Kentucky has a number of theaters to visit for shows of all types. But unmissable performances are found outside the theater walls as well. And while Louisville and Lexington, naturally, lead the way in productions, smaller cities also boast high-quality shows for all ages.
The Indiana Repertory Theatre resides in Indianapolis and has been in existence since 1972. It's one of the premier regional theater companies in the country, and has received numerous prestigious grants and awards. In 1991 the state of Indiana named the IRT Theatre Laureate of the state. There are always shows in production for the interested visitor. Over 130,000 individuals attend IRT shows every year, and the theater gives regular age-appropriate performances for students which raise awareness about socio-cultural issues. The goal of the IRT is to connect what is seen on the stage with with real-life issues through the use of entertaining and engaging theater.
Also of interest is the Bloomington Playwrights Project in Bloomington. Founded in 1980 by two Indiana University MFA students, the goal of the company was to create a venue where local playwrights could get their works produced. These productions were put together quickly and enjoyed quick runs. Though in its initial phases the company performed in minimal space, the BPP currently operates with two stages and has a full subscription season. The production of new works is still the company's primary objective, making it one of the few companies in the country dedicated to this specific goal.
The Indiana Theatre Association was designed to foster a spirit of cooperation between Indiana theater groups of all levels. In addition, the ITA also sponsors the Indiana Theatre Works, where scripts are selected by professional readers then workshopped through an open audition process. The ITA fundamentally encourages Indiana playwrights.
One of Indiana's interesting venues for theater is the Civic Hall Performing Arts Center in Richmond. Formerly a high school gymnasium, the facility was transformed into its current manifestation over a period of years, eventually opening in the fall of 1993. The center doubles as a community arts center and a location for famous performing acts such as The Kingston Trio, Bowfire, and the Golden Dragon Acrobats.
Clarksville's Derby Dinner Playhouse is one of the largest dinner theaters in the country, attracting over 200,000 guests a year. In existence for over 30 years, the playhouse has produced many classic plays including Cats, White Christmas, and Singin' in the Rain. They also produce a Children's Musical Theatre for younger guests, with children's favorites like The Frog Prince and Charlotte's Web.
For something slightly left of center, Indianapolis' Phoenix Theatre is a professional, non-profit theater that focuses on productions dealing with a variety of difficult social issues. Their material is very adult-oriented, and deals with issues of sexuality, minority concerns, and abuse. They have performed such plays as Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Bug, Agnes of God, and The Santaland Diaries.
The Artist Studio in Fishers is a relatively new organization, founded in 2003. The focus of the studio is to allow artists to grow in his or her craft, offering classes for children and adults in drama, dance, and music. They also have a team building class for adults and summer camps available for children. A full schedule of shows are also performed. Some past productions have included The Wizard of Oz, Oliver, Annie, The Music Man, and Bye, Bye Birdie.
The Fort Wayne Civic Theatre is the second largest community theater in Indiana and produces Broadway-quality shows. The Civic Theatre is been in existence since 1940, though its history dates back to 1927. It features between six and eight shows a year, ranging from comedies to dramas to musicals. Past shows have included: Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors, Once Upon a Mattress, and 1776.
Brown County
Brown County offers a number of theatrical options for visitors of all ages and experiences.
The Brown County Playhouse is run in conjunction with the Indiana University Department of Theatre and Drama. In existence for over 50 years, the playhouse has performed shows appealing to all ages. In addition, its Nashville location offers visitors the chance to browse through the small-town atmosphere.
Founded in 2005, the Coachlight Musical Theatre is a new establishment which produces shows for theatergoers of all ages. A repertory theater, it offers six productions a year, many of which are in the original musical comedy genre.
For something completely unique, stop in and visit the Melchior Marionette Theatre. Performing since 1952, the Marionettes have performed throughout the world, in places as diverse as Canada, Mexico, Europe, and China. The Marionettes are half life-size, and perform in an outdoor theater. The proprietors – Peggy Melchior and Heidi Pearson – also run (along with Debbi Stutzman) Peewinkle's Puppet Studio, which performs entertaining puppet shows for audiences of all ages.
The Hoosier State has a number of theaters and theatrical performances for all ages. Whatever your mood may be, you'll find what you're looking for – theatrically, anyway – in Indiana.
