The Indianapolis Civic Theatre,
which was once linked onto Marian Hall at Marian University, has now moved its
location to Carmel, Indiana and is now known as the Booth Tarkington Civic
Theatre. Questions are beginning to rise as to why the location has changed and
how will Marian University occupy the empty theater left behind.
Back in
2004, Marian University welcomed The Indianapolis Civic Theatre to its campus
bringing in many visitors and lovers of the arts. This is the Civic Theatre’s
third location change; before Marian University, its original home was at the
Indianapolis Museum of Art during 1973 to 2004.
“The Indianapolis
Civic Theatre moved for many reasons,” said Deborah Lawrence, Vice President
for Administration and General Counsel. “Among them was the need for more space
for performances, rehearsals and educational programs, as well as the desire
for more amenities for patrons, including reception and entertainment spaces
and parking.”
Marian
University’s partnership with the Indianapolis Civic Theatre brought in
thousands of patrons. Lawrence feels that Marian University has lost a vital
connection to the larger Indianapolis community and a cultural resource for the
students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
The
movement has caused fury and controversy from those who were a part of the
Indianapolis Civic Theatre. With feelings of abandonment and disagreement of
moving away from Marion County, the Civic Theatre lost 10 percent of donors and
subscribers.
Bob Sobera,
artistic director, and Cheri Dick, executive director, signed a 100 year lease
at the Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre. They plan to reach to different
audiences and provide various classes in the arts.
“We will
use the rest of this academic year to assess the needs of the university for
the now renamed Marian University Theatre,” said Lawrence. “Many academic
departments, including the theater and music programs, would like to be able to
use that space more frequently. Once we have determined the needs of the Marian
community, we will reach out to the local arts community to offer this venue to
them for performances.”
With
already being approached by small art groups, Marian hopes to offer a wide range
of enriching performances to the Indianapolis community, including students,
faculty, staff, and alumni. They don’t plan to have a resident company like
Civic Theatre occupy the building, which should eliminate challenges of
scheduling and hopes to uphold a strong community connection.
*Article was written for Marian University's The Knight Times and published in the fall semester of 2011.
