Review: STAGE 13 PRE-PROFESSIONAL SHOWCASE 2026 at Arkansas Repertory Theatre in Little Rock

The theatrical talent in Central Arkansas never ceases to amaze me. We are blessed with a thriving arts community filled with gifted performers, directors, choreographers, and educators who generously pour their expertise into the next generation of artists. Because of that mentorship, our young performers are growing tremendously, developing the confidence, technique, and storytelling abilities needed to succeed on any stage they choose. The Stage 13 Pre-Professional Showcase 2026 at Arkansas Repertory Theatre on May 5 was a dazzling reminder that the future of Arkansas theatre is in exceptionally talented hands.

Presented by Stage 13 Foundation for the Performing Arts and generously sponsored by The Feland Family, the one-night showcase featured 18 rising stars from across Central Arkansas performing selections from some of Broadway’s most beloved musicals, including Hamilton, The Little Mermaid, Ragtime, Chicago, Rent, Legally Blonde, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. There was a wonderful variety of performances, from solos and duets to full ensemble numbers, each offering students the chance to shine in different ways. The evening also included dramatic scenes from The Outsiders, The Wolves, and others which beautifully showcased the students’ acting abilities and proved that their talents extend far beyond singing and dancing.

What makes this program even more extraordinary is that students must first audition to earn a place in the Pre-Professional Company. Once accepted, they receive this elite training free of charge thanks to scholarships funded by generous donors who understand the transformative power of arts education. 

From the moment the lights came up, it was clear these young artists were polished storytellers with the poise and discipline of seasoned professionals. To perform on the stage of The Rep is a dream for many actors, and each participant rose to the occasion with confidence and undeniable talent. There is absolutely no way I could choose a favorite performance from this extraordinary showcase. I have had the joy of watching many of these young artists in productions throughout Central Arkansas over the years, and I can personally attest to the tremendous growth in both their technical skills and Stage Presence. Stage 13 has helped these students blossom into confident, polished performers. Their vocals are stronger, their acting choices are more nuanced, and their ability to command an audience has reached an entirely new level. 

Two performers who particularly exemplified the extraordinary talent nurtured through this program were Collin Carlton and Annie Zimmerman. After appearing in this showcase, both went on to win this year’s Broadway Bound Awards of Central Arkansas. Their victory earned them a paid trip to New York City this summer, where they will train with Broadway professionals and represent Arkansas at the prestigious Jimmy Awards. What an exciting testament to the caliber of talent being developed right here in Central Arkansas!

Much of that success is due to the outstanding teaching artists who guide these students week after week. Bridget Davis, Molly Giles, Quinn Gasaway, Moriah Connerson, Kiona Reece, and Christian Waldron are an extraordinary team of professionals who are not only teaching songs and choreography, but also fostering discipline, collaboration, resilience, and self-expression. Their influence was evident in every performance.

Leading this inspiring organization are Co-Executive Directors Alyson Courtney and Warren McCullough, whose vision and dedication continue to create extraordinary opportunities for young performers throughout Central Arkansas. Under their leadership, Stage 13 has become a premier training ground where aspiring artists are encouraged to dream big, work hard, and discover just how far their talents can take them.

The showcase was also a beautiful reminder of how fortunate we are in Central Arkansas to have such a supportive arts community. Special thanks were extended to Will Feland, Jennie Clark Stewart, Chris Alley, Pat Carlton, Colonial Wine & Spirits, Chris Kotoun, and the dedicated Pre-Pro Parents whose encouragement and generosity help make opportunities like this possible.

The Stage 13 Pre-Professional Showcase 2026 was far more than a recital. It was a celebration of hard work, mentorship, and the limitless potential of young artists. If this remarkable evening is any indication, the future of theatre in Arkansas is dazzling, dynamic, and more than ready for center stage.

PRE-PROFESSIONAL SHOWCASE PERFORMERS

Annie Zimmerman

Austin Bernard

Beckham Bunche

Berkeley Courtney-Moore

Blakely White

Braden Lisowe

Brooklyn Malvin

Collin Carlton

Elizabeth Atkins

Evan Hauser

Hannah Grace Twitty

Jason Jackson

Karah Collins

Keegan Washington

Mallory Lafferty

Reese Von Storch

Rylee Grant

Sasha Bass

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