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.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ben to campus,” Dr. Paige Reynolds of the School of Language and Literature said. “With authenticity, vulnerability and sensitivity, Ben’s work – both on and off stage – confronts how the complexities of war cause individual trauma and contribute to mental health challenges.
“His solo show, ‘Death of Kings,’ 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.”
Grimes’ residency will feature two public performances of “Death of Kings,” 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 UCA Veterans and Military Resource Center. Most events are located on the UCA campus 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 Master’s 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 Grimes’ residency is as follows:
Tuesday, March 10
- 7-8 p.m. – Public Event: “Death of Kings,” Performance #1, Lecture Hall 143, McCastlain Hall.
- 8:30-9:30 p.m. – Public Event: “Death of Kings,” Performance #2, Lecture Hall 143, McCastlain Hall.
- 9:30-10 p.m. – Public Event: “Death of Kings” Post-Performance Talkback with Ben Grimes, Lecture Hall 143, McCastlain Hall.
Wednesday, March 11
- 10-10:50 a.m. – Student Event: Visit with “Theatre for Community Change” class, Jefferson Farris Hall 114.
- Noon-12:50 p.m. – Student Event: Visit with “Theatre History II” class, Snow Fine Arts 215.
- 2 p.m. – Student Event: The Breach Mini-Workshop with Ben Grimes, UCA Veterans and Military Resource Center (closed event limited to veterans).
Thursday, March 12
- 9:25 a.m. – Student Event: Visit with “Intro to Drama: Making Meaning on Stage” class, Irby Hall 313.
- 10:50 a.m. – Student Event: Visit with “Intro to Drama: Making Meaning on Stage” class, Irby Hall 313.
- 12:15 p.m. – Student Event: Visit with “Shakespeare in Action” class, Irby Hall 313.
Content Advisory – “Death of Kings”
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 UCA Artists 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 uca.edu/go/artistsinresidence or by contacting Dr. Gayle Seymour, associate dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, at gayles@uca.edu.