Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts

Open Adult Auditions
2025-05-17 13:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago)
Adult professional actor auditions are taking place at AMFA for our upcoming 2025-2026 season! AMFA’s Children’s Theatre is casting puppeteers for Flurffy & Friends (year-round, flexible schedule), as well as actors for our upcoming holiday production (October 13 – December 22, 2025) and spring production (January 20 – March 30, 2026).
AMFA is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in our organization, community, and beyond. We are seeking a broad spectrum of artists – adults of all races, genders, backgrounds, and abilities are encouraged to audition.
How to Prepare

Bring a current headshot and resume (stapled together) that contains your contact information.
Prepare 16-32 bars of an upbeat, musical theatre song of any genre.
Prepare a 30-60 second comedic monologue from any time period. Monologue must be memorized.
Live accompaniment will be available. Please bring sheet music in the correct key. A Bluetooth speaker will be available, as well.
Please make sure your audition does not exceed two minutes and 30 seconds.

Callback auditions will take place by invitation only on Monday, May 19, at 5:00 p.m.
Please contact theatre@arkmfa.org if you have any questions.
All cast and crew positions are paid. Housing is not included in the contract and is the actor’s responsibility.

Children’s Theatre and Performing Arts programs are supported in part by the Shubert Foundation and the Alice L. Walton Foundation.
Photo: Iwan Baan

Flurffy's Secret Garden
2025-06-14 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-06-21 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-06-28 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-07-05 11:00 - 12:30
When a shy little girl arrives in town, Flurffy and his friends plan a delightful garden party to welcome her. But will the mysterious Dr. Craven ruin their plans by keeping them out of the enchanted garden?
Celebrate the start of summertime with Flurffy, AMFA’s beloved pink puppet dog, in this original production inspired by the art on view in The Long View: From Conservation to Sustainability: Works from the Bank of America Collection.
This imaginative show – featuring AMFA-crafted puppets, repurposed props, and recycled set pieces – promises a sweet theatrical treat filled with original songs and interactive play.
The show runtime is approximately 30 minutes, with showtimes starting at 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

Flurffy’s Secret Garden is supported in part by the Alice L. Walton Foundation.
The Long View: From Conservation to Sustainability: Works from the Bank of America Collection is presented by Bank of America.

Additional support is provided by Anne and Merritt Dyke.
This exhibition has been loaned through the Bank of America Art in our Communities® program.
Image courtesy of Jason Masters.

Everyday Magic: Puppetry and Breaking Boundaries with Josh Rice
2025-07-09 18:00 - 19:30
Discover the transformative power of puppetry with Jim Henson Foundation Award winner and SHAKE Producing Artistic Director Josh Rice. Along with his talented team, he will reveal how puppetry illuminates text, ignites creativity, and forges new pathways for self-expression beyond societal and linguistic boundaries.
This interactive discussion features industry experts, culminating in a hands-on exploration of how everyday objects can be used as tools for puppetry, storytelling, and cross-cultural communication, perfect for audiences aged 12 and up.
AMFA Members are invited to enjoy a complimentary drink before the program begins during Member Mingle in the Cultural Living Room.
About Josh Rice
Rice is the co-founder and Producing Artistic Director of Shake Productions, as well as the founder of the New York State Puppet Festival. He is also a recipient of a 2024 Jim Henson Foundation Production Grant.
His current production Kayfabe, a puppet wrestling entertainment spectacular, explores the crossroads of traditional forms of puppetry and popular culture.

Everyday Magic: Puppetry and Breaking Boundaries with Josh Rice is supported in part by the Alice L. Walton Foundation.
Children’s Theatre and Performing Arts programs are supported in part by the Shubert Foundation and the Alice L. Walton Foundation.

"The Tempest" by William Shakespeare
2025-07-10 19:30 - 21:00, 2025-07-11 19:30 - 21:00, 2025-07-12 14:00 - 15:30, 2025-07-13 14:00 - 15:30
In this classic tale of a shipwreck set on a remote island filled with monsters, fairies, court jesters, drunken butlers, and young lovers, the exiled Duke of Milan, Prospero, conjures a mighty storm to shipwreck his enemies.
Will he seek revenge, or will forgiveness prove the greater power? This fast-paced, spectacle-driven adaptation by SHAKE sets out to prove that “we are such stuff as dreams are made on.”
Blending music, live foley, improvisation, puppetry, and audience interaction, this production delivers a Shakespearean experience like no other that will captivate audiences aged 12 and up.
“The island is full of noises and sweet airs, that delight, and hurt not.”
Children’s Theatre and Performing Arts programs are supported in part by the Shubert Foundation and the Alice L. Walton Foundation.

Puppetry Masterclass with Josh Rice
2025-07-12 10:30 - 12:30
Unleash your creativity in this fun, hands-on exploration of puppetry with Josh Rice, a creative force in the world of contemporary puppet theatre! Aspiring puppeteers aged 16 and up will enjoy an inside look at Rice’s processes and take inspiration from his work to create something new.
About Josh Rice
Rice is the co-founder and Producing Artistic Director of SHAKE, as well as the founder of the New York State Puppet Festival. He is also a recipient of a 2024 Jim Henson Foundation Production Grant.
His current production Kayfabe, a puppet wrestling entertainment spectacular, explores the crossroads of traditional forms of puppetry and popular culture.

Children’s Theatre and Performing Arts programs are supported in part by the Shubert Foundation and the Alice L. Walton Foundation.
Photo by Kat Kuo.

Youth Audition Workshop (Grades 3-5)
2025-09-13 10:00 - 13:00
Take the mystery out of auditioning with this workshop! Explore vocal techniques, review dance steps, practice cold readings and monologues, and more. Then, perform a mock audition to walk through the process from start to finish.

Wear comfortable clothing for movement. All skill levels are welcome.

Youth Audition Workshop (Grades 6-8)
2025-09-13 10:00 - 13:00

Dual Perspectives on Art and Healing
2025-09-18 18:00 - 19:30
Learn how art practices intersect with the process of healing from trauma. Presented in conjunction with Death of Kings at AMFA and War Toys: Ukraine at the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History, this discussion brings together two compelling bodies of work that confront the emotional toll of war.
Join artists Ben Grimes and Brian McCarty for this powerful conversation that will explore artmaking as a form of healing through theatrical and photographic lenses.
Ben Grimes is a playwright and actor, and the founder of Riverside Actors Theatre, a theatre ensemble centered on elevating veterans’ stories. Brian McCarty is a photographer and the founder and executive director of War Toys® – a non-profit organization devoted to gathering and disseminating children’s firsthand accounts of war through art-therapy-based collaborations around the world.

Dual Perspectives on Art and Healing is supported in part by the Alice L. Walton Foundation.
Death of Kings is supported in part by the Alice L. Walton Foundation, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and Cardinal Counseling. Mental health support provided in collaboration with Dr. Jason Williams at Arkansas Children’s Hospital and Cardinal Counseling.
Children’s Theatre and Performing Arts programs are supported in part by the Shubert Foundation and the Alice L. Walton Foundation.
Photos courtesy of the artists.

Death of Kings
2025-09-26 19:00 - 20:15, 2025-09-27 14:00 - 15:15, 2025-09-28 14:00 - 15:15
Death of Kings traces the journey of an American soldier from enlistment and deployment to reintegration into society.
Written by a military veteran from Arkansas, this poignant play explores the profound effects of war, trauma, and mental health, emphasizing how the art of storytelling can serve as a transformative tool for healing and resilience, both for soldiers and civilians. By weaving Shakespearean texts and drawing from advancements in neuroscience and drama therapy, he reveals a path to recovery and the true cost of freedom.
After the performance, an interactive demonstration will offer a deeper exploration of techniques designed for healing and coping with trauma. This thought-provoking experience will be followed by a brief conversation with individuals from the worlds of art and healing, giving audiences an opportunity to learn more and ask questions.
“This piece is not just about war—it’s about what happens when we don’t create space for healing. It’s about what we carry, what we bury, and what we lift up.”– Ben Grimes, Playwright
Running Time: 55 minutesRecommended Age: 12 and up

Watch Trailer

Death of Kings is supported in part by the Alice L. Walton Foundation, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and Cardinal Counseling. Mental health support provided in collaboration with Dr. Jason Williams at Arkansas Children’s Hospital and Cardinal Counseling.
Children’s Theatre and Performing Arts programs are supported in part by the Shubert Foundation and the Alice L. Walton Foundation.

Youth Theatre Auditions
2025-10-05 13:00 - 16:00
AMFA is casting community youth actors aged 10 and up for our upcoming holiday show Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! Register now and come prepared to sing, dance, read scenes, and play theatre games – all materials will be provided.
Community roles are volunteer positions. Actors must be able to commit to evening and weekend rehearsals October 20 – November 23, 2025, and weekday and weekend rehearsals and performances November 24 – December 21, 2025.

Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! is supported in part by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Cindy and Greg Feltus.
Children’s Theatre and Performing Arts programs are supported in part by the Shubert Foundation and the Alice L. Walton Foundation.
Photo: Iwan Baan.

Flurffy’s Tales for Sale
2025-10-18 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-10-25 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-11-01 11:00 - 12:30
Flurffy and his fabulous friends are hosting a dazzling fashion show to raise money for charity—but disaster strikes when their costumes mysteriously vanish! Were they stolen… or did they sashay away on their own?
To crack the case, the gang must dive into a whirlwind of storytelling adventures—acting out wild, whimsical tales in hopes of uncovering clues and retrieving their lost looks.
Join Flurffy, AMFA’s beloved pink puppet dog, in this all-new original production full of mystery, mischief, and unexpected twists. With themes of teamwork and friendship taking center stage, Flurffy’s Tales for Sales is bursting with theatrical fun for audiences of all ages.
Come dressed in your favorite spooky costume and enjoy a special Halloween-themed artmaking activity before the show!
The show’s runtime is approximately 30 minutes, with showtimes starting at 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

Flurffy’s Tales for Sale is supported in part by the Alice L. Walton Foundation.
Children’s Theatre and Performing Arts programs are supported in part by the Shubert Foundation and the Alice L. Walton Foundation.

Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!
2025-12-06 10:30 - 11:45, 2025-12-07 14:00 - 15:15
Laugh and learn with Junie B. Jones this holiday season! This hilarious and heartwarming tale, based on Barbara Park’s bestselling book series, is a festive treat for all.
Tattletale May is constantly spoiling Junie B.’s fun. So, Junie hatches the perfect plan to teach her a lesson when she draws May’s name for Secret Santa. But, as her first-grade teacher, Mr. Scary advises, “The holidays are the time of year that we spread peace and good will.”
Junie B. has a tough choice to make — keep the best gift for herself or discover the joy of giving to others.
Like many children, Junie B. struggles with resolving her conflicts peacefully and taking in others’ perspectives. Through her hilarious antics, young audiences explore meaningful lessons about friendship, empathy, and the true spirit of the season.
Stay after the show to meet the cast!
Running Time: 1 hour, 5 minutesRecommended Age: 5 and up

Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! is supported in part by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Cindy and Greg Feltus.
Children’s Theatre and Performing Arts programs are supported in part by the Shubert Foundation and the Alice L. Walton Foundation.

Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!
2025-12-06 14:00 - 15:15
Laugh and learn with Junie B. Jones this holiday season! This hilarious and heartwarming tale, based on Barbara Park’s bestselling book series, is a festive treat for all.
Tattletale May is constantly spoiling Junie B.’s fun. So, Junie hatches the perfect plan to teach her a lesson when she draws May’s name for Secret Santa. But, as her first-grade teacher, Mr. Scary advises, “The holidays are the time of year that we spread peace and goodwill.”
Junie B. has a tough choice to make — keep the best gift for herself or discover the joy of giving to others.
Like many children, Junie B. struggles with resolving her conflicts peacefully and taking in others’ perspectives. Through her hilarious antics, young audiences explore meaningful lessons about friendship, empathy, and the true spirit of the season.
Arrive early to enjoy a holiday choir performance and stay after the show to meet the cast!
Running Time: 1 hour, 5 minutesRecommended Age: 5 and up

Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! is supported in part by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Cindy and Greg Feltus.
Children’s Theatre and Performing Arts programs are supported in part by the Shubert Foundation and the Alice L. Walton Foundation.

Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!
2025-12-13 10:30 - 11:45
Laugh and learn with Junie B. Jones this holiday season! This hilarious and heartwarming tale, based on Barbara Park’s bestselling book series, is a festive treat for all.
Tattletale May is constantly spoiling Junie B.’s fun. So, Junie hatches the perfect plan to teach her a lesson when she draws May’s name for Secret Santa. But, as her first-grade teacher, Mr. Scary advises, “The holidays are the time of year that we spread peace and good will.”
Junie B. has a tough choice to make — keep the best gift for herself or discover the joy of giving to others.
Like many children, Junie B. struggles with resolving her conflicts peacefully and taking in others’ perspectives. Through her hilarious antics, young audiences explore meaningful lessons about friendship, empathy, and the true spirit of the season.
Stay after the show to meet the cast and enjoy free art-making activities!
This performance features audio description.
Running Time: 1 hour, 5 minutesRecommended Age: 5 and up

Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! is supported in part by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Cindy and Greg Feltus.
Children’s Theatre and Performing Arts programs are supported in part by the Shubert Foundation and the Alice L. Walton Foundation.

Junie B. Art Experience (Grades 3-5)
2025-12-13 13:30 - 16:30
Enjoy an afternoon of live theatre and hands-on art-making! Young artists will start their experience in the Windgate Art School, exploring drawing and collage as they begin a creative project inspired by storytelling.
At 2:00 p.m., students will attend a live performance of Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! in AMFA’s Performing Arts Theater. After the show, students return to the studio to finish their artwork, using what they saw on stage to bring their ideas to life.

The Windgate Art School is generously supported by the Windgate Foundation with additional support from Sherry Worthen in memory of George Worthen.
Windgate Art School’s Reduced Tuition Program is supported by Michael Laughter. Reduced tuition is automatically applied to all classes through 2025.
Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! is supported in part by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Cindy and Greg Feltus.
Children’s Theatre and Performing Arts programs are supported in part by the Shubert Foundation and the Alice L. Walton Foundation.

Junie B. Art Experience (Grades K-2) (SOLD OUT)
2025-12-13 13:30 - 16:30

Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!
2025-12-13 14:00 - 15:15
Laugh and learn with Junie B. Jones this holiday season! This hilarious and heartwarming tale, based on Barbara Park’s bestselling book series, is a festive treat for all.
Tattletale May is constantly spoiling Junie B.’s fun. So, Junie hatches the perfect plan to teach her a lesson when she draws May’s name for Secret Santa. But, as her first-grade teacher, Mr. Scary advises, “The holidays are the time of year that we spread peace and good will.”
Junie B. has a tough choice to make — keep the best gift for herself or discover the joy of giving to others.
Like many children, Junie B. struggles with resolving her conflicts peacefully and taking in others’ perspectives. Through her hilarious antics, young audiences explore meaningful lessons about friendship, empathy, and the true spirit of the season.
Stay after the show to meet the cast and enjoy a holiday choir performance!
This performance features ASL interpretation.
Running Time: 1 hour, 5 minutesRecommended Age: 5 and up

Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! is supported in part by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Cindy and Greg Feltus.
Children’s Theatre and Performing Arts programs are supported in part by the Shubert Foundation and the Alice L. Walton Foundation.

Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!
2025-12-14 14:00 - 15:15
Laugh and learn with Junie B. Jones this holiday season! This hilarious and heartwarming tale, based on Barbara Park’s bestselling book series, is a festive treat for all.
Tattletale May is constantly spoiling Junie B.’s fun. So, Junie hatches the perfect plan to teach her a lesson when she draws May’s name for Secret Santa. But, as her first-grade teacher, Mr. Scary advises, “The holidays are the time of year that we spread peace and good will.”
Junie B. has a tough choice to make — keep the best gift for herself or discover the joy of giving to others.
Like many children, Junie B. struggles with resolving her conflicts peacefully and taking in others’ perspectives. Through her hilarious antics, young audiences explore meaningful lessons about friendship, empathy, and the true spirit of the season.
Stay after the show to meet the cast!
This is a sensory-friendly performance.
Running Time: 1 hour, 5 minutesRecommended Age: 5 and up

Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! is supported in part by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Cindy and Greg Feltus.
Children’s Theatre and Performing Arts programs are supported in part by the Shubert Foundation and the Alice L. Walton Foundation.

Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!
2025-12-20 10:30 - 11:45
Laugh and learn with Junie B. Jones this holiday season! This hilarious and heartwarming tale, based on Barbara Park’s bestselling book series, is a festive treat for all.
Tattletale May is constantly spoiling Junie B.’s fun. So, Junie hatches the perfect plan to teach her a lesson when she draws May’s name for Secret Santa. But, as her first-grade teacher, Mr. Scary advises, “The holidays are the time of year that we spread peace and good will.”
Junie B. has a tough choice to make — keep the best gift for herself or discover the joy of giving to others.
Like many children, Junie B. struggles with resolving her conflicts peacefully and taking in others’ perspectives. Through her hilarious antics, young audiences explore meaningful lessons about friendship, empathy, and the true spirit of the season.
Stay after the show to meet the cast!
Running Time: 1 hour, 5 minutesRecommended Age: 5 and up

Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! is supported in part by Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Newspaper, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and Cindy and Greg Feltus.
Children’s Theatre and Performing Arts programs are supported in part by the Shubert Foundation and the Alice L. Walton Foundation.
