Arts One Presents is dedicated to fostering creativity, collaboration, and skill development in young people through the arts. The Youth Driven Theatre program is designed to provide youth with hands-on experience in theatre production while equipping them with valuable transferable skills for a wide range of career paths.

The YDT program engages area youth in every aspect of a full theatrical production. From acting to directing to technical production (lighting, sound, stage design, etc.), youth assume leadership and collaborative roles to bring a production to life. By creating an entirely youth-driven production, participants take ownership of the artistic process while learning real-world skills that extend beyond the theatre.

Local theatre professionals mentor the youth throughout the process, teaching both the technical aspects of theatre and essential soft skills necessary for success in any career. The final product is a fully realized theatrical production with youth as the creative team, cast, and crew.

The Youth Driven Theatre program addresses a significant need in the Northwest Arkansas community—equipping youth with critical, transferable skills that will serve them in any professional field. Effective communication, collaboration, project management, creative thinking, and adaptability are key skills that employers across industries seek. The program provides youth with a unique and practical opportunity to prepare for their futures.

Program Goals and Objectives

• Equip Youth with Transferable Skills

• Foster Personal Growth through Creative Leadership

• Create a Mentorship Network

• Build a Sustainable Program for Future Generations

• Engage and Inspire the Community

Arts One Presents is dedicated to ensuring the long-term success and growth of the Youth Driven Theatre program. After each production, a portion of ticket sales will be allocated to the youth leadership team, providing resources for future projects. This financial model ensures sustainability and offers youth hands-on experience in financial management and project budgeting.

Asher is so excited you’re here! Asher is thrilled to be making his directorial debut with this marvelous cast. On stage credits include, Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz (AOP), Lionel in Cinderella (FHS), Tobias in Sweeney Todd (AOP). Off stage he has worked as a puppet designer in Cinderella (FHS), and The Witches (ALT) the latter of which he also costumed. Asher wants to thank every director he has ever worked with for shaping him as a director and a person. He is so honored to get to work with the best Stage Manager ever, Abby Logan, queen of starting rehearsal when Asher is running late. Thanks to Mom, Dad, Emmett, and Anne for putting up with and encouraging him.

Abby is an overscheduled overachiever who absolutely loves filling up her free time, especially with theatre. You may have seen her in productions at Arts Live, Fayetteville High School, or in previous Arts One shows. When Asher came up to her saying, “I wanna do a completely youth-led show,” her first response was, “How can I help?” Now she’s in the booth calling all the cues (so you know who to blame if something goes wrong). She wants to give a huge thank-you to her cast. They’ve made her laugh way too loud, and she’s enjoyed every moment with them. She also wants to give thanks to all her family, friends, and others she’s had to cancel plans with because, “I have rehearsal.” She also wants to send the biggest thank-you to Asher. He has been her biggest supporter and the best director she could’ve ever asked for. She hopes everyone enjoys this show as much as she does.