Serving the community for nearly two decades, Inviting Arkansas continues to recognize philanthropic + civic leadership in Central Arkansas. As we begin this new decade, we have some buried treasures to share from the archives. These are just a few illustrious covers that reflect the continued mission fulfillment work in our community. Enjoy the memories, read about a few of the Capital City’s beloved foundations and remember to vote for your favorite cover – one of these nonprofit organizations will win a complimentary ad in the magazine. The contest will close on May 31st… #MakingPhilanthropyFUN
Nicole Capri Bauer for Arkansas Repertory Theatre – June 2010 Issue
By Jillian Duke | Photography by Rett Peek | Hair by Dusty England with Solo Salon | Makeup by Bridget Baltimore with Barbara/Jean | Wardrobe from Proposal’s
Of all the characters who have bit the Broadway stage, Nicole Capri Bauer says Elphaba from Wicked best describes her. Elphaba goes on to become the Wicked Witch of the West we all know from Wizard of Oz. But in Wicked, the untold story of the witches, we learn that she was just a smart fiery, yet misunderstood, woman. “I relate most to her,” says Nicole, who is the associate artist and director of education at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre. “While some wouldn’t know it, I am shy, and I’ve always felt like I was on the outside looking in. I’ve also always been left of center.”
Those self-described qualities may be why Nicole isn’t in New York or another big city, and the Arkansas arts community is all the luckier. Nicole, the fire behind the Rep’s Passion for Fashion fundraiser, began her professional theatre career 20-plus years ago as an intern for the Rep. “I was a catch-all intern, I managed the house, changed people’s clothes backstage and cleaned the bathroom,” she says. She then spent about 20 years outside Arkansas exploring the theatrical world.
Nicole returned to the Rep about five years ago. “I came back to work on Cinderella and then was offered the job I have no,” she says. “Everyone wants to get out of Little Rock, but people take the Rep for granted. Its one of the few laureate theatre companies in the world.” Nicole was one of those aspiring thespians who left her home state. She is a 1987 graduate from Central High School, where she was president of the Drama Club. She went on to the University of Memphis and is also a graduate of the National Theatre of the Deaf’s professional training school. She worked off Broadway in New York and then taught at the university outside Pasadena, California before returning to Little Rock.
She has directed and/or choreographed more than 1– productions. Favorite credits include Eve in The Apple Tree a Fairmount Theatre of the Deaf, Best Performances at First International Theatre Festival in Volograd, Russia, Ram of the Thicket off Broadway, Critics Choice Award for Mary in The Miracle Play and being director/choreographer/editor for the world premier of Rich Mullins’ Canticle of the Plains. However, her favorite credit to date is working with the young artists at the Rep.
Now in its fifth successful year, Nicole is also the founder and director of the Rep’s Summer Musical Theatre Intensive training program for young artist. The program is her No. 1 passion at the Rep. Nicole, now more than ever, feels validated for introducing the program at the professional theatre given its huge success. “Our kids have gone on to big things, such as being a finalist on ‘American Idol’,” she says. “I saw ‘Billy Elliott’ on Broadway and thought, ‘Our kids here are that good.’ Musicals and plays with children as lead actors are very popular, and our kids here could do that.” And although she has no children of her own, she says she’s the “ultimate stage mom. I develop that good of a relationship with these kids in the program.”
