CONWAY -- The Bard Ball, an annual fundraiser for the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre, took the stage Jan. 16, literally. For the first time in its 10-year history, the ball went off at the acting company's home at Reynolds Performance Hall at the University of Central Arkansas and guests enjoyed a buffet, music and seating at tables on the stage.
The evening began with a reception in the lobby followed by a welcome from the evening's master of ceremonies, Bob Anderson of Champaign, Ill., a member of the company. He said it was good to have the fundraiser among the "steadfast people" of Conway. "They are the bedrock of what we do here."
A short video highlighted the successes of the company, which hosts the annual Arkansas Shakespeare Festival, and how contributions have helped it grow from about 2,000 festivalgoers in the beginning to 6,000 last year. The company will travel to 10 spots across the state during this year's festival, which begins in June.
Guests were invited to eat, drink and make merry, as well as participate in a group painting of the masks of comedy and tragedy. Anyone who wished could paint on the piece started by artist Steve Griffith of Conway. Partygoers were also invited backstage and into the dressing rooms where numerous items were up for silent auction, including costumes used in former productions. The band Rexy's Midnight Riders provided entertainment.
The evening raised about $50,000. Tickets for the season go on sale April 15. More information about it may be found at arkshakes.com.
-- Story and photos by Cary Jenkins
High Profile on 01/24/2016