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.

Drama: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe #LiveAtTheLyric December 13-14, December 20-21 at 7:00pm and December 15 & 22, 2024 at 2:00pm

The Ozark Arts Council Presents:
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

Friday–Saturday, December 13-14, December 20-21, 7:00PM
Sunday December 15, December 22, 2:00PM

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. 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.

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. 

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. 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

Musical: Little Shop of Horrors #LiveAtTheLyric September 27-28, October 4-5 at 7:00pm and September 29, October 6, 2024 at 2:00pm

The Ozark Arts Council Presents:
Little Shop of Horrors

Friday–Saturday, September 27-28, October 4-5, 7:00PM
Sunday, September 29, October 6, 2:00PM

Little Shop of Horrors will be performed Live at the Lyric September 27–28, 2024 at 7:00PM, October 4–5, 2024 at 7:00PM, Sunday September 29 at 2:00PM, and Sunday October 6 at 2:00PM. 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.

Meek flower shop assistant Seymour (Kinder Hinrichs) is abused by shop owner Mr. Mushnik (Matt Hamblin) and pines for co-worker Audrey (Amy Lynne Sorenson), even though she is dating psychotic dentist, Orin (Daniel Seay). During a total eclipse, he discovers an unusual plant he names Audrey II (Abigail Coble), which feeds only on human flesh and blood. This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it BLOOD. With a be-boppin’ Greek Chorus of Crystal (Lexi Poor), Ronnette (Liani Cash), and Chiffon (Julie Millard), you are sure to love traveling down Skid Row at the Lyric Theater!

“…A deviously delicious Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical, Little Shop Of Horrors has devoured the hearts of theatre goers for over 30 years. Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Beauty And The Beast, and Aladdin) are the creative geniuses behind what has become one of the most popular shows in the world.”

– Music Theatre international

“Da-doo.” 

– Crystal, Chiffon, Ronnette

Little Shop of Horrors will be performed Live at the Lyric September 27-28, 2024 at 7:00PM, October 4-5, 2024 at 7:00PM, Sunday September 29 at 2:00PM, and Sunday October 6 at 2:00PM. 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

Comedy/Drama: Steel Magnolias #LiveAtTheLyric July 26-27, August 2-3 at 7:00pm and July 28, August 4, 2024 at 2:00pm

The Ozark Arts Council Presents:
Steel Magnolias
Friday–Saturday, July 26–27, August 2–3, 7:00PM
Sunday, July 28, August 4, 2:00PM

Steel Magnolias will be performed Live at the Lyric (with 2 different casts!) July 26–27, 2024 at 7:00PM, August 2–3, 2024 at 7:00PM, Sunday July 28 at 2:00PM, and Sunday August 4 at 2:00PM. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (55 and up) and students, and $8 for children (under 12), when purchased in advance; prices are $3 higher if purchased at the door.

The action is set in Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done. Helped by her eager new assistant, Annelle (who is not sure whether or not she is still married) (Laken Rudelis & Jerry Carter), the outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy (Jane Harrison) dispenses shampoos and free advice to the town’s rich curmudgeon, Ouiser, (“I’m not crazy, I’ve just been in a bad mood for forty years”) (Lisa Johnson & Toinette Madison); an eccentric millionaire, Miss Clairee (Kelly Goodwin & Ann Lemley), who has a raging sweet tooth; and the local social leader, M’Lynn (Julianna Hamblin & Lisa Bailey), whose daughter, Shelby (the prettiest girl in town) (Katie Davis & Ella Rush), is about to marry a “good ole boy.” Filled with hilarious repartee and not a few acerbic but humorously revealing verbal collisions, when the play moves towards tragedy, the ladies must rely on the underlying strength—and love—which give the play, and its characters, the special quality to make them truly touching, funny and marvelously amiable company in good times and bad.

Concerned with a group of gossipy southern ladies in a small-town beauty parlor, the play is alternately hilarious and touching—and, in the end, deeply revealing of the strength and purposefulness which underlies the antic banter of its characters.

Chinqapin Parish Cast July 26–28

  • Truvy: Jane Harrison
  • Annelle: Jerry Carter
  • Ouiser: Lisa Johnson
  • Clairee: Ann Lemley
  • M’Lynn: Lisa Bailey
  • Shelby: Ella Rush

Natchitoches Cast August 2–4

  • Truvy: Jane Harrison
  • Annelle: Laken Rudelis
  • Ouiser: Toinette Madison
  • Clairee: Kelly Goodwin
  • M’Lynn: Julianna Hamblin
  • Shelby: Katie Davis

“…suffused with humor and tinged with tragedy.” 

– New York Post

“Harling has given his women sharp, funny dialogue…The play builds to a conclusion that is deeply moving.” 

– New York Daily News

Steel Magnolias will be performed Live at the Lyric (with 2 different casts!) July 26-27, 2024 at 7:00PM, August 2-3, 2024 at 7:00PM, Sunday July 28 at 2:00PM, and Sunday August 4 at 2:00PM. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (55 and up) and students, and $8 for children (under 12), when purchased in advance; prices are $3 higher if purchased at the door.

OAC Ticketing Link

Summer Workshop on the Horizon!

The Summer Kidz Workshop is now taking applicants!

SIGN UP HERE!

The Theatre Co. of the Ozarks is pleased to announce their upcoming summer workshop! They are now accepting applications for students ages 6 to 17. Applications are due by Monday May 20, 2024.

The dates are Monday-Thursday July 8-11, July 15-18, and July 22-25 from 1pm-5pm, with a performance on Sunday July 28 at 2pm at the Lyric Theater. We will provide snacks and water, but it is always a good idea to have your child bring their own water bottle and snacks if they prefer something in particular or have allergies.
 
The cost of the workshop is $25 per child. There are several scholarships available based on need.

 
This workshop will be a combination of mini workshops for improv, acting, set building, lighting design, and much more! They will be hosted by qualified and experienced adults and Theatre students in high school and college.

 
The younger students will participate in The Aristocats KIDS and the older students will concentrate on writing their own monologues and performing them OR on tech and backstage work! If kids choose to be tech students, they will still participate in all workshops, and instead of performing, they will learn how to build a portfolio and present iit. OAC Executive Director Julianna Hamblin and Theatre Co. of the Ozarks Vice President AJ Womack will be leading the students in these performances. 
 
Please make plans to attend the mandatory parent/guardian meeting on Monday June 3 at 5:30pm to get all the info. Please bring your registered child(ren) so we can meet them! But don’t forget to sign up first!

Sign up here!