation is directed by Danny Hobson and choreographed by Alma Dance Coach Sarah Murray-Sellers.
This is one show you do NOT want to miss!
📅 Show Dates:
December 4th, 6th & 7th, 2025
At the Skokos Performing Arts Center
Get your tickets at the skokospac.org website or call the box office 479-632-2129
The renowned Alma Airedale Theatre brings you another blockbuster hit based on the iconic 1984 movie! Featuring all the songs you know and love, this high-energy stage adaptation is directed by Danny Hobson and choreographed by Alma Dance Coach Sarah Murray-Sellers.
This is one show you do NOT want to miss!
📅 Show Dates:
December 4th, 6th & 7th, 2025
At the Skokos Performing Arts Center
Get your tickets at the skokospac.org website or call the box office 479-632-2129
A few important "Know Before You Go" reminders:
Location: THE KING OPERA HOUSE
427 Main Street Van Buren, AR
Showtimes:
Matinees: 2pm
Evening Performances: 7pm
The house will open 30 minutes before showtimes.
The King Opera House seating numbers have changed. Your seat assignment is the same; only the number has changed.
Please stop by "will call" to check in and confirm your seat number.
Please note:
Concessions will not be offered for these performances.
Photography and video recording of any kind is strictly prohibited. Please turn off your cell phones and allow yourselves to be immersed in the 1880's world of the Kellers and Ivy Green.
Limited tickets will be available at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at skokospac.org up to 2 hours before showtimes.
We look forward to greeting you at the King Opera House!
Enjoy the show!
Producer
Chuck King
Location: THE KING OPERA HOUSE
427 Main Street Van Buren, AR
Showtimes:
Matinees: 2pm
Evening Performances: 7pm
The house will open 30 minutes before showtimes.
The King Opera House seating numbers have changed. Your seat assignment is the same; only the number has changed.
Please stop by "will call" to check in and confirm your seat number.
Please note:
Concessions will not be offered for these performances.
Photography and video recording of any kind is strictly prohibited. Please turn off your cell phones and allow yourselves to be immersed in the 1880's world of the Kellers and Ivy Green.
Limited tickets will be available at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at skokospac.org up to 2 hours before showtimes.
We look forward to greeting you at the King Opera House!
Enjoy the show!
Producer
Chuck King
It’s Opening Night!
The Miracle Worker is TONIGHT !
Experience the powerful true story of connection, determination, and love.
Brought to life by Arts On Main and The Skokos PAC.
Preformed at the King Opera House
Get your tickets now at skokospac.com or call 479-632-2129!
Don’t miss this incredible production running November 14–16 & 21–23!
THE MIRACLE WORKER
November 14–16 & 21–23
Director Jessye Wooten shares, “The Miracle Worker is not just Helen Keller’s story; it’s a story about relationships, about breaking through walls of silence, and about the messy, beautiful struggle to truly connect with one another. It’s about the kind of relentless love that refuses to give up in the face of challenge.”
Together, Arts On Main and The Skokos PAC continue their mission to bring professional-level arts and entertainment to Crawford County—and The Miracle Worker will be no exception.
The production stars Micaleigh English as Annie Sullivan and introduces Blakely Gramlich as Helen Keller. Chuck King, Executive Director of the Skokos PAC, serves as Producer, with Logan Sloan, as Production Designer.
Get Your Tickets Now On The Skokos Website Or Call The Box Office @ 479-632-2129 !
November 14–16 & 21–23
Director Jessye Wooten shares, “The Miracle Worker is not just Helen Keller’s story; it’s a story about relationships, about breaking through walls of silence, and about the messy, beautiful struggle to truly connect with one another. It’s about the kind of relentless love that refuses to give up in the face of challenge.”
Together, Arts On Main and The Skokos PAC continue their mission to bring professional-level arts and entertainment to Crawford County—and The Miracle Worker will be no exception.
The production stars Micaleigh English as Annie Sullivan and introduces Blakely Gramlich as Helen Keller. Chuck King, Executive Director of the Skokos PAC, serves as Producer, with Logan Sloan, as Production Designer.
Get Your Tickets Now On The Skokos Website Or Call The Box Office @ 479-632-2129 !
Looking for the perfect date night this spooky season?
Step into the dark and twisted world of Edgar Allan Poe at THE POE SHOWE: A Dinner Theatre Experience, Starting tomorrow - Oct. 30-Nov. 2 at The Rudy Ruins.
From award-winning writer Chas. K. King, this immersive evening features The Tell-Tale Heart, The Mask of the Red Death, Annabel Lee, The Raven, and more-brought to life through chilling performances, eerie storytelling, and themed food and drink crafted for a night of fright (and maybe romance).
$75 per person | Reservations required
Call 479-632-2129 or visit skokospac.org to reserve your seat... if you dare.
(Contains depictions of horror and gore. Not recommended for children under 12.)
Step into the dark and twisted world of Edgar Allan Poe at THE POE SHOWE: A Dinner Theatre Experience, Starting tomorrow - Oct. 30-Nov. 2 at The Rudy Ruins.
From award-winning writer Chas. K. King, this immersive evening features The Tell-Tale Heart, The Mask of the Red Death, Annabel Lee, The Raven, and more-brought to life through chilling performances, eerie storytelling, and themed food and drink crafted for a night of fright (and maybe romance).
$75 per person | Reservations required
Call 479-632-2129 or visit skokospac.org to reserve your seat... if you dare.
(Contains depictions of horror and gore. Not recommended for children under 12.)
1 WEEK UNTIL ...THE POE SHOWE!
Step into the dark and twisted world of Edgar Allan Poe in THE POE SHOWE: A Dinner Theatre Experience — hauntingly live at The Rudy Ruins, Next week, October 30 – November 2.
An immersive night of mystery and madness featuring The Tell-Tale Heart, The Mask of the Red Death, Annabel Lee, The Raven, and more.
Themed food, chilling storytelling, and unforgettable performances await — but seats are filling fast!
🎟️ $75 per person | Reservations required
📞 Call 479-632-2129 or visit skokospac.org to reserve your seat… if you dare.
(Contains depictions of horror and gore. Not recommended for children under 12.)
Step into the dark and twisted world of Edgar Allan Poe in THE POE SHOWE: A Dinner Theatre Experience — hauntingly live at The Rudy Ruins, Next week, October 30 – November 2.
An immersive night of mystery and madness featuring The Tell-Tale Heart, The Mask of the Red Death, Annabel Lee, The Raven, and more.
Themed food, chilling storytelling, and unforgettable performances await — but seats are filling fast!
🎟️ $75 per person | Reservations required
📞 Call 479-632-2129 or visit skokospac.org to reserve your seat… if you dare.
(Contains depictions of horror and gore. Not recommended for children under 12.)
THE POE SHOWE
Step into the dark and twisted world of Edgar Allan Poe in THE POE SHOWE: A Dinner Theatre Experience — hauntingly live at The Rudy Ruins, Oct. 30 – Nov. 2.
From award-winning writer Chas. K. King comes an immersive night of mystery and madness featuring The Tell-Tale Heart, The Mask of the Red Death, Annabel Lee, The Raven, and more.
Themed food, chilling storytelling, and unforgettable performances await.
🎟️ $75 per person | Reservations required
📞 Call 479-632-2129 or visit skokospac.org to reserve your seat… if you dare.
(Contains depictions of horror and gore. Not recommended for children under 12.)
THE POE SHOWE
October 30 – November 2 | Live at The Rudy Ruins
From award-winning writer Chas. K. King (An Ozark What the Dickens?! Christmas, Step Into Miss Laura’s, Bedlam at The Beard & Lady) comes an immersive theatrical experience diving deep into the dark and twisted world of Edgar Allan Poe.
Witness haunting performances of The Tell-Tale Heart, The Mask of the Red Death, Annabel Lee, The Raven, and more—brought to life with an eerie atmosphere, chilling storytelling, and themed food and drink crafted for a night of fright.
$75 per person | Reservations required
(Contains depictions of horror and gore. Not recommended for children under 12.)
Get Your Tickets Now On The Skokos Website Or Call The Box Office @ 479-632-2129 !
October 30 – November 2 | Live at The Rudy Ruins
From award-winning writer Chas. K. King (An Ozark What the Dickens?! Christmas, Step Into Miss Laura’s, Bedlam at The Beard & Lady) comes an immersive theatrical experience diving deep into the dark and twisted world of Edgar Allan Poe.
Witness haunting performances of The Tell-Tale Heart, The Mask of the Red Death, Annabel Lee, The Raven, and more—brought to life with an eerie atmosphere, chilling storytelling, and themed food and drink crafted for a night of fright.
$75 per person | Reservations required
(Contains depictions of horror and gore. Not recommended for children under 12.)
Get Your Tickets Now On The Skokos Website Or Call The Box Office @ 479-632-2129 !
Arts on Main and PAC'd House Productions presents:
THE MIRACLE WORKER
Nov. 14-16; 21-23 at the Historic King Opera House
The Skokos Performing Arts Center is proud to announce our partnership with Arts on Main Van Buren in bringing you this iconic piece of American literature.
Says Director Jessye Wooten: "The Miracle Worker is not just a story about Helen Keller; it's a story about relationships, about breaking through walls of silence, about the messy, beautiful struggle to truly connect with one another. It's about the kind of relentless love that doesn't flinch in the face of challenge."
Arts on Main and the Skokos are leading the way in bringing professional level arts and entertainment to Crawford County, and The Miracle Worker will be no exception. Reserved seating on sale now.
For tickets visit our website: www.skokospac.org
Or call the Box Office: 479-632-2129
THE MIRACLE WORKER
Nov. 14-16; 21-23 at the Historic King Opera House
The Skokos Performing Arts Center is proud to announce our partnership with Arts on Main Van Buren in bringing you this iconic piece of American literature.
Says Director Jessye Wooten: "The Miracle Worker is not just a story about Helen Keller; it's a story about relationships, about breaking through walls of silence, about the messy, beautiful struggle to truly connect with one another. It's about the kind of relentless love that doesn't flinch in the face of challenge."
Arts on Main and the Skokos are leading the way in bringing professional level arts and entertainment to Crawford County, and The Miracle Worker will be no exception. Reserved seating on sale now.
For tickets visit our website: www.skokospac.org
Or call the Box Office: 479-632-2129
Only 4 seats left for the 10/30 showing of THE POE SHOWE . So get your tickets now!
October 30 – November 2 | Live at The Rudy Ruins
An immersive theatrical experience diving deep into the dark and twisted world of Edgar Allan Poe.
Witness haunting performances of The Tell-Tale Heart, The Mask of the Red Death, Annabel Lee, The Raven, and more—brought to life with an eerie atmosphere, chilling storytelling, and themed food and drink crafted for a night of fright.
$75 per person | Reservations required
(Contains depictions of horror and gore. Not recommended for children under 12.)
Get Your Tickets Now On The Skokos Website Or Call The Box Office @ 479-632-2129 !
The Poe Showe Oct. 30-Nov. 2 Live At The Rudy Ruins...From Award Winning Writer Chas. K. King (An Ozark What The Dickens?! Christmas, Step Into Miss Laura's, Bedlam At The Beard & Lady) Comes This Immersive Journey Into The Dark World Of America's Original Gothic Poet. Experience The Tell-Tale Heart, Mask Of The Red Death, Annabel Lee, The Raven, And More, Along With Themed Food And Drink Fit For A Night Of Fright. (Contains Depictions Of Horror And Gore, Not Recommended For Children Under 12.) $75.00 Per Person/Reservations Required.
Get Your Tickets Now On The Skokos Website Or Call The Box Office @ 479-632-2129 !
Get Your Tickets Now On The Skokos Website Or Call The Box Office @ 479-632-2129 !
This weekend, Silent Disco Night @ the Skokos P.A.C.! Oct 4 @ 7PM
Celebrate Gary Perry (Outstanding Alumni) & David Wright (Distinguished Service Award)! Put on your best disco fit & dance for a cause—supporting the P.A.C.!
Info: silentevents.com
Celebrate Gary Perry (Outstanding Alumni) & David Wright (Distinguished Service Award)! Put on your best disco fit & dance for a cause—supporting the P.A.C.!
Info: silentevents.com
CHECK OUT OUR MENU FOR SATURDAY'S DISCO :
Gourmet Sliders
Tricked out Mac n Cheese
Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Mini Corn Dogs with Dipping Sauces
Pretzel Sticks with Cheese Sauce
Popcorn
Cotton Candy
Cookie Ice Cream
The AIREDALE BASKETBALL TEAM will be there to serve you!
Adult Charge is $30.
Students Grades 8-12 $5 advance $10 @ the door
October 4th at 7PM!
Call the Box office and grab some BOGO TIX!
(479) 632-2129
Join us for a Silent Disco Night at the Skokos P.A.C. on October 4th at 7PM! We’re turning up the volume to celebrate two local VIPs: Gary Perry (Outstanding Alumni) and David Wright (Distinguished Service Award)!
It’s a night of dancing, music, fun — and it’s all for a great cause: supporting the P.A.C.!
Grab your friends, put on your best disco fit, and let’s dance for a cause!
For info about silent disco visit silentevents.com
It’s a night of dancing, music, fun — and it’s all for a great cause: supporting the P.A.C.!
Grab your friends, put on your best disco fit, and let’s dance for a cause!
For info about silent disco visit silentevents.com
Cast Spotlight: Senior KAITLYN KELLEY
Senior Kaitlyn Kelley is making a splash with her first high school theatre experience as Matilda’s mother, Mrs. Wormwood. She was active in the Middle School program under Marti Salisbury, but since that time her focus has been on the choral music program at Alma High.
Miss Kelley says, “The Alma Theatre Program especially attracted me through the consistent hard work that is put in. I like that there is always a striving to better yourself and put in extra dedication. She adds, “My biggest challenge preparing for this production has been adjusting to the new environment I am in. As this is my first high school theatre experience, I felt a little underprepared and scared, to be honest. I have been working hard with others and myself to not only physically prepare for this show but to mentally prepare myself for it. It's taken a lot in me to grow trust and confidence in myself and I could not have done it without the rest of the cast.”
We’re so glad that Kaitlyn has “come out of her shell,” as she puts it, and has found her voice in the theatre world. It’s a departure from the quiet time she enjoys in libraries, thrifting, and being in her own personal space. “Being new to the theatre program in my final year of high school has been a great learning experience. I never had the confidence to jump back into the theatre program after middle school up until now and I am grateful I finally did. The work ethic and time management is very solid in the program and is a huge skill for life after high school.”
Thank you for taking that leap, Kaitlyn. Airedale Theatre is excited to introduce you to the Skokos stage. Congratulations on your new beginning!
Cast Spotlight: GRANT ALLEN
Grant is one of those young men who seems to have his feet on solid ground, and he knows where he’s going. He found himself in the Alma Theatre program back in middle school when he was cast in “A Christmas Carol”, and according to Grant, “It’s been all gas since then.”
His involvement in smaller productions, theatre camps, and the Thespian Society prepped him to lead the cast in last year’s production of “The Messenger'' which took the Airedales all the way to the Thespians International Festival, representing the State of Arkansas. He feels his role as the young Irish lad Christy, caught up in civil conflict, was his most important to date. “That character tells such a touching story through an unorthodox method and there is real magic in it,” said Allen.
Mr. Allen shares his insights about the current production: “The message of Matilda is to always be yourself. It's a very stereotypical message for a children's story, but the uniqueness of how it's told is really what makes it special. The strange characters are really the big standouts of the show.”
When he’s not on stage performing, you can catch Grant on the athletic field. He serves as one of the captains of the soccer team, and he is a senior member of the cross-country team. Not only that, he excels academically as demonstrated by his twice participation in State History Day.
Nevertheless, as a senior, Grant looks back on his experience with the Theatre Department with particular fondness, especially with former classmates who have moved on.
Moving on is something that Mr. Allen is prepared for as well. “The theatre program has prepared me for the future by allowing me to build a work ethic. I want to attend the United States Air Force Academy after graduation, so this will require me to put that work ethic to use.”
Wherever your next steps lead, Grant, we know you will be successful. Thank you for your contribution to AHS Theatre!
CAST SPOTLIGHT: MADDIE COCHRAN
For Senior Maddie Cochran, the Alma Theatre Department is a place where one of her greatest desires has come to pass. “I’ve wanted to play Miss Honey since I was in the 6th grade, and to finally get the opportunity has been more than wonderful.”
Miss Cochran comes to Alma with a long and impressive list of roles on her resume: Dorothy in Wizard of Oz, Wendy in Peter Pan, Anna in Frozen, and Miss Scarlet in Clue.
She was attracted to the Airedale program because of the level of professionalism. “Every person truly seems to care about theatre, and it’s very clear that they see potential in each and every student,” says Maddie. “The theatre program has made me a better actor and a more well-rounded person. I have developed better time management skills, and the directors have helped me grow as an actor.”
Although she maintains that Miss Honey is her favorite role to date, Maddie says that Miss Honey is a much more complicated character than she appears on the surface. “It has been more difficult than I thought it would be to portray her inner struggle. But with each rehearsal, I feel as if I am getting better at playing her character.”
We asked Maddie what the audience might expect from Matilda the Musical:
“The audience will experience a bright, bold show with larger-than-life characters. They will be sure to laugh, but I wouldn’t be surprised if there are tears shed, too.”
Welcome, Maddie Cochran, to center stage at the Skokos Performing Arts Center! We can’t wait to see your debut role as an Alma Airedale!
Cast Spotlight: MICK CLAWSON
If anyone is up to playing the iconic role of the notorious Agatha Trunchbull, that fierce tyrannical monster who "frightens the life out of pupils and teachers alike", It has to be Senior Mick Clawson.
When on stage, Mick is in his universe; his dedication to the craft is evident. Mick explains: “The Alma Theatre Program has a saying, ‘We are a high school troupe performing professional theatre.’ And that has been reflected in the shows I've watched and participated in since I moved here. The expected standard of us is challenging and that much more fulfilling to meet. The bar pushes our production quality to a very high level.”
High level indeed. Mick has moved on from his cameo appearance in The Nutcracker when he was just a tike, to being the youngest member of the professional cast at the Beard and Lady Inn’s murder mystery dinner show, Bedlam at the Beard and Lady. (As Jesse James, mind you.) But that role pales in comparison to the challenge he’s faced in bringing The Trunchbull to life. Mick says the most significant challenge in the role is conditioning himself to “maintain this absurd voice the entire length of the show.”
Mick reflects on his time in the theater department: “ I started Freshman year very timid and nervous. As a Senior, I can say I am much more confident in myself as a whole. That's a wonderful thing. Theatre has prepared me with the skill of communicating. Nothing is more valuable than articulating issues, formulating solutions, and negotiating to a consensus. The Alma Theatre program teaches how to communicate: a skill that can be effectively applied to nearly every area of life.”
Mick, we can’t wait to experience your masterful morph into The Trunchbull…We’re sure you will make us love to hate her!
