Discover Benton & Bryant

Date: December 1, 2025 | Story: Stephanie Maxwell Newton | Photography: Mandy Jayne |

Go deeper into the history of one of Saline County’s most prized landmarks while finding recommendations to shop, dine, and enjoy the area

Opened in the 1920s, the Royal Theatre in downtown Benton is one of the oldest theaters in the state. For three generations it operated as a movie theater under the ownership of the Kauffman family until, in the late 1990s, actor and comedian Jerry Van Dyke purchased the property. Soon after, the Royal Theatre transitioned to become the home of the Royal Players, a group of community actors who still manage the theater’s operations today. “For the Royal Players, success has come from remaining true to our goal of providing a platform for local talent to collaborate and showcase their work,” says Daphne Shoppach, artistic director of the theater’s Young Players program. Daphne also works in Bryant and enjoys tending a small farm (complete with sheep and chickens) on the outskirts of the city. Having grown up in Saline County, she’s proud that the area has maintained its “small-town feel” even as it continues to grow. “It is kind of a cross between Mayberry and a Hallmark movie,” she says. Here, Daphne shares more about her involvement with the Royal Theatre and how its programs contribute to the fabric of Benton and Bryant.

Q: Tell us a little about the history of The Royal Theatre.
A: The Royal Theatre has seen many changes over the years. It began in the 1920s showing silent movies and, like most movie theaters, evolved into a place where people came to not only see movies but also news reels. In the early ’70s, as multiplex cinemas were being built, the balcony was closed in and a second movie screen was added to give patrons more viewing options. It was and still is a place where community members gather to share an experience. There is a lot of nostalgia in the old building, and it holds special memories for many people for different reasons.

Q: How did you first become involved with the theater?
A: I was cast in my first full production in the fall of 1998. The following summer, both of my sons were cast in Grease, and from there it just became a family event for us. Jerry Van Dyke had a role in that production. All the kids enjoyed performing with him; he was funny, of course, and made it a great experience for all of them. My youngest son and I performed in four different productions together. Over the years, when I was not on stage, I would help with the technical side, and my husband would also run the sound equipment for the productions. It’s the nature of community theater to have several family members involved in a production.

Q: After serving in several roles on the theater’s board, you’re now artistic director of the Young Players program. What does that entail? What other opportunities are there for children in the theater?
A: The Young Players was developed out of the need for young people to have more opportunities to be in productions both on and off stage. A group of teens addressed this need in 2001 with the president of the board at the time, and he contacted me and several others about the possibility of forming a youth theater. The board appointed 12 kids to meet and discuss their ideas. In March 2002, the group held the first public meeting with 45 students between the ages of 12-19, and the Young Players was formed. We now average 90 to 150 students per year from age 5 all the way up to their early 20s, all of whom are involved in workshops, talent shows, dinner theaters, productions, and work days to clean and organize the Royal Theatre.

Since establishing the program, it became evident that there was a need for age-related productions. In 2013, the Young Players produced two one-act plays that were designed to try out this idea. One show was performed completely by kids under the age of 13, and the other show was selected with the teens in mind. In January 2014, the Second Stage program performed its inaugural show with teens and young adults leading the spring and summer productions for the younger kids. This year we added a theater class for homeschool students and are super excited for the opportunities that will come from this addition.

Q: Is there anything you think surprises outsiders when they visit the area?
A: The Royal Theatre brings a lot of people from outside of Saline County to the theater, and we hear a lot of favorable comments on the downtown area. We had a family drive from Springdale to see a production of American Idiot that they saw advertised online. They were big Green Day fans and wanted to introduce their son to the music. For many years, we were the only theater group with productions for kids-only performers, and we still have kids travel from Grant, Pulaski, Hot Springs, Garland, Clark, and Faulkner counties to perform. Those that travel are somewhat surprised on their first visit by the dining and shopping options that there are in Benton. They also comment on the look of the downtown buildings, noting the mix of historic and updated modern ones.

Q: Do you have any favorite festivals or community events that take place in Benton and Bryant?
A: The Saline County Fair and Fair Parade, the Christmas Parade, the lighting of our downtown Christmas tree, and Third Thursdays are all big events. For five years now, our county has hosted Saline County Museum Day where all museums are open on the same day to visitors. We also have a Haunted House during the month of October at the theater, and at Christmas time there are carriage rides around the city to see all of the lights.

Read on for more of our favorite ways to Discover Benton & Bryant.

Another Season Home & Garden

Niecy’s in Benton

SHOP
For a wide selection of indoor and outdoor plants, gardening gifts, and outdoor-related goods, visit Another Season Home & Garden (anotherseasonar.com) in Benton. Don’t miss their Living Ornament Studio on Dec. 4 where you can make a living glass ornament—with friends and beverages, of course. Johnston’s Home Center (johnstonshomecenter.com) in Benton has it all, from appliances and sewing machines to lawn equipment, furniture, and mattresses. Make this family-owned business your go-to for your next home project. Shopping for Christmas gifts? Visit Sparks Fine Jewelry and Gifts (sparksfinejewelry.com), which has the reputation as Benton’s “hometown jeweler.” In Bryant, treat yourself with an appointment at Flawless Med Spa (flawlessmedspa.info). They offer hydrafacials, dermaplaning, laser treatments, injectables, and other med spa services.

DINE
Baja Grill (eatbajagrill.com) in downtown Benton is a must for Mexi-Cali. Order your choice of tacos, nachos, quesadillas, a burrito, or a naked bowl (with a side of margarita!). Next door, the same restaurant group is behind RŌBER (eatrober.com), which offers elevated eats and drinks in an intimate atmosphere. For a down-home breakfast experience, grab a seat at Niecy’s (501.722.2161) in Benton where you can fill up on biscuits and gravy, eggs, bacon, and other early-morning staples. In Bryant, Rookh Italian + Indian Restaurant (rookhknight.com) offers a unique fusion of Italian and Indian cuisine—think Chicken Tikka Masala Pizza and Spaghetti Vindaloo.

VISIT
The Royal Players present The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical at the Royal Theatre (theroyaltheatre.org) Dec. 4-14. Be sure to snag tickets to this funny, heart-warming performance that is perfect for the whole family. In Bryant, get into the holiday spirit with It’s a Wonderful Bryant! Tree Lighting Ceremony at Mills Park on Dec. 4 (cityofbryant.com). In addition to the city’s official tree lighting, there will be live music, opportunities to meet Santa Claus, and food trucks.