The Studio Theatre

10/08/2025

After months of reflection and countless conversations, The Studio Theatre Board shares this difficult news with deep respect for the community that built us: The Studio Theatre will be closing its doors.

This announcement does not come lightly. Over the past several months, we’ve explored every avenue to continue our work, from visiting and negotiating new spaces to reimagining what the future of The Studio Theatre could look like. Our intention was never to go away quietly or quickly, and we’ve remained hopeful until the very end.

But despite our best efforts, this is simply not the right time to embark on a new chapter. The financial realities of securing and outfitting a new space, maintaining staff, and producing quality theatre in today’s economic climate are immense. These challenges, combined with an already stretched creative community, have made
it clear that continuing at this time would not be sustainable or responsible.

We want to be clear: This decision was not sparked by a single moment. It is the result of ongoing reflection that began long before recent events. When our Board President accepted her dream opportunity earlier this year, we began considering what would be required to move forward without her leadership. We weighed options. We brainstormed models. We sought clarity. And when the time came to be honest with ourselves, we knew that stepping away, for now, was the most responsible and respectful choice for our community and for the people who make this work possible.

To every artist, volunteer, board member, patron, and donor who ever said “yes” to us: we are here because of you. We are deeply thankful for your trust, your time, your sweat equity, and your belief in what we built.

This theatre has never just been a building. It has been a labor of love, a space to take risks, share stories, laugh loudly, and build something meaningful together. We hold that close.

While this is the final curtain for now, it may not be the end of the story. If and when the time is right, we are open to what may come next, we’ll be here, ready. Until then, we say thank you. And we leave with hearts full, not just with grief, but with pride and gratitude for the incredible journey we’ve shared.

—The Studio Theatre Board of Directors

05/27/2025

We’re thrilled to celebrate our incredible board member, Sam Bentley ! Her hard work and dedication never go unnoticed, and we’re so proud to see her recognized for all she does. She’s truly a gem who supports not only our organization but the entire Chamber community. Congrats, Sam!

This month, we feature four Little Rock women who are true inspirations in their field of work.

Today, we are thrilled to spotlight Samantha Bentley, Member Development Manager of the Little Rock Regional Chamber. Before joining the Chamber, Samantha was an elementary school music teacher who participated in every program, coalition, board and association that she possibly could. In 2023, she moved to Little Rock, renovated a fixer-upper and began a whole new career. Though she no longer works in education, Samantha is an educator at heart - answering questions, making meaningful connections and helping local business owners engage in the community. She also recently joined the board of directors for Studio Theatre. Read more about Samantha, her work and her inspiring advice to her younger self in our May issue.

Photography by

02/04/2025

The curtain may be down for now, but don’t worry—Act 2 is on its way!

As many of you know, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to secure a new future for The Studio Theatre. Unfortunately, negotiations with our current landlord had reached an impasse, and the space we had planned to move into last month fell through at the last minute. But don’t worry, this is just an intermission, not the final act!

During this time, we’re reimagining our future and figuring out what’s next in the most exciting way possible. Stay tuned for updates as they happen! 🎭✨

Want to help? Reach out to us at [email protected] for ways to get involved or support.

02/01/2025

💜Act I, End Scene💜

01/31/2025

As we spend our last two days in the current Studio Theatre space, we wanted to take a moment to share a sentimental goodbye to this beautiful baby grand piano. For years, it’s been the heart of so many unforgettable moments — jazz nights, cabarets, birthdays, recitals, and countless other events that brought our community together.

This piano was a gift from one of our founders, Bob Bidewell, whose love for music, theatre, and this home is woven into every note ever played on it. How fitting that the final song played here at 320 W 7th Street was "If Ever I Would Leave You" — a beautiful, bittersweet farewell in its own right.

We’re also incredibly touched that the lovely woman who has bought the piano intends to use it to reclaim a part of herself she gave up years ago. What a beautiful and meaningful way for this piano to continue its legacy — helping someone rediscover their passion for music, just as it has been part of so many special moments here. As this piano moves on to its new home, we hope it continues to bring as much joy to its next chapter as it has brought to us.

01/19/2025

Tomorrow from 2-6 bring a bag and fill it up for a $30 donation! Anything you can fit in the bag is yours! Or if you have been in a show and want a poster as a keepsake, come get one!

01/19/2025

Come join us for the last day of our sale! We will be here till noon. Note: if you ordered a larger furniture piece item and need to arrange pickup we are asking for all items to be out of the building by Friday the 24th.

01/06/2025

Our hearts are heavy with the passing of one Mary Ann Hansen. Mary Ann was many things for many people, but for our community she was a tour de force actress, storyteller, theatre maker, and friend. This photo was taken at a photoshoot for Studio's production of War Paint in 2019. It was always an honor for her to grace our stage. Gone but never ever forgotten. 🩷

12/17/2024

She's back for a sixth year and better than ever! Come spend a fun filled evening with Cindy Lou Who and discover all her life's twists and turns since How The Grinch Stole Christmas! This PG-15 romp across Mt. Crumpet will make you laugh, cry, and never see The Grinch the same way again! Starring Georgeann Burbank. 3 nights only! Tickets available at https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/the-studio-theatre/668f3a2c236dea1417762057