Arkansas Rep Artistic Director Gets PR Award

Arkansas Repertory Theater artistic director Bob Hupp was honored last week by the Arkansas Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) with its Diamond Award, the highest honor given by the chapter to an individual outside the profession.

Hupp was selected by the PRSA Past Presidents Council for his contributions to enhancing the image of Arkansas through his work that is consistent with the principles of public relations.

Robert Phelps, Executive Director of Keep Arkansas Beautiful and the 2009 Diamond Award recipient, presented the award to Hupp during the March chapter luncheon held at the Little Rock Club.

As The Rep’s producing artistic director for the past 12 years, Hupp has led a resident staff of designers, technicians and administrators in the creation of eight to ten productions for an annual audience in excess of 70,000 for MainStage productions, educational programming and touring. The Rep employs guest artists from across the country to produce works – created, rehearsed and built in downtown Little Rock – ranging from contemporary comedies and dramas to world premieres to the classics of dramatic literature.

In 2011, Hupp led an expansive renovation of the theater’s facilities in downtown Little Rock. The Rep raised enough money in its capital campaign — more than $5.4 million — to qualify for a $600,000 Kresge Foundation challenge grant. The successful drive allowed the theater to improve seating, sightlines and acoustics. Hupp calls the fundraising campaign one of his greatest accomplishments.

Hupp has been involved in theater for 28 years.