“Rent: School Edition” is the fall 2025 production by the Arkansas Tech University theatre and film program.
Written by Jonathan Larson, the Pulitzer Prize-winning “Rent” explores many of the socioeconomic factors that characterized New York City during the 1980s.
The ATU production will be staged at the Techionery Theatre, 1502 N. El Paso Ave. on the Arkansas Tech campus in Russellville. Show times are 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9. Tickets are $5 and will be available at the door.
The cast consists of Zach Jimerson of Harrison as Mark, Zack Baldwin of Russellville as Roger, Marcus Giles of Memphis, Tenn., as Collins, B.J. Walton of Clarksville as Angel, Charlie Randall of Harrison as Benny, Kenleigh Garner of Hot Springs as Mimi, Rue Recinos of Alma as Joanne and Emma Guill of Hot Springs as Maureen.
Brock Snider of Clarksville, Ekira Hernandez of Berryville and Abbigale Sterling of Springdale sing in the chorus.
Cynthia Reynolds is serving as director for the production. She taught actors and was involved in numerous productions in New York City over a span of 35 years, including the decade in which “Rent” is set.
Sara Berglund (technical director) and Garrett Snavely (music director) are providing additional leadership for the production. Berglund is assistant technical director for the ATU theatre and film program. Snavely serves as a collaborative pianist in the ATU Department of Music.
In addition to acting responsibilities, Recinos is pulling double duty as costume designer. Additional crew members include Kade Heffington of Damascus (props), Addison Reagan-Smith of Little Rock (set designer), Haley Sorg of Clinton (stage manager), Faith Spencer of Clarksville (lighting design), Alan Thao of Plainview (sound design) and Taylor Wright of Bryant (assistant stage manager).
Learn more about the ATU theatre and film program at www.atu.edu/humanities/cj/theatre.php.
