Pulaski Times

The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA) has announced Fergie L. Philippe as its next Artist-in-Residence, marking the museum's first resident performing artist since its opening in April 2023. During his residency, Philippe will direct AMFA’s upcoming Children's Theatre production and engage in various educational activities.

Philippe is recognized for his roles as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison in "Hamilton" from 2020 to 2022 and Sir Sagramore in the 2023 Broadway revival of "Camelot." His television appearances include "The Gilded Age," "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit," "Here on Out," and "The Good Fight."

Originally from Miami, Philippe studied musical theatre at Elon University. He has performed regionally at The MUNY in St. Louis and taught at Miami Dade College New World School of the Arts. Before joining AMFA, he performed as Kristoff in "Frozen" at Theatre Under the Stars in Houston until December 29, 2024.

"I am thrilled to be returning to Little Rock and directing for the first time at AMFA,” says Philippe. “It is a full circle moment for me, as some of my first professional experiences as an actor were at the Arkansas Shakespeare Theater alongside several of the cast and crew members for An Unlikely Hero."

Philippe will direct "An Unlikely Hero," a children's play set in a school where superpowers are key to fitting in. Written by Emilio Rodriquez, it is part of The TYA BIPOC Superhero Project involving multiple theaters dedicated to creating plays about heroes for young audiences.

Performances are scheduled across two weekends: January 18-19 and January 25-26, 2025. Tickets cost $15 or $12 for AMFA members. The show lasts approximately one hour and ten minutes with a recommended audience age of five and up.

On Saturday, January 25, performances will feature audio description and ASL interpretation with sensory-friendly options available. Local heroes such as police officers, firefighters, educators, military personnel, and community difference-makers will be honored during this performance.

“An Unlikely Hero is a story about belonging,” remarks AMFA’s Executive Director Dr. Victoria Ramirez. “This is the perfect time to honor the heroes here in Central Arkansas that care for us.”

In celebration of opening weekend for "An Unlikely Hero," AMFA will host a free family festival on January 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., featuring comic books, art-making activities, guest authors, and artists.

Following the show on January 25th morning performance, Philippe will facilitate a free puppet-making workshop for children aged five plus with no registration required.

Philippe's artist talk is scheduled for Wednesday, January 15th at 6:00 p.m., providing insights into performing on Broadway stages with brief musical selections from recent projects; tickets are free but pre-registration is recommended.

A masterclass by Philippe offers instruction designed for aspiring performers aged sixteen plus on Sunday afternoon January nineteenth; registration costs forty dollars per person or thirty-two dollars for members.

For more information about past artists-in-residence or other programs visit their website.

Supporters include Rebsamen Fund along with Alice L Walton Foundation backing Family Fest events like Superhero Saturday & Puppet Power workshops while Shubert Foundation aids Children’s Theatre initiatives too.