After 14 years of lively programming, the Argenta Community Theater announced Wednesday that it’s undergoing a name change.
As the nonprofit organization prepares to enter its 15th season, it will now be known as the Argenta Contemporary Theatre, a rebranding that’s designed to enhance their “potential for securing arts grants and garnering increased recognition for its endeavors,” according to a press release.
“The decision to rebrand as Argenta Contemporary Theatre underscores a significant step forward in our ongoing journey,” said Alyson Courtney, the organization’s director of development. “We are deeply rooted in Central Arkansas, and this name change allows us to embrace our history while recognizing our growth and reach and what the future potentially holds. We will continue to honor the vision of our co-founders and serve the community through the performing arts, making meaningful contributions to the cultural landscape.”
“This is the right moment for this change and I couldn’t be more proud of where we are and where Argenta Contemporary Theatre is headed,” said Producing Artistic Director Vincent Insalaco, who co-founded the Argenta Community Theater with the late Judy Tenenbaum in 2010. Insalaco added that the theater’s efforts to move to a “semi-professional” status will allow them to begin offering stipends to actors, starting with one show per season and hopefully expanding to more down the line.
A video posted on the organization’s Facebook page features congratulatory wishes from Arkansas-connected actors like George Newbern, Ashlie Atkinson, Jacob Keith Watson and Laura Leigh Turner:
Other announcements accompanying the name change include a new logo and website; new seating; a partnership with The Joint to host off-site cabarets, educational programming and camps; and the creation of a full-time position as director of creative services for longtime contractor Warren McCullough.
The Argenta Contemporary Theatre also announced their 15th season of shows, which will consist of “Annie Jr.” (June 26-27), “Grease” (July 24-Aug. 3), “The Sunshine Boys” (Sept. 11-21), “My Fair Lady” (Oct. 9-19), “A Christmas Story: The Musical” (Dec. 4-14), “School of Rock: The Musical” (Feb. 12-22, 2025), “Gypsy” (April 9-19, 2025) and “On Golden Pond” (May 5-25, 2025).
