City Park Players presents: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike

Kress Theatre on the Hearn Stage

1102 3rd St. Alexandria, LA

August 13th-23rd

Time: See "Tickets"

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike

by Christopher Durang

Winner of the 2013 Tony Award® for Best Play.

Middle-aged siblings Vanya and Sonia share a home in Bucks County, PA, where they bicker and complain about the circumstances of their lives. Suddenly, their movie-star sister, Masha, swoops in with her new boy toy, Spike. Old resentments flare up, eventually leading to threats to sell the house. Also on the scene are sassy maid Cassandra, who can predict the future, and a lovely young aspiring actress named Nina, whose prettiness somewhat worries the imperious Masha. Mature themes and mild language.

Directed by Diane Falcone.

Summer Art Studio Student Show

River Oaks Square Art Center

1330 2nd St. Alexandria, LA

Saturday, August 15, 2026

Time: 5:00 PM

Exhibition opening featuring work from students of the 2026 Summer Art Studio.

Play Reading

City Park Players

Kress Theatre Lobby

1102 3rd St. Alexandria, LA

Monday, August 17, 2026

Time: 6:00 PM

FREE Admission

We’re reading play excerpts out loud! No costumes. No lights. Your mission: Show up. Sit down. Judge everything (in a supportive way). It’s fun, informal, and helps us decide which plays make the cut for next season!

Tentative script excerpts to read:

(This list may change due to time constraints and/or availability)

-I Ought to Be in Pictures

-Blithe Spirit

-Hay Fever

Next Stop Comedy

Fighting Hand Brewing Co.

1600 Military Hwy. Pineville, LA

Saturday, August 22, 2026

Time: 6:30 PM

Next Stop! - A Comedy Show Near You! Join us at Fighting Hand Brewing Company for a brand new line-up of comedians every time! Next Stop Comedy brings top stand-up comedians to your favorite local venues! Each show features a novel line-up with acts seen on TV and heard on your favorite podcasts.

Free Zydeco show w/ Travis Matte & the Kingpins

Paragon Casino Resort

711 Paragon Pl. Marksville, LA

Saturday, August 22, 2026

Time: 6:30 PM

Join us for a rockin’ good time in the Grand Hall with live music from Louisiana Zydeco favorite Travis Matte & The Kingpins!

Exhibition Opening Reception - Hayes, Morace, & Arbour

River Oaks Square Arts Center

1330 2nd St. Alexandria, LA

Thursday, August 27, 2026

Time: 5:00 PM

Exhibition opening reception featuring Larry Kip Hayes, Leah Morace, & Katy Keppinger Arbour.

On display from Aug. 27 - Oct. 10

Cenla Author's Club

Westside Regional Library

5416 Provine Pl. Alexandria, LA

Thursday, August 27, 2026

Time: 6:00 PM

The Cenla Author's Club is open to authors and writers of all levels and genres, and anyone interested in learning more about the book-writing process. Forensic anthropologist and author Mary H. Manheim will speak on her many widely regarded non-fiction and fiction books. Free.

The Arts Council of Central Louisiana presents: BritBeat!

Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center

1202 3rd St. Alexandria, LA

Friday, September 4, 2026

Time: 7:30 PM

Imagine the perfect fusion of music, visuals, and storytelling - that's what BritBeat brings with the world's number one, award-winning, immersive Beatles concert experience.

BritBeat elevates its live performances to a whole new level, providing concertgoers with the most stunning and engaging concert event that you can imagine.

By seamlessly blending captivating visuals with the emotive power of the music of the Beatles, BritBeat's mesmerizing 'Immersive Beatles Experience' transports audiences into a world where sight and sound are perfectly synchronized. This synergy creates an atmosphere that captivates, resonates, and stimulates your senses.

Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers - When A Witness Recants

Kress Theatre on the Hearn Stage

1102 3rd St. Alexandria, LA

Monday, September 14, 2026

Time: 7:00 PM

Join the Arts Council as we present the first film in the 26-27 Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers: When a Witness Recants.

SYNOPSIS: In 1983, Ta-Nehisi Coates learns of a Baltimore middle schooler’s murder and revisits the case,

uncovering how false testimony wrongly imprisoned three teenagers for 36 years.

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR / PRODUCER: Dawn Porter is an acclaimed American documentary filmmaker and founder of Trilogy Films whose work

has appeared on ESPN, Netflix, HBO, PBS, Hulu, and Apple TV+. Recently awarded the National

Humanities Medal by former president Joe Biden and received the IDA Career Achievement Award.

Meet the filmmaker for a Q&A after the screening.

Tickets can be purchased at the door: $10, free for students.

WORKSHOPS, CLASSES, AUDITIONS, CAMPS & GRANTS

The MUSE Teen - Activist Art Workshop

Alexandria Museum of Art

933 2nd St. Alexandria, LA

Saturday, August 15, 2026

Time: 1:00 PM-4:00 PM

Teens will look at artists like Wendy Starn in our September Competition and learn to create art with a message that is important to them.

This event is FREE to teens between the ages or 13 and 19. The youngest participants must have turned 13 within a month of this event to participate.

Auditions! Frozen the Musical

Lagniappe Theatre Company

7521 Coliseum Blvd. Alexandria, LA

Sunday, August 16, 2026

Time: 2:00 PM

Who can audition? Ages 8-Adult.

When is the show? September 24-27 at Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center.

School shows? September 24-25.

Auditions! Clue

The Fox Theatre

111 Washington St. Marksville, LA

Sunday, August 16, 2026

Time: 2:00 PM-4:00 PM

WHO DONE IT? The mystery is about to begin. Auditions for CLUE are coming to The Fox Theatre. Come ready to show us what you’ve got. For auditions, please prepare a memorized monologue that is under 1 minute. Choose something that shows off your personality, comedic timing, character work, or dramatic range. We want to see what you can bring to the stage.

PERFORMANCES: October 22nd through 25th

Come ready to play and have some fun. After all, everyone has a secret.

Let’s solve the mystery.

Quilting 101 - 1 of 5 Classes

Aunt Nell's Quilt Shop

1627 Hyland Park Dr. Pineville, LA

Monday, August 17, 2026

Time: 10:00 PM-3:00 PM

class fee is $125 and this fee is for all 5 weeks. Please note that ALL classes need to be prepaid in order to secure your seat. classes will be every other week.

please make checks payable to Finish Line Quilting or drop by the shop to pay in cash Allison will write you a receipt.

Class Fees are non-refundable.

Choir Auditions! Red River Chorale

Red River Chorale

Choir Rm. First Baptist Church

901 Main St. Pineville, LA

Monday, August 17, 2026

Time: 7:00 PM-9:00 PM

Wanna sing with the Red River Chorale?

Auditions are happening August 17 at First Baptist Pineville!

Bring a song (art song, hymn, or aria) and be ready to sight-sing.

More info coming soon!

Auditions! LSUA's Empty Space Players - Fall Performances

LSUA

8100 Hwy. 71 South, Alexandria, LA

August 27th: 5:00PM-8:00 PM

August 28th: 12:00 PM-2:30 PM

August 29th: 10:00 AM-2:00 PM

There are so many opportunities to get on stage with us this fall. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or you want to try something new, we’d love to see you at auditions! Follow the link at the QR code or click the link in our bio for more info

ROCK - River Oaks Clay & Kiln Lab

River Oaks Square Arts Center

1330 2nd St. Alexandria, LA

New classes each month!

Click below for schedule.

We have added to our program!

Two new classes to accommodate our growing numbers! A brand new WHEEL ROOM to accommodate our growing skills! We have two amazing levels now, beginner and intermediate- latter by invitation only as shown through skill level and growth!

Registration repeats monthly and you can choose wheel or handbuilding in our state of the art, 6-kiln ceramics lab! Follow the link to register today! Stand by for new classes as they fill quickly and are released a few weeks in advance of start date.

Sunflower Van Geaux Art

6501 Coliseum Blvd., Alexandria, LA

New painting classes each weekend! Click below for schedule.

Public painting event!! Come paint with the artists at Sunflower Van Geaux ART! Bring drinks and food to snack on while you paint.

When entering the location, Sunflower Van Geaux Art is on the right side of the building facing Walker BMW dealership, through the door with the light blue bench and sunflower next to it. Walk-ins are welcomed, but if you would like to reserve your spot, please go to the website’s Contact page at www.SunflowerVanGeaux.com to sign up, or you can call, text, or message me to let me know you’re coming and what size canvas you are wanting.

TREE House Children's Museum : Weekly Activities

1403 3rd St. Alexandria, LA

All month long.

Click on the button below for the weekly schedule!

Treehouse Children’s Museum is a creative museum enriching the imagination of children through hands-on learning and exploratory play. We are a unique educational and cultural resource that represents the community’s interest and investment in engaging and educating our children. The museum provides playful learning experiences and environments where children (1-12 years), families, schools and community groups discover and explore their world through hands-on exhibits and interactive programs. Each week, new engaging activities are offered. Art, STEM, or just some holiday fun!

The Rapides Parish Library: Events!

The Rapides Parish Library

Various Branch Locations

Click below to be up-to-date with all the creative events the Rapides Parish Library has to offer!

CURRENT ART EXHIBITS

39th September Competition

Alexandria Museum of Art

933 2nd St. Alexandria, LA

Exhibit Dates: July 10th-October 10th

39th September Competition, Between the Lines: 250

Years of American Poetry, Josep María García-Llort from the Freedman Collection.

Join Culturalyst!

REGION 6's ARTIST DIRECTORY!

ARTISTS, ARTISANS, PERFORMERS + MAKERS, ART ORGANIZATIONS, WRITERS, MUSICIANS...

Have you had the chance to check out our online artist directory?? We would love to have you be a part of this ever growing artist community! This digital tool will help support and elevate local artists, musicians, performers, writers, arts organizations and the people who create and sustain our Region's incomparable culture. Sign up is easy and ONLY takes a few minutes.

Hit the button below to take you to our page!

Get your Louisiana Partnership for the Arts Specialty License Plate!

Show your support for the creativity and talent of our state by being among the first to own an exclusive first printing of the LPA's new specialty license plate, designed by Lafayette author and illustrator Denise Gallagher!

ARTS COUNCIL UPDATES & JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Arts Council is seeking volunteer panelists for the Louisiana Project Grant

Each panelist will meet some but not necessarily all of the following qualifications, depending on the panel:

1. Professional experience as an artist or nonprofit arts administrator, in an arts-based commercial business, or in arts and cultural policy or in cultural economy development

2. Knowledge of standards and best practices in management, governance and operations

3. Knowledge in an artistic discipline or field (dance, music, theatre, visual arts and crafts, literature, media, design, folklife, arts-in-education, presenting and touring, etc.)

4. Awareness of discipline, industry trends and issues.

Our panelists are so important! The Division of the Arts is committed to a system of peer-panel review to strive for an evaluation of grant applications founded on knowledge and best practices.

Email us at info@louisiana-arts.org if interested!

Arts Council is currently accepting applications for:

Community Development Coordinator

The Arts Council of Central Louisiana (ACCL) is currently seeking the qualified candidate to fill our Community Development Coordinator (CDC) position. The successful CDC candidate will supervise and administer the Louisiana Division of the Arts Project Grant program for region 6, as well as the annual RoyOMartin Foundation grant process. The qualified candidate will also research new grant opportunities and be lead grant writer for the ACCL. The CDC will assist in the planning, development, and implementation of marketing strategies and communications responsibilities for the Arts Council of Central Louisiana. This position will continue to develop and maintain organization’s volunteer base. Proficiency in Micro Soft Office Suite required. This position works closely with ACCL staff, the Louisiana Division of the Arts, regional cultural partners, and reports to the Executive Director. Compensation includes salary commensurate with experience, personal time off, health coverage and retirement plan.

Please send resume, cover letter and references as attachments to info@louisiana-arts.org. No walk-ins or phone calls please.

Booking Manager / Administrative Assistant

The Arts Council of Central Louisiana (ACCL) is currently seeking the qualified candidate to fill our Booking Manager/Administrative Assistant position. The successful candidate will serve as receptionist, assist with event coordination, and serve as booking manager for venues operated and maintained by the ACCL.

This position requires the ability to work special events/performances that will occasionally involve nights and weekends. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required. Position works closely with the ACCL administrative and technical staff, and reports to the Executive Director. Please send resume, cover letter and references as attachments to info@louisiana-arts.org. No walk-ins or phone calls please.

Stage Technician

The Arts Council of Central Louisiana is seeking a fulltime Theater Stage Technician. Duties include providing technical services for two performing arts venues in downtown Alexandria, assisting the Technical Director with all functions of staging. This includes supervising and running additional crew for setup and load out as needed, functioning as audio/lighting engineer for specific events. Additionally, filling various stagehand roles for technical services events as needed. Minimum 3 years experience; technical knowledge is very experienced based. Must have: understanding of basic set-up, operations, and maintenance of lights, sound, video, rigging systems, work effectively with staff, administrators, students, and touring performers and crew, have experience in basic computer programs and the ability to keep a professional attitude at all times, ability to lift up to 70lbs., climb ladders, work on catwalks and on grid 60 ft. above stage. Work incorporates flex time to accommodate nights and weekends. Please send resume, cover letter and references as attachments to info@louisiana-arts.org. No walk-ins or phone calls please.

Full-Time Custodian

The Arts Council of Central Louisiana (ACCL) is currently seeking the qualified candidate to fill our full-time custodian position. Responsibilities include cleaning and maintenance of (2) Performing Arts Venues as well as classroom and office space in (2) buildings separated by one block in Downtown Alexandria Louisiana.

The position requires the ability to work flexible hours to accommodate event/performance schedules that will involve weekends. Please send resume, cover letter and references as attachments to info@louisiana-arts.org. No walk-ins or phone calls please.

Part-Time Coughlin-Saunders Front of House Staff

Do you love the performing arts and are looking for supplemental employment? The Arts Council is hiring!

The Arts Council of Central Louisiana is looking for a part-time Front of House staff member for the Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center.

As the position is based on performances at the theater, applicants must be flexible and willing to work nights and weekends. Must be reliable and responsible with a hospitality attitude.

Please send work history with three references to Info@louisiana-arts.org No walk-ins or phone calls please.