Auditions: Saturday April 12 at 10:00am and Sunday April 13 at 2:00pm for Mary Poppins!

 

Auditions! Saturday, April 12 at 10AM and Sunday, April 13 at 2:00PM for Mary Poppins!

Auditions for Mary Poppins will be held at The Historic 1929 Lyric Theater. Performance dates are August 1-3 and August 8-10, 2025. Ages 10 and up ONLY

Please register to audition at our ticketing page to receive more information!

The Requirements

  • Only those auditioning may be present, unless the auditioner is a minor
  • Ages 10 and up ONLY.
  • Please prepare TWO songs to sing: ONE 30 second to 1 minute song from Mary Poppins AND ONE 30 second to 1 minute completely unrelated song that is contrasting and shows your vocal range and ability. (You will be singing it a capella.
  • Sides for cold reads will be chosen by the director.
  • Auditions will consist of singing both songs and then cold reads.

The Story

Mary Poppins will be performed Live at the Lyric August 1-2, 8-9, 2025 at 7:00PM, Sunday August 3, 2025 at 2:00PM, and Sunday August 10, 2025 at 2:00PM.

In Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s Mary Poppins, everyone’s favorite practically perfect nanny takes the stage in this Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious musical adventure.

One of the most popular Disney movies of all time is capturing hearts in a whole new way: as a practically perfect musical! Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s Mary Poppins delighted Broadway audiences for over 2,500 performances and received nominations for nine Olivier and seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

The jack-of-all trades, Bert, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again. Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren’t the only ones upon whom she has a profound effect. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that “Anything can happen if you let it.”

Mary Poppins is an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs, breathtaking dance numbers and astonishing stagecraft.

Please register to audition at our ticketing page to receive more information!

Thank you for supporting the Arts and good luck!

5 Minute Opener Opportunity!

Calling all area comedians!

Comedians one and all! Enter our comedy jam to audition for Comedian Josh Pray’s upcoming stand-up comedy show at the Lyric Theater! ONLY 15 ENTRIES ALLOWED – register here.

Josh lives in Florida, so we will be recording each comedian and sending the recordings for him to decide who will be his local opener. 

The opener will be chosen by Josh and will be given a 15 minute set before Josh’s show on April 12 at 7:00pm at the Lyric Theater in Harrison, AR.

Entry Rules:

Doors will open at 6:15pm. Comedians must be there by 5:30 for sound check.

Entry is FREE.

Material must be no longer than 5 minutes. The Emcee will flash a light when a minute is left in your set.

Content Warning: No content that is divisive. Josh’s comedy is a bit on the adult side, and he typically has 18+ crowds, so please be mindful of this. 

There are only 15 entries allowed, please register here!

This event is open and free to the public. Our upstairs bar will open at 6:15pm. Please feel free to invite your friends and try out your material!

Thank you for supporting the Arts and good luck!

Stand-Up Comedy: Josh Pray #LiveAtTheLyric – April 12, 2025 at 7:00pm

The Ozark Arts Council Presents:
Comedian Josh Pray!

Saturday April 12 at 7:00PM

Josh Pray will perform Live at the Lyric Saturday April 12 at 7:00pm.

Tickets are $35 for VIP seating, $30 for Prime seating, $20 for Main seating, and $18 for Super Discounted seating!

With Josh Pray, ‘Stand-Up’ is more than just a form of comedy: Josh is a true ‘stand-up guy’. His description on Facebook resonates with everyone who’s seen him: “Probably the most positive-inclusive-insightful-plus size comedian, model and person on the internet!” His commitment on his website is forthright and to the point: “As a passionate, creative professional, I believe in putting my skills and innovation at the forefront of my work for everyone I work with to experience. From creating my own content to working with brands to synthesize unique campaigns that harness my social media presence, I instill liveliness into everything I do.

“I have had the pleasure of visiting many states from my homeland of America, as well as making appearances abroad. I cherish every single experience and look forward to more.”

Comedian Vinnie Ward will be joining Josh as an opener, as will a yet-to-be-determined local comedian. Details soon!

And we look forward to having Josh with us—and with you! Join us at the Historic 1929 Lyric Theater on Saturday April 12 at 7:00pm to see comedian Josh Pray!

Tickets are $35 for VIP seating, $30 for Prime seating, $20 for Main seating, and $18 for Super Discounted seating!


Many thanks to Jeff Crockett of Crockett Outdoor Media and Crockett Properties for his help in making this event come to life!

OAC Ticketing Link

SCHOLARSHIPS open thru Apr. 4, 2025

The 2025 Mary Bishop Scholarship

Scholarship application here.

The Mary Bishop Scholarship, established by the Ozark Arts Council, is for high school students who have been involved with their high school Theatre program in Arkansas and/or with productions at the Lyric Theater. 1st place will receive $1000, 2nd place will receive $500.  Eligibility requirements: senior in high school, must be involved with the Lyric Theater in Harrison, OR school Theatre department in Arkansas. Scholarship applications are open from February 18, 2025 – April 4th, 2025. Decisions will be made in April 2025 and applicants will be notified via the email provided.

Scholarship application here.

Art Contest for Hadestown: Teen through Friday Aril 4

The Ozark Arts Council and NorthArk Drama Present:
An Art Contest, Hadestown: Teen

Hadestown: Teen Student Art Contest – Sponsored by Harrison Art League and Ozark Arts Council

Purpose: The purpose of the Hadestown: Teen Art Contest is to recognize the artistic achievements of our area students and to increase community involvement in live theatre. This student art contest is open to students grades 7-12 in public, private, and home schools, as well as high school students enrolled at NorthArk.

Theme: The theme for the Art contest comes from one of Broadway’s newest and brightest hits, Hadestown, based on the beautiful Greek myths of Perspephone and Hades, and Eurydice and Orpheus. Students are encouraged to use the synopsis attached to create a piece of artwork to be used at the playbill cover for the Ozark Arts Council/NorthArk Drama’s production of Hadestown: Teen.

Originality: All work must be created by the student. The entry must be conceptualized, developed, and completed by the student. 

Entry form here.

Recognition:

There will be FIVE winning pieces which will be used as the Hadestown: Teen playbill in a rotating print. The artists will receive a framed copy of the playbill and will be recognized on opening night of Hadestown: Teen (Friday May 9, 2025 at 7:00PM). The artists will receive free admission to the production on Friday May 9, 2025, along with 2 complimentary tickets to be used at their discretion. The artists’ Art teachers will also receive 2 complimentary tickets to the Friday May 9, 2025 production. Artists will also receive a $50 cash prize.

Deadline: Deadline for submitting entries along with the forms is no later than Friday April 4, 2025. Artists/parents of Artists, please email in**@oz**************.org to arrange for drop off of artwork March 1-April 4.

Guidelines for Artwork:

  • Submit only one piece of artwork per student in any medium, including graphic design. If photography is used, there cannot be any facial recognition.
  • No lettering, signatures, or initials may appear on the front of the design. Any artwork with such identifying characteristics will be disqualified and eliminated from the competition,
  • Artwork must be original and can be from any medium. AI content is NOT acceptable. Artwork must not have clippings from newspapers, magazines, found objects, etc.
  • Minimum entry size for digital work is width=2120px; height=2811px. Maximum size for all work is 18×24 inches, not including matting.
  • Photographs not originated by the student (e.g., found in magazines, newspapers, other media) may not be used as source material for artwork submissions.
  • Artwork must be completely dry or fixed.
  • Works on paper should be matted to protect the artwork. Works on stretched canvas or canvas board do not need to be matted.
  • No framed artwork.
  • Use a clear glue stick to affix your completed entry form to the back of the artwork. Affix the entry form the upper right hand corner of the artwork. Please do NOT staple, paper clip, or tape as it will damage the artwork.

Forms: All entrants must complete the Student Art Contest Entry Forms, which should be attached to the back upper right hand corner of the artwork using a clear glue stick. The Student Art Contest Statement Form should be submitted with the artwork. This form provides the contest committee with vital contact information and certification signatures from the student, parent/guardian, and art teacher, which confirm that the student has abided by the rules and regulations of the contest. The form also releases Harrison Art League and Ozark Arts Council from responsibility in cases of loss, theft, or damage to the artwork, and gives permission for displaying and reproducing the artwork.

Judging Criteria: 

Technique: The student chooses and utilizes media and tools competently to enhance the appearance of their work.

Personal Expression: The evidence of imagination, creativity, and individuality. The result is distinctive and the concept presented in a unique way that is imaginative and inventive.

Organization: The use of elements and the principles of art, effectively selecting those which enhance the overall appearance of the work.

Integration: The work combines technique, expression, and organization through artistic and critical judgment to achieve an effective interpretation or result.

Note: Jurors have the right to exclude any work from consideration in the contest – the decision of the jurors is final as relating to all contest matters.

Judging:

Judging will take place soon after the deadline for submissions has passed and the winner will be notified by a member of Harrison Art League or one of their designees.

Synopsis:

Hadestown: Teen Edition is a full-length adaptation of Anaïs Mitchell’s Hadestown, modified for performance by teen actors for family audiences. The Teen Edition is only available for school and youth groups with performers 19 years old and younger.

This intriguing and beautiful folk opera delivers a deeply resonant and defiantly hopeful theatrical experience. Following two intertwining love stories – that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of immortal King Hades and lady Persephone – Hadestown invites audiences on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back. Inspired by traditions of classic American folk music and vintage New Orleans jazz, Mitchell’s beguiling sung-through musical pits industry against nature, doubt against faith, and fear against love. 

The plot follows Orpheus, a hopeful young musician, who embarks on a perilous journey to the underworld to rescue his beloved Eurydice after she is lured there by the promise of security by the enigmatic ruler Hades. In the underworld, Eurydice faces the harsh realities of Hadestown, a factory where souls toil endlessly, forgotten by the world above. Meanwhile, the strained relationship between Hades and his wife Persephone mirrors the cycles of decay and growth, influencing the fates of those below and above. Hadestown: Teen is not only a narrative of individual journeys but also a commentary on societal issues such as power, wealth, and the resilience of human spirit in the face of adversity. With its emotive performances, rich lyrical storytelling, and dynamic score, Hadestown offers a profound theatrical experience that invites audiences to question what it means to make sacrifices for love and to dream of a better world.

Entry Form here.

Musical: A love story and a classic Greek Myth – Hadestown: Teen #LiveAtTheLyric – May 9-10, May 15-17 at 7:00pm and May 11, 2025 at 2:00pm

The Ozark Arts Council and NorthArk Drama Present:
Hadestown: Teen

 

Friday–Saturday, May 9-10, May 16-17, 7:00PM
Sunday May 11, May 18, 2:00PM

Hadestown: Teen will be performed Live at the Lyric May 9–10, 2025 at 7:00PM,  Sunday May 11 at 2:00PM, and May 15–17, 2025 at 7:00PM.

PLEASE NOTE: There will
NOT be
a performance on Sunday, May 18.
Saturday evening, May 17 is the finale!

Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors (55 and up) and students, and $11 for children (under 12), when purchased in advance; prices are $3 higher if purchased at the door.

 
Hadestown: Teen Edition is a full-length adaptation of Anaïs Mitchell’s Hadestown, very gently-modified for performance by teen actors for family audiences. The Teen Edition is only available for school and youth groups with performers 19 years old and younger.
 
This intriguing and beautiful folk opera delivers a deeply resonant and defiantly hopeful theatrical experience. Following two intertwining love stories—that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of immortal King Hades and lady Persephone—“Hadestown” invites audiences on an inspiring journey to the underworld and back. Rooted in traditions of classic American folk music and vintage New Orleans jazz, Mitchell’s beguiling, sung-through musical pits industry against nature, doubt against faith, and fear against love.
 
The plot follows Orpheus, a hopeful young musician, who embarks on a perilous journey to the underworld to rescue his beloved Eurydice after she is lured there by the promise of security by the enigmatic ruler Hades. In the underworld, Eurydice faces the harsh realities of Hadestown—a factory where souls toil endlessly, forgotten by the world above. Meanwhile, the strained relationship between Hades and his wife Persephone mirrors the cycles of decay and growth, influencing the fates of those below and above.
 
Hadestown: Teen is not only a narrative of individual journeys, but also a commentary on societal issues such as power, wealth, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. With its emotive performances, rich lyrical storytelling, and dynamic score, Hadestown: Teen offers a profound theatrical experience that invites audiences to question what it means to make sacrifices for love and to dream of a better world.
 

Hadestown: Teen will be performed Live at the Lyric May 9–10, 2025 at 7:00PM,  Sunday May 11 at 2:00PM, and May 15–17, 2025 at 7:00PM.

PLEASE NOTE: There will
NOT be
a performance on Sunday, May 18.
Saturday evening, May 17 is the finale!

Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors (55 and up) and students, and $11 for children (under 12), when purchased in advance; prices are $3 higher if purchased at the door.

OAC Ticketing Link

Northark Drama Presents: Snapshots of Life — Fri–Sat Nov. 22–23, 2024 @ 7:00 — #LiveAtTheLyric!

Student-Written One Acts:
Snapshots of Life
Friday–Saturday, Nov. 22–23, 2024 at 7:00PM 

Snapshots of Life, a Northark Drama production, will be performed at Harrison’s historic Lyric Theater Friday and Saturday, November 22–23, at 7:00pm. FREE tickets with donation of food or toiletries for Pete’s Pantry!

A list of needed items: Basic toiletries (deodorant, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products, wash cloths, toiletry bags); Toilet paper; Ramen noodles; Granola bars; Ready meals (microwavable Mac and cheese, etc.); Canned meat (spam, weenies, etc.), Packaged crackers.

This fall, live at the historic Lyric Theater on the downtown Harrison, Arkansas, come see student-written scenes and monologues from NorthArk Drama professor Michael Mahoney’s Drama I and II classes!

Come and spend your time with this wonderful cast as they spend their time(s) with us and help donate to a terrific cause!

Actors and writers include:

Copeland Stanley, Kayla Long, Teagan Harris, Johnny Phillips, Rilee Young, Teagan Lee, Bailey Kolb, Emma Bock, Grace Bough, Hayden Allen, Tim Garrison, Michael Curtis, Jason Smith.

Photo Credit: Emma Bock; Poster Credit: Jason Epperson

Please Note: This production contains adult language.

Auditions: Saturday September 14 at 6:30pm and Sunday September 15 at 2:00pm for The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe!

 

Auditions! Saturday, September 14 at 6:30PM and Sunday, September 15 at 2:00PM for The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe!

Auditions for The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe will be held at The Historic 1929 Lyric Theater. Performance dates are December 13-15 and 20-22, 2024. Ages 8 and up ONLY

Please register to audition at our ticketing page to receive more information!

The Story

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe will be performed Live at the Lyric December 13-14, 2024 at 7:00PM, December 20-21, 2024 at 7:00PM, Sunday December 15 at 2:00PM, and Sunday December 22 at 2:00PM.

This dramatization of C.S. Lewis’ classic work faithfully recreates the magic and mystery of Aslan, the great lion, his struggle with the White Witch, and the adventures of four children who inadvertently wander from an old wardrobe into the exciting, never-to-be-forgotten Narnia. The intense action features chases, duels and escapes as the witch is determined to keep Narnia in her possession and to end the reign of Aslan. All the memorable episodes from the story are represented in this exciting dramatization: the temptation of Edmund by the witch, the slaying of the evil wolf by Peter, the witnessing of Aslan’s resurrection by Susan and Lucy, the crowing of the four new rulers of Narnia, and more. The supporting characters are also here: the unicorn, the centaur and other forest animals, along with Father Christmas, Mr. and Mrs. Beaver and Tumnus the Faun. This story of love, faith, courage and giving, with its triumph of good over evil, is a true celebration of life. 

Please register to audition at our ticketing page to receive more information!

The Requirements

  • Only those auditioning may be present, unless the auditioner is a minor
  • Auditions will consist of sides from the script, chosen by the director. To see more information, please register here.
  • Ages 8 and up ONLY.

Thank you for supporting the Arts and good luck!