“REHEARSAL” to be live-streamed; live performance cancelled due to COVID-19

HOPE –  Out of an abundance of caution surrounding COVID-19, “REHEARSAL: The Show” will not be performed in front of a live, public audience tonight as previously planned.  Instead, through a coordinated effort with SWARK Today, “REHEARSAL: The Show” will be live-streamed beginning at 7:00 pm tonight. To watch the live performance, please visit hempsteadhall.com tonight and the link will be posted on the homepage.

University of Arkansas Hope – Texarkana Chancellor Chris Thomason issued the following statement this morning: “UAHT is committed to providing safe and open access to our campus, especially through broad use of Hempstead Hall.  However, out of an abundance of caution and to assist in our campus cleaning efforts, we will be strictly limiting the use of Hempstead Hall and our other meeting facilities by outside groups for gathering to mitigate the introduction and spread of potential illness on our campus.”

Amanda Lance is a member of the Southwest Arkansas Arts Council Board, one of the writers/producers/directors for “REHEARSAL,” and the Director of Hempstead Hall & Workforce Development for UAHT. “We are so very proud of the journey the cast has taken together,” said Lance. “After much deliberation, the decision to continue the premier through live-streaming is the best option available to protect the community’s health and safety. And we are excited about the potential to reach a broader audience through this avenue.”

“I want to add how thankful I am for community partners such as Bren Yocom and Dillan Kelsey with SWARK.today.  They are donating their time and efforts to help showcase the spirit of community theater,” said Lance. “It’s moments like this that make me grateful to be part of the southwest Arkansas community.”

Hempstead Hall will be suspending all events through the end of March.

The Southwest Arkansas Arts Council (SWAAC) has been a staple in southwest Arkansas for over 30 years.  The Arts Council was formally founded in 1986 and has operated as one of Hempstead County and the surrounding area’s primary sources for cultural enhancement.  SWAAC sponsors a wide variety of educational opportunities, cultural experiences, and as a source of artistic expression for local artists.  Those years of purposeful service have established the Arts Council as a primary source for multidisciplinary cultural programming, professional performances, art-in-education classroom enhancements, gallery exhibits, after-school programming, public art projects and participation in community celebrations, causes, and partnering organizations.

For any questions about SWAAC, Hempstead Hall, the SWActors or “REHEARSAL: The Show,” please contact Amanda Lance at amanda.lance@uaht.edu or 870.722.8565.