INDIANAPOLIS –Marian University announced today that it has been informed by Indianapolis Civic Theatre, which has been a part of Marian University’s campus since 2004, that the theatre has begun negotiations with the City of Carmel to relocate to its new performing arts complex.
Civic Theatre moved to the university’s west-side campus after its lease with the Indianapolis Museum of Art was discontinued. University administration, faculty, students, staff, and alumni welcomed and supported the organization from the beginning. Faculty members incorporated performances into course curricula, students worked as interns and several served as cast members throughout the years. Most important, members of the campus community also became subscribers.
Daniel J. Elsener, president of Marian University, noted the partnership by saying “Civic Theatre has been an important partner with Marian University since it moved here in 2004. Both organizations have benefited significantly from our collaboration. One of our primary reasons for venturing into this relationship was the incredible learning opportunities for our students that Civic Theatre brings to campus. We—and our students—will miss that interaction most.”
Although leaders from Marian University and Indianapolis Civic Theatre have been engaged for several months in productive discussions about how they could enhance and expand their collaboration beyond the current lease term, which ends in 2012, the Civic Board of Directors voted this week to suspend those discussions and focus on negotiating a long-term agreement with Carmel.
– add one –
Indianapolis Civic Theatre Considers Carmel Location
Page Two
Early indications are that Carmel offered to build Civic a facility designed to the theatre group’s specifications, which includes Civic’s interest in long-term growth. However, Civic indicated that it is interested in continuing to offer educational programs and other activities in Indianapolis, perhaps in Marian University facilities.
The Marian University campus will not lack a vibrant arts scene if Civic leaves, promised Elsener. “Our commitment to a revitalization of the arts on Marian University’s campus is strong, as evidenced by the current construction of the Steffen Music Center, which will provide rehearsal space and practice rooms for our growing music programs. As we continue to strengthen our own music, art, and theatre programs, we also look forward to exploring partnerships with local arts organizations and creating new opportunities for the central Indiana community to participate in the arts at Marian University.”
About Marian University
Marian University (www.marian.edu) is the only Catholic liberal arts university in central Indiana. It is a private, co-educational school offering classes to both traditional and non-traditional students. Located two miles north of downtown Indianapolis, Marian University is a Catholic university dedicated to excellent teaching and learning in the Franciscan and liberal arts traditions. On July 1, 2009, Marian College became Marian University.
