The University of Central Arkansas will host actor and advocate Ben Grimes for a three-day residency March 10-12, featuring events that showcase theatre performance, storytelling, the role of the arts in community and veteran advocacy.
âWe are thrilled to welcome Ben to campus,â Dr. Paige Reynolds of the School of Language and Literature said. âWith authenticity, vulnerability and sensitivity, Benâs work â both on and off stage â confronts how the complexities of war cause individual trauma and contribute to mental health challenges.
âHis solo show, âDeath of Kings,â creatively weaves together insights from Shakespeare, neuroscience and drama therapy, resulting in a uniquely powerful performance piece. Originally from Arkansas, with interdisciplinary investments and a commitment to advocacy, Ben is an inspiring artist we are deeply excited for our students to engage.â
Grimesâ residency will feature two public performances of âDeath of Kings,â a post-performance talkback, and a series of student-focused class visits and workshops. Additional events throughout the residency will include classroom visits and a workshop with the BTĚěĚĂVeterans and Military Resource Center. Most events are located on the BTĚěĚĂcampus and are open to the public and free of charge, with no tickets required for entry.
Grimes, a native of Little Rock, Arkansas, received a BFA in Regional Theatre from the Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University and has appeared in stage productions in regional theaters across the country. He was a founding member of Moment to Moment Productions in Little Rock and served as co-artistic director of Drove Theater Company in New York City. He currently serves as the managing artistic director at Market House Theatre in Paducah, Kentucky.
After more than a decade working professionally on stage, Grimes joined the U.S. Army in 2006. As an Airborne Ranger in the 82nd Airborne Division, he deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, and later deployed again in 2017 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Following his military service, Grimes returned to theatre and enrolled in the Clinton School of Public Service, earning a Masterâs in Public Service. His research and studies inspired him to launch Riverside Actors Theatre, a company that uses theatre and storytelling to address trauma and the struggles that veterans and other at-risk populations commonly face.
The full schedule for Grimesâ residency is as follows:
Tuesday, March 10
- 7-8 p.m. â Public Event: âDeath of Kings,â Performance #1, Lecture Hall 143, McCastlain Hall.
- 8:30-9:30 p.m. â Public Event: âDeath of Kings,â Performance #2, Lecture Hall 143, McCastlain Hall.
- 9:30-10 p.m. â Public Event: âDeath of Kingsâ Post-Performance Talkback with Ben Grimes, Lecture Hall 143, McCastlain Hall.
Wednesday, March 11
- 10-10:50 a.m. â Student Event: Visit with âTheatre for Community Changeâ class, Jefferson Farris Hall 114.
- Noon-12:50 p.m. â Student Event: Visit with âTheatre History IIâ class, Snow Fine Arts 215.
- 2 p.m. â Student Event: The Breach Mini-Workshop with Ben Grimes, BTĚěĚĂVeterans and Military Resource Center (closed event limited to veterans).
Thursday, March 12
- 9:25 a.m. â Student Event: Visit with âIntro to Drama: Making Meaning on Stageâ class, Irby Hall 313.
- 10:50 a.m. â Student Event: Visit with âIntro to Drama: Making Meaning on Stageâ class, Irby Hall 313.
- 12:15 p.m. â Student Event: Visit with âShakespeare in Actionâ class, Irby Hall 313.
Content Advisory â âDeath of Kingsâ
This production contains mature themes, including depictions of violence, war, trauma and emotional distress. It includes references to death, loss, moral conflict and suicide, as well as moments of intense language and imagery. Viewer discretion is advised. Recommended for mature audiences.
Anyone in crisis and experiencing thoughts of suicide should call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.
Seating is limited and will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
More information about the residency is available by contacting Dr. Paige Reynolds at preynolds@uca.edu.
The BTĚěĚĂArtists in Residence program is funded by the Fine and Performing Arts Fee paid by all students, with additional support from Engage Management and Pyramid Art, Books, and Custom Framing. More information about the Artists in Residence program is available at or by contacting Dr. Gayle Seymour, associate dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, at gayles@uca.edu.