Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas

Performing Arts in a Small, Intimate Setting

Lynda Altman
Comedy, Broadway performances, rock concerts and educational programs happen almost daily at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Located on Dickson Street, this small performing arts center gets big names to perform there. Past performances include Handel's Messiah, B.B. King, George Thorogood and the Blue Man Group. 2010 performances include Monty Python's SPAMALOT, Les Miserables, and Merle Haggard.

Baum Walker Hall

This is the main performance area for the Walton Arts Center. It seating capacity is 1,201. Seating is broken down as follows: 462 seats in the balcony, 704 at orchestra level and 35 in the orchestra pit. The stage is proscenium style, with an opening that measures 24 feet high by 58 feet wide. Most of the performances are in this theater.

Starr Theater

Small performances and special events are held in the Starr Theater. It is a black box, multipurpose room. For performances it has a maximum seating capacity of 220, this includes 132 telescopic seats and 88 seats on the floor. Full theatrical lighting is available. This room is used for smaller performances, receptions and banquets. It is located inside the main facility.

McBride Studio

This is an amphitheater style room that is used primarily for pre and post performance events, business events and smaller private dinners. The room's capacity is 100 people. The McBride Studio is located inside the main facility.

Nadine Baum Studio

The Nadine Baum Studio is located across West Street from the Walton Arts Center. This building is used for performing arts and fine art programs. A small theater which includes a stage is located in the building. Maximum capacity is between 300 and 400, depending on the type of venue.

Smart Partner Program

Schools and other organizations can participate in the Smart Partner Program. This program allows educational groups to bring the performing arts to children who may otherwise not get a chance to see a live performance. Past performances include Peter and the Wolf, Strega Nona and Jason and the Argonauts. 2010 performances include The Peking Acrobats, Beekman on the Brain, and Ferdinand the Bull. Smart Partners pay a nominal yearly subscription fee which allows them to purchase tickets for $5.00 per person.

The Walton Arts Center is a focal point of Fayetteville. Next time you are in the area, come by and see a show. The box office is open daily and tickets to events can be purchased online. For a complete listing of performances and ticket pricing, check out their website.

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Published by Lynda Altman

Lynda Altman is a freelance writer, blogger and researcher. Her experience includes published print articles in Family Chronicle Magazine, writing and researching for private clients, and writing online cont...  View profile

  • The Walton Arts Center is a focal point of Fayetteville's entertainment district.
  • The center offers a variety of educational programs for schools and homeschoolers.
  • The Walton Arts Center offers a variety of performances every year.
The Walton Arts Center is in the process of expansion. In September 2010 they put the expansion plans out to bid. It is possible that the expansion will not be located in Fayetteville.

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  • Tiffany Booth11/2/2010

    Great article! Thanks for sharing =0)

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