Gala 2026
On Thursday, May 7, our community came together at the Fayetteville Public Library Event Center to celebrate TheatreSquared’s 20th Anniversary Gala for Education and Access — and we are still overwhelmed by the generosity and joy that filled the room.
Because of you, we surpassed our Education Challenge goal, raising an incredible $125,000. Altogether, the evening raised more than $322,000 in support of TheatreSquared’s Education and Access programs, helping ensure transformative arts experiences remain available to students, families, and community members across our region.
The night was filled with unforgettable moments — stunning performances by Jonathan Arana, moving speeches from our honorees, incredible cuisine from Chef Michael Robertshaw (Pizzeria Ruby / Pizza Lottie’s), and a lively after-party set to music by DJ Philonious.
In the words of our 2026 Arts Educator Awardee, Jordan Haynes, “Thank you for supporting and believing in what TheatreSquared does for students and for educators. Your support makes the kind of impact that reaches well beyond the walls of the theatre. It echoes beyond any single performance. It’s the kind of impact that changes the lives of students like mine and educators like me.”
Photos by Versatile Optics beautifully captured the energy and joy of the evening. Be sure to visit the link below to relive the celebration and spot some familiar faces!
Your Support Helps Reach 30,000 Students, Teachers, and Community Members Annually:
TheatreSquared Schools Tour Professional teaching artists travel thousands of miles, bringing original plays and workshops to 15,000 students at 80+ schools each year, from NWA to the Delta and into southern Missouri and eastern Oklahoma.
Student Matinees Field trips to the theatre provide singular, transformative theatre experiences for thousands of students.
In-School Residencies Professional artists go in-depth in the classroom during longterm residencies, providing training for students and professional development for teachers.
Teacher Training T2 artists work with Arkansas teachers, sharing theatre-based techniques to help them engage students in every subject area.
Camps & Classes T2 offers dozens of scholarships to welcome kids of all backgrounds and income levels.
T2 Teen Council High School students participate in yearlong leadership development, community building, and learning about the arts, supported by T2's professional staff and guest artists.
Apprenticeships & Internships Future arts leaders gain professional, career-launching experience in production, administration, marketing, education, and artistic areas.
Lights Up! For Access More than 7,500 free and low-cost tickets for students and low-income community members, veterans, and other marginalized neighbors for every performance, all season long.
Amplify your impact with a gift to the Education Challenge.
Questions? Contact Elizabeth France McCue, Interim Director of Development, at elizabeth@theatre2.org or 479-445-6333.
