The Link Theatre Company will present two shows in May spotlighting the emerging talent of local students in the first performance and featuring veteran performers from the area in a second showcase.

“NEA Rising Stars Spotlight” will be held on Thursday, May 14, at 6 p.m. in the Woodard McAlister Family Club, located in the Johnny Allison Tower at Arkansas State University’s Centennial Bank Stadium.

This evening of song and story will showcase the leading actors and directors of the Jonesboro, Valley View and Nettleton High School musicals this spring. Proceeds from the event will benefit area music and theater departments.

The 2026 Rising Stars include Noah Andrews, Riley Kate Andrews, Juliet Bristow, Jana Caang, Mia Caang, George Cavenaugh, Steele Daniel, Ava Fitzgerald, James Gramling, Ensley Heringer, Ben Jones, Maryam Khalil, Madison Lancaster, Jackson Liles, Ava Little, Evelyn Maglothin, Janson Marsico, Elin McDaniel, Maverick Merryman, Collier Modelevsky, Abby Munoz, Braelyn Quinn, Emmy Claire Rogers, Edie Swymm and Kadarius Williams.

Faculty performances will include Jonesboro’s Carmen Teague and Jessica Fouts; Valley View High School’s Katy Tarkington and Dana Bruff; and Nettleton High School’s Starke Prine.

Tickets for “NEA Rising Stars Spotlight” are $50 per person. Dinner is included with the purchase of a ticket. Visit thelinktheatre.org to purchase tickets.

The following night, The Link Theatre will present “A Broadway Dreams Cabaret” starring local, university and professional talent. This event will take place on Friday, May 15, at 7 p.m. at The Lounge in Downtown Jonesboro and will feature some of NEA’s brightest stars.

Performers for “A Broadway Dreams Cabaret” include Matt Carey, Jessica Fouts, Taylor Heinen, Harrison Herget, Alaina and Quaine Hogan, Luke Holt, Calliope Johnson, John Mixon, Starke Prine, Marc Sexton, Katy Tarkington, Jeremy Swymm, Carmen Teague, Isaiah Wallis and Libby Wills.

Molly Simpson will direct both “NEA Rising Stars Spotlight” and “A Broadway Dreams Cabaret.” Music direction will be provided by Mary Medrick.

Simpson was the head of the acting program at Arkansas State University for 30 years. She holds both a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and a Master of Arts degree, both in speech and theater, from Arkansas State University, and a Master of Fine Arts degree in acting from the University of Southern Mississippi. She has also studied at HB Studios and New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts, both in New York City, and TVI Studios in Los Angeles.

Mary Medrick has collaborated with The Link Theatre Company on numerous occasions and holds a diverse background in musical theater, opera, writing/arranging, commercial recording and performance, which lends itself to the fast-paced variety of the cabaret environment. Some of her favorite cabaret shows as keyboardist include “Denise Lee Onstage” in Dallas and “Kaye Ballard/Lillianne Montevechi/Leroy Reems” in Austin and Santa Fe.

Tickets for A Broadway Dreams Cabaret are $35 per person and can be purchased by visiting thelinktheatre.org.

The Link Theatre Company is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that draws on the finest Broadway, university, and local talent in order to bring innovative musicals and plays to the Northeast Arkansas community.

More information on tickets, auditions and classes for all of The Link Theatre’s programs may be found at thelinktheatre.org or on The Link Theatre Facebook page.