The Parkview Drama program opens a world of theatrical opportunity to students with state of the art facilities, advanced theatre arts classes, and professional theatre instructors. Parkview students perform across the Little Rock metro area including historic Mt. Holly Cemetery, the Clinton Presidential Center, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, the Arkansas State Capital, schools, nursing homes, and at community events.
The world truly is our stage. Come. Be a part of that world.
2019-20 Parkview Theatre News:
Attention all Parkview Drama Magnet Students! Visit the 2019-2020 welcome page for important information about your participation in the Drama program! HERE
2019 Tales of the Crypt
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Join Parkview Art/Science Magnet High School students for the annual presentation of Tales of the Crypt. This one-of-a-kind production features historic Arkansas figures such as Eleanor Counts, Quatie Ross, and David O. Dodd.
Under the direction of drama teacher Tamara Zinck, selected drama students are each assigned one of Mount Holly’s interred to portray. The students then write a four minute monologue or duet scene based on their research. Although it takes place the same month as Halloween, the event is meant to be historic rather than spooky. Admission is free to the public; however, donations to Mount Holly Cemetery are appreciated. |
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Congratulations to the cast of this year's Freshman One Act!
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A new theatre teacher is bringing a production of A Chorus Line to the high school. Though the hopefuls range from shy to outrageous, and from diva-like to determined, everyone has a chance to step into the spotlight. A hilarious and heartbreaking look at the madness of auditioning and the actors who brave the process for that perfect part.
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2019 Arkansas Adventures Cast List!!!
Click HERE to see the 2019 Cast of Arkansas Adventures.
2018-19 Archives
A Retirement Reception for costumer-extraordinaire Debi Manire
Please join the Parkview Drama Family as we celebrate our twenty-year relationship with costumer-extraordinaire Debi Manire at a retirement reception on Saturday, April 6th at 6pm on the Parkview campus.
Debi attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in her late thirties (with three kids at home) where she earned her BA in Theatre Arts.
Twenty years ago Debi Manire was chaperoning a spring break trip to NYC with Fred Boosey's Parkview drama students which included her daughter, Hannah. She had been a "dance and drama mama" for years prior to then, and the previous year had costumed much of the annual "Tales of the Crypt" at Mt. Holly Cemetery. On the flight to NYC, Mr. Boosey asked her: "How would you like to do Tales next year and get paid?" That was the day Debi's costume hobby became her home business.
Mr. Boosey continued to advocate for Debi as she began to work with local community theatres, schools, churches, in addition to opera, ballet, and film companies. Her first paid play was "Into the Woods" at The Weekend Theatre which paid $400 (though she spent $500). However, Debi has become a master at cutting costs, as one of her greatest skills is turning thrift-store finds into wonderful costumes. Over the last twenty years, Debi has costumed or assisted in approximately 210 productions, and has served approximately 40 organizations.
All three of Mrs. Manire's children are graduates of Parkview. She jokes that "she's been going to Parkview for 30 years". Her eldest daughter, Lisa, started there in 1988 (the first year Parkview became a magnet school).
In her own words:
"I have had the honor of working with so many amazing, dedicated teachers across Little Rock and beyond. And, so many talented, directors, and countless awesome and diverse casts. I have especially enjoyed working with students, and having the opportunity of getting to know them and see them grow up. Some from little ones on community theatre stages, then Junior High, High School, and even some to college! I have had the great fun of working with several sets of siblings. And even one of my "Tales Kids" is now a theatre teacher at Parkview! I've seen so often how a student might not yet have landed their character or struggling with their role, but when they put on their costume – Presto! They become that character! Many folks do not understand how technical theatre: lights, sets, sound & costumes help give life to actors. My biggest joy is being part of this "Magic"! It is an ensemble art form and I am so happy to have been part of the "spectacle". But more importantly to have helped be part of the growth and blossoming of so many fine, talented young people. I am an avid advocate for arts in education. Theatre Arts, specifically, is so important for young people, helping them in so many ways. It makes them better communicators and helps them develop emotionally and to feel pride and positivity about themselves. It gives them a home; a place to be themselves and bond with diverse peers. I could not have done my business without my silent partner, my husband, Steve. He has been at my side all these years. Our home has been 75% consumed by our costume business. Our time, too, consumed, but he has never complained. He has been my sewing-machine and laundromat man, my delivery and errand guy, my muscle and packhorse, but most importantly, my rooting gallery. And, of course, I could not have done this without my supportive, awesome family and all of my fellow theatre arts friends. So now with great emotions, I am doing my swan song production, Cinderella. I can't imagine how much I will miss this "hands-on" art form. But, I am retiring. It is time. A couple of years ago I learned the hard way just how tenuous life can be, and I need to spend much more time with my family and friends, and time to explore and develop myself in my golden years."
Debi attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in her late thirties (with three kids at home) where she earned her BA in Theatre Arts.
Twenty years ago Debi Manire was chaperoning a spring break trip to NYC with Fred Boosey's Parkview drama students which included her daughter, Hannah. She had been a "dance and drama mama" for years prior to then, and the previous year had costumed much of the annual "Tales of the Crypt" at Mt. Holly Cemetery. On the flight to NYC, Mr. Boosey asked her: "How would you like to do Tales next year and get paid?" That was the day Debi's costume hobby became her home business.
Mr. Boosey continued to advocate for Debi as she began to work with local community theatres, schools, churches, in addition to opera, ballet, and film companies. Her first paid play was "Into the Woods" at The Weekend Theatre which paid $400 (though she spent $500). However, Debi has become a master at cutting costs, as one of her greatest skills is turning thrift-store finds into wonderful costumes. Over the last twenty years, Debi has costumed or assisted in approximately 210 productions, and has served approximately 40 organizations.
All three of Mrs. Manire's children are graduates of Parkview. She jokes that "she's been going to Parkview for 30 years". Her eldest daughter, Lisa, started there in 1988 (the first year Parkview became a magnet school).
In her own words:
"I have had the honor of working with so many amazing, dedicated teachers across Little Rock and beyond. And, so many talented, directors, and countless awesome and diverse casts. I have especially enjoyed working with students, and having the opportunity of getting to know them and see them grow up. Some from little ones on community theatre stages, then Junior High, High School, and even some to college! I have had the great fun of working with several sets of siblings. And even one of my "Tales Kids" is now a theatre teacher at Parkview! I've seen so often how a student might not yet have landed their character or struggling with their role, but when they put on their costume – Presto! They become that character! Many folks do not understand how technical theatre: lights, sets, sound & costumes help give life to actors. My biggest joy is being part of this "Magic"! It is an ensemble art form and I am so happy to have been part of the "spectacle". But more importantly to have helped be part of the growth and blossoming of so many fine, talented young people. I am an avid advocate for arts in education. Theatre Arts, specifically, is so important for young people, helping them in so many ways. It makes them better communicators and helps them develop emotionally and to feel pride and positivity about themselves. It gives them a home; a place to be themselves and bond with diverse peers. I could not have done my business without my silent partner, my husband, Steve. He has been at my side all these years. Our home has been 75% consumed by our costume business. Our time, too, consumed, but he has never complained. He has been my sewing-machine and laundromat man, my delivery and errand guy, my muscle and packhorse, but most importantly, my rooting gallery. And, of course, I could not have done this without my supportive, awesome family and all of my fellow theatre arts friends. So now with great emotions, I am doing my swan song production, Cinderella. I can't imagine how much I will miss this "hands-on" art form. But, I am retiring. It is time. A couple of years ago I learned the hard way just how tenuous life can be, and I need to spend much more time with my family and friends, and time to explore and develop myself in my golden years."
Did you know you can now AUDITION for admission to Parkview's Drama program?
Find out how to enroll and audition HERE!
Hear from Parkview students about our exciting enrollment news! Watch the video below:
Justice Redefined on the Parkview Stage
Sophocles’ Antigone has never been more relevant than it is today. His 442 BCE Greek tragedy challenges viewers to think of answers to questions about the position of the individual within the society, the empowerment of women, loyalty, and love.
Set in the city of Thebes, Antigone, daughter of the doomed King Oedipus, defies the orders of the new king who proclaims one brother a hero and the other a usurper, leaving his limp body lying in the street as an example to those who dare act against the state. But when the sister of the slain young brothers protests the edict by burying her brother, she breaks faith with everything she has ever known in order to set things right. Her act of love and rebellion triggers a sequence of dramatic events, but it is Antigone’s courage, bravery, and faith in love that redefines justice.
Parkview Arts/Science Magnet High School will be presenting the Nicholas Rudall translation of Sophocles’ Antigone on November 15th and 16th at 7:30pm at Metcalf Auditorium (2501 John Barrow Road in Little Rock). Tickets for the public performance will be available at the theatre box office one hour prior to curtain for $7. Tickets may also be purchased below. A special group-only matinee will be presented on November 15th at 9:30am. Reservations will be required for this discounted performance.
Set in the city of Thebes, Antigone, daughter of the doomed King Oedipus, defies the orders of the new king who proclaims one brother a hero and the other a usurper, leaving his limp body lying in the street as an example to those who dare act against the state. But when the sister of the slain young brothers protests the edict by burying her brother, she breaks faith with everything she has ever known in order to set things right. Her act of love and rebellion triggers a sequence of dramatic events, but it is Antigone’s courage, bravery, and faith in love that redefines justice.
Parkview Arts/Science Magnet High School will be presenting the Nicholas Rudall translation of Sophocles’ Antigone on November 15th and 16th at 7:30pm at Metcalf Auditorium (2501 John Barrow Road in Little Rock). Tickets for the public performance will be available at the theatre box office one hour prior to curtain for $7. Tickets may also be purchased below. A special group-only matinee will be presented on November 15th at 9:30am. Reservations will be required for this discounted performance.
Parkview's 24th Annual Tales of the Crypt
One thousand seven hundred forty three people ventured out to Mount Holly Cemetery last year to attend Parkview Art/Science Magnet High School’s annual presentation of Tales of the Crypt. This one-of-a-kind production features historic Arkansas figures such as Eleanor Counts, Quatie Ross, and David O. Dodd.
Under the direction of drama teacher Tamara Zinck, selected drama students are each assigned one of Mount Holly’s interred to portray. The students then write a four minute monologue or duet scene based on their research. Local costume designer Debi Manire creates historically accurate costumes for each character. Although it takes place the same month as Halloween, the event is meant to be historic rather than spooky. Parkview's Metcalf Auditorium is located at 2501 John Barrow Road in Little Rock, Arkansas. Admission is free to the public; however, donations to Mount Holly Cemetery are appreciated.
Under the direction of drama teacher Tamara Zinck, selected drama students are each assigned one of Mount Holly’s interred to portray. The students then write a four minute monologue or duet scene based on their research. Local costume designer Debi Manire creates historically accurate costumes for each character. Although it takes place the same month as Halloween, the event is meant to be historic rather than spooky. Parkview's Metcalf Auditorium is located at 2501 John Barrow Road in Little Rock, Arkansas. Admission is free to the public; however, donations to Mount Holly Cemetery are appreciated.
Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre
This year’s Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre was written and student directed by Maddie Lentz & Cooper Sikes under the supervision of Wyatt Hamilton. The student directors received a chance to experience writing a script and directing actors to achieve their vision. The actors have been given the chance to perform in a largely improvised show. This gives the actors practice thinking on their feet and is a device to let the actors exercise their abilities.
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Plan to attend the 2018 Freshman One Acts October 23rd!
Admission will be one can food item per person. The first show begins at 6:30pm.
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Freshman One Acts Cast Lists
This is a Test
By Stephen Gregg
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Alan..................Jack Mitchell
Louis.................Kennedy Arnold Mother..............Destiny McKissick Teacher............Autumn Tippett Evan.................Philip Loken Chris.................Savannah Gordon Pat....................Arianna Holmes The Voice.........Phoenix Moore |
The Chorus: Karsyn Helms, Jose Villanueva, & Symira Avery
Ensemble classroom students: Ahkeem Albert Xavier Branch Josh Johnson D'Allan Sealy Dashaun Bracely |
A Conversation With My Dogs
By Merrill Markoe
Me....................Marley Douglas
Bob..................Shawn Brinker
Stan.................Jerriah Brown
Bob..................Shawn Brinker
Stan.................Jerriah Brown
Arkansas Adventures 2018 Cast List
Big Actors Big Techies 2018-19!
It's round two! We are so excited to start up this program again, after it was so much fun last year. This program aims to pair freshman with upperclassmen in order to help better integrate them with the big world that is Parkview Drama. This is such an amazing opportunity and it opens you up to exclusive events. We hope this program grows this year! Remember, even if you were apart of the program last year, you still need to fill out the form again. Hope you all sign up!
Visit the Arkansas Adventures Audition Page
Join us on an adventure of play creation! Auditions for PV's touring show Arkansas Adventures will be Wednesday, Aug. 22nd & Thursday, Aug. 23rd from 4:10 - 5:30 in Babb's Hall. Sign up for auditions and find more info HERE.
We can't wait to see the full Parkview Theatre family on Monday, but we're especially excited about welcoming our 9th grade drama students into this amazing school! Get ready for lots of learning, creativity, problem solving, community building, and just plain good theatre!
2017-18
Archives
Everybody Cut Footloose!
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Read the Footloose program here:
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Congratulations to the newly inducted Thespians! Welcome to the fun!
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2017 Medieval Feast
23rd Annual Tales of the Crypt
One thousand seven hundred fourty three people ventured out to Mount Holly Cemetery on October 10, 2017 to attend Parkview Art/Science Magnet High School’s 23rd Annual presentation of Tales of the Crypt. This one-of-a-kind production features historic Arkansas figures such as Eleanor Counts, Quatie Ross, and David O. Dodd.
Under the direction of drama teacher Tamara Zinck, selected drama students are each assigned one of Mount Holly’s interred to portray. The students then write a four minute monologue or duet scene based on their research. Local costume designer Debi Manire creates historically accurate costumes for each character. Student tour guides will escort groups from gravesite to gravesite while educating them about the cemetery’s 174 year history.
Although it takes place the same month as Halloween, the event is meant to be historic rather than spooky. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes that will allow them to traverse the sometimes uneven paths through the cemetery. There will be tours on both the north and south sides of the cemetery both lining up at the east gate.
Mount Holly Cemetery is located at 1200 South Broadway in Little Rock, Arkansas. Admission is free to the public; however, donations to Mount Holly Cemetery are appreciated. More information about the event can be found at www.mounthollycemetery.org.
Under the direction of drama teacher Tamara Zinck, selected drama students are each assigned one of Mount Holly’s interred to portray. The students then write a four minute monologue or duet scene based on their research. Local costume designer Debi Manire creates historically accurate costumes for each character. Student tour guides will escort groups from gravesite to gravesite while educating them about the cemetery’s 174 year history.
Although it takes place the same month as Halloween, the event is meant to be historic rather than spooky. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes that will allow them to traverse the sometimes uneven paths through the cemetery. There will be tours on both the north and south sides of the cemetery both lining up at the east gate.
Mount Holly Cemetery is located at 1200 South Broadway in Little Rock, Arkansas. Admission is free to the public; however, donations to Mount Holly Cemetery are appreciated. More information about the event can be found at www.mounthollycemetery.org.
MURDER MYSTERY DINNER THEATRE
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Parkview's 2017 murder myster dinner theatre, The Revenge of Alcroft Manor, was set in Bermingwell, England in a one-of-a-kind production. This completely original dinner theatre was centered around the Edwards family’s party celebrating Dr. Abraham Edwards’ third year of being a doctor. The entire town was invited, but once the party started, the murders start rolling in. No one understood what was happening, but the mystery was soon revealed.
Performances took place on September 28, 29, and 30 at MacArthur Military Museum. We hope you'll join us next fall for this annual event. |
Cast List HERE
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Big Actors / Big Techies Program
This program is designed to pair freshman drama magnets with 10th - 12th drama magnets in order to build connections across grades and provide leadership during underclassmen years. As drama magnet students, building strong relationships is extraordinarily important. This program will begin the process of becoming a unified drama magnet! Sign up below.
Congratulations to the Cast of the 2017 Freshman One Act!
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Thursday, October 19th
Babbs Hall 6:30pm Cast of Characters
Interviewer 1- Kasey Gonzales Interviewer 2 - Mackenzy Lloyd Harriett - Lorelai Daniel Kimberly - Aniya Anderson Producer - Shemar Simmons Maria - Courtney Starlard Brett - Ian Tweedy Lily - Courtney Starlard Melvin - Christopher Luckie Kelly - Alessia Hayes Jeff - Christopher Luckie Evan - Ian Tweedy Elizabeth - Aniya Anderson Bennie - Mariah Perkins Jessie - Lorelai Daniel Emily - Tanaya Moorman Student Director: Annaleise Anderson |
Meet the 2017-18 Mimes!
Parkview Mimes Entertain at Thea Paves the Way
Arkansas Adventures
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View Cast List
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Parkview's 2nd Annual 24-Hour Play Festival Boasted Record Attendance!
August 17th--18th, 2017
View a few of the rehearsal photos below.
Get connected!
Parkview Drama is a busy place, but you can
keep up using the following media links:
2016-17 Archives
You can find other archival information under the Archives link at the top of the page.
Everyone's favorite practically perfect nanny took the Parkview stage in a Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious musical adventure April 7th – 9th, 2017.
Audiences followed the Banks family to London where a mysterious young woman, Mary Poppins, turned the family’s life upside down by taking them on memorable adventures that brought them all together. When Mary suddenly appeared at the family’s door step instantly after their idea of getting a nanny for their misbehaving children the Banks were pleasantly surprised and hire her. Mary taught them that anything was possible with a little magic.
Parkview presented Mary Poppins on April 7th at 7:30pm, April 8th at 7:30pm, and April 9th at 3:00pm at Parkview’s Metcalf auditorium.
Bert & Mary visited KTHV Channel 11 to talk about Parkview's production of Mary Poppins opening this weekend.
Click on the image below to watch.
Mary Poppins CAST LIST
2017 Arkansas State Thespian Festival
Congratulations to Parkview’s Thespian Troupe 7955 for an excellent showing at the state festival this weekend. The festival hosts over 1000 theatre students from across the state who participate in over 340 individual events, 165 workshops, 10 mainstage one-act plays, and 70 college auditions. This year regional colleges & universities offered these students over $1.4 million in scholarships. Parkview’s students brought home $45,782 in scholarship offers with additional offers pending. Those students include: Marlee Hoggard, Cameron Minor, Peyton Hooks, Tiffany Kashala, Rahlea Zinck, and Madeline Wright. Parkview is also proud to announce that Stephanie Schoonmaker was elected as one of the six new State Thespian Officers for the 2017-2018 year. If you are interested in learning more about this event then visit www.arkansasthespians.org
Parkview's 2016 Medieval Feast
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Parkview's Medieval Feast was presented December 2nd, 3rd, and 4th at the Pulaski County Courthouse. This elaborate presentation of food, music, and theatre has been a favorite for almost two decades selling out the 90 seat event every night. We hope that you will join us for next year's performance.
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Parkview's Fall Show: Almost, Maine
Parkview's Metcalf Auditiorum Friday, November 18th at 7:30pm
Saturday, November 19th at 3pm |
Welcome to Almost, Maine, a town that’s so far north, it’s almost not in the United States—it’s almost in Canada. And it almost doesn’t exist. Because its residents never got around to getting organized. So it’s just…Almost.
One cold, clear Friday night in the middle of winter, while the northern lights hover in the sky above, Almost’s residents find themselves falling in and out of love in the strangest ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. Love is lost, found, and confounded. And life for the people of Almost, Maine will never be the same. ALMOST, MAINE: It’s love. But not quite. |
Congratulations, to the newest members of Parkview's Only Improv Troupe!
Parkview's Freshman One Act:
The 8 Ways Pokemon Go is Destroying Your Life
by Don Zolidis
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November 3, 2016The most popular app of the summer may just be your doom. Sure everyone is playing it. But whether it leads you off a cliff, into a volcano, or into the waiting arms of super-criminals, this play explains the perils and pitfalls of Pokemon, including old people, mind control, hallucinations, and people who are just a little bit too into it. Also featuring the terrors of upcoming apps like Poke-Cupid, Sonic the Hedgehog Go and Grand Theft Auto Go, this hilarious and flexible play is the perfect warning for these dark times.
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Tales of the Crypt
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Parkview Arts/Science Magnet High School brought Arkansas history to life on October 11, 2016 with its 22nd annual presentation of Tales of the Crypt at Mount Holly Cemetery. Under the direction of drama teacher Tamara Zinck, selected drama students were each assigned one of Mount Holly’s interred to portray. The students then wrote a monologue or duet scene based on their research. Local costume designer Debi Manire createed historically accurate costumes for each character. Student tour guides then escorted groups from gravesite to gravesite while educating them about the cemetery’s 173 year history.
Mount Holly Cemetery is located at 1200 South Broadway in Little Rock, Arkansas. Admission was free to the public; however donations to Mount Holly Cemetery are always appreciated. More information about the event can be found at www.mounthollycemetery.com. We hope you will join us next year on the second Tuesday in October for another wonderful presentation. |
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Parkview's Arkansas Adventures
Parkview’s Arkansas Adventures is the most fun you’ll ever have learning history!
Arkansas Adventures originated from a historical reenactment festival that was held at Pinnacle Mountain known as Rendezvous. When that festival ended, Parkview decided to continue the tradition, but instead, naming the show Arkansas Adventures and after tailoring it specifically toward elementary audiences, taking it on the road and performing at local Little Rock School District elementary schools. This is Parkview’s fifth year of Arkansas Adventures.
Arkansas Adventures is Parkview’s only touring show. The show is made created to be mobile, from the set that breaks down, to the actors who learn to work in small spaces and quickly adjust to the unorthodox show. Many actors play more than one role in the show, so everyone gets a chance to shine.
This year, Arkansas Adventures was directed by Parkview teacher Spencer Sutterfield, along with student directors Kiara Smith and Marlee Hoggard. The show was written by Parkview Drama magnet student Emorie Mansur. It told the stories of the first telephone in Arkansas, Hattie Caraway, the first female elected to Senate, Woodrow Crockett, a Tuskegee airman, and talks about the history of storytelling from Arkansas’s Native Americans. Four friends must travel through time to retrieve objects lost from an antique shop that relate to each specific historical story about Arkansas. It’s truly the most fun you’ll ever have learning Arkansas history.
Arkansas Adventures originated from a historical reenactment festival that was held at Pinnacle Mountain known as Rendezvous. When that festival ended, Parkview decided to continue the tradition, but instead, naming the show Arkansas Adventures and after tailoring it specifically toward elementary audiences, taking it on the road and performing at local Little Rock School District elementary schools. This is Parkview’s fifth year of Arkansas Adventures.
Arkansas Adventures is Parkview’s only touring show. The show is made created to be mobile, from the set that breaks down, to the actors who learn to work in small spaces and quickly adjust to the unorthodox show. Many actors play more than one role in the show, so everyone gets a chance to shine.
This year, Arkansas Adventures was directed by Parkview teacher Spencer Sutterfield, along with student directors Kiara Smith and Marlee Hoggard. The show was written by Parkview Drama magnet student Emorie Mansur. It told the stories of the first telephone in Arkansas, Hattie Caraway, the first female elected to Senate, Woodrow Crockett, a Tuskegee airman, and talks about the history of storytelling from Arkansas’s Native Americans. Four friends must travel through time to retrieve objects lost from an antique shop that relate to each specific historical story about Arkansas. It’s truly the most fun you’ll ever have learning Arkansas history.
Frankenstein’s Creepy Crawly Creation Convention
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Clues, clues, and more clues led participants to the identity of the culprit at the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas History on September 29th through October 1st this year.
Parkview’s murder mystery dessert theatre, written by theatre students, Harrison Wyrick & Cooper Sikes, was far from typical theatre as it allowed the audience to become characters in the performance in this interactive experience. At the door, participants were given character names and a short character description so they could interact or sit back and watch the story unfold. |
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