Arkansas Arts Center Collaborates with Arkansas PBS

Arts Center theater staff lend their skills to the small screen to create Blueberry’s Clubhouse

The Arkansas Arts Center is partnering with Arkansas PBS to create Blueberry’s Clubhouse, an original series for young viewers and families airing on Arkansas PBS through August 14.

The series follows Blueberry, a curious puppet guide to engaging and insightful activities for young Arkansans. Blueberry and friends explore the stories, animals and laughs found in The Natural State – including visits to the Museum of Discovery, Little Rock Zoo, Central Arkansas Library System, Arkansas State Parks and many other Arkansas destinations.

“Blueberry’s Clubhouse is part of the Arkansas Arts Center’s ongoing commitment to reaching across our community to offer artistic experiences that speak to young people and families,” said Katie Campbell, Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre and Performing Arts Director. “Families will find that the challenges Blueberry and her friends face throughout the series reflect some of their own experiences. The show can help viewers navigate the uncertainty and disappointment we all face during this time – and learn to be adaptable regardless of what comes next.”

In the show’s four episodes, Blueberry finds her plans changing – storm clouds threaten an outdoor birthday party, her pet caterpillar goes missing, and she embarks on an adventure into the great outdoors thwarted by her camp counselor. In the final episode, Blueberry hosts a talent show featuring talented young people across the state.

The Arkansas Arts Center’s theater staff have lent their skills in acting, puppetry, set design and fabrication to create television magic on Blueberry’s Clubhouse. In the show, Blueberry is voiced by Production Stage Manager Rivka Kuperman and manipulated by Kuperman with assistance from Lighting Designer Mike Stacks. Blueberry and other puppets featured in the show are designed by Costume Designer Erin Larkin. The show’s summer camp clubhouse set is designed and built by Stacks and Technical Director Frank Mott.

“Blueberry’s Clubhouse showcases the skill and talent of the Arkansas Arts Center staff as they translate live theatre into a television show to reach families all across the state,” Executive Director Victoria Ramirez said. “Especially during these challenging times, we are proud to partner with Arkansas PBS to reach a broad audience of Arkansas families with art that can aid in growth and learning. Blueberry’s Clubhouse truly encapsulates the mission of the Arkansas Arts Center – that everyone, regardless of circumstance, deserves access to the arts.”

Arkansas PBS is Arkansas’s only statewide public media network, which enhances lives by providing lifelong learning opportunities for people from all walks of life. Arkansas PBS delivers daily, essential, local, award-winning productions and classic, trusted PBS programs aimed at sharing Arkansas and the world with viewers through multiple digital platforms, including on-demand services and YouTube TV, and the distinct channels Arkansas PBS, Arkansas PBS Create, Arkansas PBS KIDS, Arkansas PBS WORLD and Arkansas PBS AIRS on SAP. Members with Arkansas PBS Passport have extended on-demand access to a rich library of public television programming. Arkansas PBS depends on the generosity of Arkansans and the State of Arkansas to continue offering quality programming. Additional information is available at myarkansaspbs.org. Arkansas PBS is broadcast on KETS (Little Rock), KEMV (Mountain View), KETG (Arkadelphia), KAFT (Fayetteville), KTEJ (Jonesboro) and KETZ (El Dorado).

The Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre is presented by Arkansas BlueCross BlueShield; supported by The Shubert Foundation; Dr. Loren Bartole, ‘Family Foot Care’; Centennial Bank; Cindy and Greg Feltus; Diane Suitt Gilleland; Target; U.S. Bank Foundation; Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund; Arvest Bank; and Bank of America. Children’s Theatre on Tour at Arkansas Children’s Hospital is supported by The Johnny Heflin Memorial Endowment Fund for Children.

Arkansas Arts Center programs are supported in part by: Arkansas Arts Center Foundation; City of Little Rock; City of North Little Rock; Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau; and the Arkansas Arts Council, a division of Arkansas Heritage, and the National Endowment for the Arts.