2026 Theatre

Calling all spinners of tall tales!

This is an an OPEN CALL for stories and storytellers for a show that will be hosted by Helper’s incredible Poet Laureate, Olivia Dudding Rodriguez!

The show, themed “Small Town, Tall Tales”, will take place at the Helper Arts Festival on Friday, August 21 from 2-5pm at the The Rio Theatre!Submit a story at one of two ‘pitch nights’ or through this link: https://bit.ly/4eLSAx2 .

Olivia will provide guidance on the art of storytelling and will help prep select stories for the show during the arts festival. We can’t wait to see what small town stories locals choose to share.

Oscar Wilde’s most beloved comedy comes to the Rio Theatre this August as part of the Helper Arts Festival. The Importance of Being Earnest has been making audiences laugh for over 130 years and once you see it, you’ll understand why.

Jack and Algernon are two young gentlemen living double lives, hiding behind a fictional alter ego named “Ernest” to dodge responsibility and chase romance. But when the women they love both refuse to marry anyone who isn’t named Ernest, their carefully constructed web of lies explodes into one of theatre’s most gloriously chaotic comedies.Mistaken identities. Secret engagements.

A mysterious handbag. And one absolutely terrifying aunt.The Importance of Being Earnest is an evening of non-stop wit, warmth, and laughter perfect for a night out at the festival with family, friends, or that special someone.

Presented by The Balance Rock Players