Arkansas Repertory Theatre Names Anna Kimmell as New Director of Education

Arkansas Repertory Theatre announced today that Anna Kimmell has been named the theatre's new Director of Education. Kimmell is currently Director of Education at Mill Mountain Theatre in Roanoke, VA, a position she has held since June 2013. She is expected to begin work at The Rep in mid-August.

Kimmell's experience at Mill Mountain has included overseeing all aspects of the Mill Mountain Conservatory, including planning curricula, scheduling classes and events, strengthening community partnerships, planning and implementing outreach education, developing and managing a college intern apprentice program and tour, developing new works for children and families, plus teaching classes in music theatre, acting, dance, art, and technical theatre for kindergarten through adult. Since 2013, participation in educational programming has increased by 250 percent, the number of classes offered per semester has tripled and the number of patrons visiting the theatre for performances and other conservatory events has quadrupled.

"We are delighted to welcome Anna Kimmell to Arkansas Repertory Theatre," said Producing Artistic Director Bob Hupp. "Anna's proven track record and passion for arts education will be invaluable as we expand our educational offerings into a year round program operating in our new facility on Main Street. Arkansans of all ages will benefit from Anna's experience and her leadership when the theatre launches its new education plan for 2017."

While working at Mill Mountain, Kimmell served as an adjunct professor at Hollins University in Roanoke. Kimmell began her career in education as a guest instructor at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center in Atlanta, GA. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Theatre from Elon University. Theatre credits include: National Tour: The Wizard of Oz; Regional Theatre: Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street, Amber in Hairspray, Swing! (Mill Mountain Theatre), Judy in White Christmas, Sandy in Grease, Cinderella in Cinderella (Atlanta Lyric Theatre), Connie Miller in 1940's Radio Hour (Theatre in the Square), Olivia in Illyrica: The 12th Night Musical, Ursula in Much Ado About Nothing (Georgia Shakespeare), Atonia in Man of La Mancha, Wendy Darling in Peter Pan (Theatre by the Sea), Annie (Theatre of the Stars), Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors (Lake Dillon Theatre), and Kitty in Nuptials (Flat Rock Playhouse). TV credits include "Devious Maids" and "Final Witness."

Kimmell says she believes this is an opportune time to be joining The Rep.

"I am thrilled and honored to join the Arkansas Repertory team as Director of Education later this summer," said Kimmell. "With a beautiful new educational space supported by a nationally renowned theatre, The Rep has laid a strong foundation for exponential growth and community engagement through theatre education. Theatre is all about connecting artists to their community, to each other, to a deeper appreciation of the arts, and, ultimately, to a greater sense of self. I intend to create a program that is fun, challenging, supportive, and empowering for students of all ages and experience levels."

Click here to watch a video of Kimmell describing her goals for the education department.

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