HERMES ....................................................................................... Braden Royal
CREW
DIRECTOR ................................................................................................... J. Tyler
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR .................................................... Portia S. Jones
LIGHTING OPERATOR ..................................................................... Arin Bell
SET CONSTRUCTION .......Bethany Gere, Portia S. Jones, J. Tyler in order of appearance
SPECIAL THANKS
Terry Gere The ARTx3 Staff The Cast Tyler Lewis
WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST
M. Debra Hester CHORUS/SWING
M. Debra is excited to return to the Adam B. Robinson Black Box Theater! She debuted as Ouiser in ASC’s 2023 production of Steel Magnolias. With a passion for the art and science of personal transformation, M. Debra continues to participate in ARTx3 Campus workshops and opportunities that link her to her hometown theater roots, the Helena-West Helena Central High School Thespian Troupe #597. She serves as Director of Communications in Institutional Advancement at the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff (UAPB) as Mary D. Hester-Clifton. She earned a B.A. in Radio-TV-Film from Oklahoma State University and an M.A. in Human Resources from Ottawa University with supplemental studies in writing from UCLA and graphic design from Otis-Parsons School of Design and computer technology from DeVry.
Under her pen name, Debra Hester, she is a social entrepreneur, poet, Mother’s Backyard Buzz podcast producer/host, and certified facilitator who uses multimedia platforms and workshops to bring awareness to moving beyond traumatic change and events to #empathyforgrief and loss for self and others. She is an award-winning author of My Backyard Garden, A Memoir of How Love Conquers Grief, and Look Up Mississippi, A Photo Memoir, and Way in the Middle of the Air poem where one of her memoir photos, Find the Rainbow was selected for the exhibition, Look Up: Denizens of the Sky at the View Art Center, Old Forge, NY. Her 2025 books, released under the My Backyard Garden series, include Sage Can Never Age, a collection of over 50 “spirit-filled poems, rhymes with visuals,” and a children’s book on navigating the grief and loss of a loved one, Silent Day, Flower Day. Learn more at mothersbackyard.org.
M. Debra is a Pine Bluff resident with three adult children, two grandsons, and a grandcat. She loves coffee and dark chocolate and finds peace in modern country living.
WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST
Emily Jackson OCEANUS
Emily is thrilled to return to the stage! She first appeared in Puffs as “Hannah” last April, and has loved getting involved in different ARTx3 programs and events in the past year. A lover of storytelling in all forms, Emily works at the Redfield Library and has two adorable corgis, Percy and Grover.
K.C. Rowland PROMETHEUS
K.C. is thrilled to be back at the ARTx3! As he portrays Prometheus in this timeless tale, watch as he helps unfold and tell this beautiful story. K.C. is a native of Pine Bluff and a student of the local university, where he studies music. He has played in various productions. He’s a member of the armed forces and active in the community. Words from K.C.: “Always chase your dreams, enjoy as we bring this show to life, and be you in every endeavor of your life.”
Anthony Royal HEPHAESTUS
This is Anthony’s ARTx3 debut! However, he is no stranger to the stage, as he is the lead singer in a cover band and enjoys performing in church plays. Anthony hopes to get more involved with musical theatre soon. A father of three and licensed insurance agent, Anthony is inspired by the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Braden Royal HERMES
Braden is making his ARTx3 debut! He’s a chill guy who enjoys shooting pool in his free time. Braden also loves to dance, and he works at Welch Nissan.
WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST
Grace Swygert IO
This is Grace’s ARTx3 debut! In fact, this is her first production ever, and she is super excited. As a kid, she loved the idea of being onstage but never got a chance to pursue it, so she is delighted to have this opportunity to reconnect with that love of theatre again now that she is older. Grace hopes to do more future acting projects, and we can’t wait to see what she does next!
Briar Thompson KRATOS
Briar is excited to be back at the Adam B. Robinson Jr. Black Box Theatre! Briar has been performing with the ARTX3 campus for 12 years now, with Prometheus Bound being his 21st show throughout his career. He was just recently named the recipient of the Catherine M. Bellamy Award for Outstanding Service in the Performing Arts here at the campus. He is the Assistant Bookkeeper at Connect Bank in Star City where he resides. Briar is thankful for this opportunity to continue his passion for the performing arts and hopes you all enjoy the show.
Raymond Wallace CHORUS/SWING
“It’s funny how you’ll pass by buildings your whole life and never know what goes on inside. I was born and raised all my days here in Pine Bluff, but it wasn’t until the summer of 2022 that I really learned about what goes on in The Arts & Science Center. Since then, I’ve come to different events, and come to cherish this awesome community. Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you enjoy the show! Maybe I’ll see you again soon! ... Now stop reading! The show is about to start!”
WHO’S WHO IN THE CREW
J. Tyler DIRECTOR
J. Tyler is privileged to be back at the ARTx3 directing Prometheus Bound. His previous directing credits include Puffs on the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater stage and The Laramie Project at Little Rock Central High School. He is no stranger to the stage as you may have seen him in shows such Rock of Ages (Fronz), The Last Five Years (Jamie), and Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Sebastian). “I hope that the audience leaves in deep thought and reflect about what we believe to be fair and just, and how often those ideas don’t mean the same.”
Portia S. Jones
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Portia S. Jones is excited to be returning to ARTx3, making her directorial debut as assistant director. She has been recognized for her remarkable talent and contribution to the world of the performing arts. Nominated for a prestigious Broadway World Award, Portia has left an indelible mark on the stage with her powerful performances and versatility. Hailing from the quaint town of Altheimer, Arkansas, Portia’s journey into the world of theater began with a passion for storytelling and a dream to inspire through her craft.
Portia’s credits include Hello Dolly at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Once on This Island at The Studio Theatre, Proud at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, The Color Purple at The Studio Theatre, Steel Magnolias and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella at The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, and The Black Nativity at the Actors Theatre of Little Rock. In the words of Adam B. Robinson, Jr., “Look up, friends... Dreams can become reality.”
SUPPORTING ROLES
ARTS & SCIENCE CENTER BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dr. Iry Rice, Chair
Scott Robinson, Vice Chair
Sandra Fisher, Secretary
Tavante Calhoun, Treasurer
Pia Woods, Immediate Past-Chair
Tom Bennett, Lazenie Collins, Dr. Tasnuva Enam, Teki Hunt-Jimenez, Dr. Jerry Ingram, Jodie Jolly, Portia Jones, Florence Love, Laura Beth Shaner, Shalisha Thomas, Tracy Sutherland
ARTS & SCIENCE CENTER ENDOWMENT FUND, INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Troy DeBill, President
Julie Bridgforth, Vice-President
Tom Richard, Secretary
Tracy Sutherland, Treasurer
Tom Bennett, Martin Carty, Annette Kline, Wendy Talbot, Pia Woods
ARTX3 CENTER STAFF
Lindsey Collins, Interim Director
Shakeelah Rahmaan, Programs Director & Interim Curator
Cynthia Gaddy, Administrative & Finance Manager
Matthew Howard, Visitor Relations Coordinator
Shannon Frazeur, Communications Coordinator
Bethany Gere, Theater & Public Programs Coordinator
Kayla Earnest, Theater & Media Assistant
Martin Carty, Facilities Manager
Dorian Henry, Gallery & Collections Assistant
as of the March 7 print deadline
IN MEMORY OF
Sissie Atkinson
Blas Arroyo
Nancy Henderson
Lizann Tollett & Ouachita Baptist University
David Cain Family
Mike Sasser
Nancy & Marc Oudin
Rosalind Mouser
Julia Garcia
J. Clyde & Claire Campbell
Pine Bluff Cotton Belt Federal Credit Union
First Arkansas Insurance
Virginia Brown Breshears
Dr. & Mrs. David Nixon
Jefferson Regional Medical Center
Simmons Bank
Pat McIntyre
Janet Ford
Ramsay, Bridgforth, Robinson and Raley LLP
Dr. R. Teryl Brooks
Rilla Chandler
Melissa Tucker
Rilla Chandler
Ronald Nash
Honor A Loved One
Memorials and honorariums are great ways to celebrate a loved one while supporting the Arts & Science Center and the ARTx3 Campus.
Call Cynthia at (870) 536-3375 or visit artx3.org/donate
MEMBERS
BUSINESS MEMBERS
BENEFACTOR LEVEL
Central Moloney Inc.
Mr. Kent Gossage
Mr. & Mrs. Chris Hart
Pam Edwards
Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Colclasure
Jefferson Regional Medical Center
Layton & Joan Anderson
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Austin
Jamie McCombs
Wendy & Jack Talbot
Mr. & Mrs. Brian Thomas
M K Distributors, Inc.
John Makris
Mr. & Mrs. Duke Fakouri
Melissa & Kerry Hartness
Nick & Lindsay Makris
Mr. & Mrs. George A. Makris, Jr.
James Walker
Pine Bluff Sand & Gravel Co.
Mr. Drew Atkinson
Mrs. Sissie Atkinson
Jane Bettison
Jay Canada
Mr. Scott McGeorge
Chad Tomboli
Relyance Bank
Janice Acosta
Allison Brown
Vickey Davis
Mr. & Mrs. Chuck Morgan
Greg Garner
Mr. & Mrs. John Garrison
Scott Pittillo
Darby & John Wall, III
Simmons Bank
Alexandra Kosmitis Bowen
Marty & Ginger Casteel
David Garner
Joyce Anne Green
Lisa Hunter
Laura Parrish
Chad Pittillo
Samantha Robertson
Cindi Wallace
Leslie Woods
SPONSOR LEVEL
FES LLC
Dr. Tina Fletcher
Marikka Bender
Dr. Rasheeda Brimley
Jennifer Brooks
Trina Fletcher
Jadaci Henderson
Jada Jones-Toney
Dr. Adrienne Robinson
Ralph Robinson & Son, Inc.
Scott & Amber Robinson
FELLOW LEVEL
Express Services, Inc.
Mr. & Mrs. John Lawson
Sissy’s Log Cabin
Eric Fredrickson
Shirley & Gene Holloway
Mrs. Murphy Jones, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. William Jones, III
Jason Norwood
PATRON LEVEL
Arkansas Mill Supply
Pat R. Brown
Arkansas Printing Company
Lee Pearce
Mark Pearce
Bridges, Young, Matthews & Drake
Ted Drake
James Moser
Camille Neeman
Carrington Electric Co., Inc.
Mr. Ed Carrington
East Harding Construction
Van Tilbury
Receivables Management Corporation of America
Bea R. Cheesman
Trotter Toyota
Mr. & Mrs. Henry Trotter, III
CONTRIBUTOR LEVEL
Brown Funeral Home
Marshall Kelley
City of White Hall
Ellen K. Welch
Code Alert Security
Van Nichols
First Arkansas Insurance
Mike Carter
The Strong Company, Inc.
Mrs. Strong
Thomas Groceries & Gifts Store
Sammia Thomas
SUPPORTER LEVEL
Pine Bluff Downtown Development
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS
BENEFACTOR LEVEL
Dr. Amy Cahill
Rilla Chandler
Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Freeman
Gail Greenstreet & Paul Owens
Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. Hart, Jr.
Mrs. Gene Hudson
Dr. Jerry Ingram
& Catherine Vander Woude
Mr. & Mrs. Bob Pugh
Faron & Charlotte Wilson
SPONSOR LEVEL
Mr. & Mrs. Ted Drake
Mike & Annette Kline
Dr. David Rainey
FELLOW LEVEL
Dr. & Mrs. R. Teryl Brooks, Jr.
Dr. Richard Justiss
Tommy & Kathryn May
Mr. & Mrs. Marc Oudin
Mr. & Mrs. Spencer Robinson
Tracy Sutherland
& Sean Commerford
Thomas & Terry Trippe
PATRON LEVEL
Mr. & Mrs. Scott Abernathy
Mr. & Mrs. Mac Bellingrath
Stephaney & Tom Bennett
Dorothy Bingham
Mrs. Edward E. Brown
Linda & Taylor Eubank
Kenneth & Sandra Fisher
Barbara C. Fratesi
Ramona Green & Scott McGeorge
James Jackson
Matthew & Crystal Jennings
Phillip McBee
Ms. Rosalind M. Mouser
Mr. & Mrs. John Owen
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas W. Pelton
Freddye Petett
Jamey & Michelle Price
Dr. Iry Rice
Althea & Carl Scott
Mr. & Mrs. R. Lee Smart
Jestean & Burthel Thomas
Vivian Wright
Terry Wynne & Judy Rudd
CONTRIBUTOR LEVEL
Angela Adams
Dr. Celeste Alexander
Joel Anderson
Julia F. Barrett
Ron & Joy Blankenship
Mr. & Mrs. Shane Bridgforth
Mr. & Mrs. David R. Brown
Dr. & Mrs. J. C. Campbell
Martin & Connie Carty
Mr. & Mrs. Walter Cash
Debra Hester Clifton
Jessie Clemmons
Leigh Cockrum
Dr. & Mrs. Ray Colclasure
Tavante Calhoun
Lazenie Collins
Mary Daggett & Regin Reginio
Tina Davis
Rich & Troy DeBill
Rebecca Engstrom
Anne Fairbanks
Mary Shannon & Lawrence Fikes
Ms. Stacy Pfluger
Michael & Jill Healy
Craig & Amy Hunt
Teki Hunt-Jimenez
Jodie Jolly
Linda Johnson
Portia Jones
Mr. & Mrs. Gary Kelly
Dan Koops
Wanda Lain
Eric & Heather Lunsford
Jeanette McGrew
Dr. & Mrs. David Nixon
Harold & Sandra Phillips
Mr. & Mrs. Ron F. Powell
Toni & Tony Rasberry
Mr. & Mrs. Fred Reed
Tom & Beth Richard
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Robinson
Mr. & Mrs. Steven Shaner
Kent & Anita Skinner
Heather Sliva
Mr. & Mrs. Eric J. Smith
Jack & Wendy Talbot
Mary Ross Taylor
Louise Terzia & Wythe Walker
Kenneth & Carolyn Theis
Shalisha Thomas
Allison Thompson
Pia Woods
Elaine Wooten
SUPPORTER LEVEL
Mr. & Mrs. Noel Bryant
Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Demmings
Mr. Joe Dempsey
Mr. W.H. Fox, Jr.
Miles Goggans
Karen K. Johnson
Lyle Lovelace
Amanda Parker
Jeanne Pascale & Pat Hanna
Dr. & Mrs. W. David Richards
Kathy Whiteside-Sims
Bruce Stephen Smith
COMMUNITY STUDIO: KILN
Debbie Phillips
COMMUNITY STUDIO: KILN PLUS
Gari Crump-Mitchell
All ARTx3 members receive these basic benefits:
l Quarterly mailer and postcards of upcoming events mailed to your home or business
