Indiana Repertory Theatre Inc

The Indiana Repertory Theatre has stood as an artistic institution in the state of Indiana for more than 50 years. Within an artistic landscape that has been significantly altered since the pandemic, the Theatre strives to continue as a recognized leader in both inclusive artistry and fiscal responsibility. IRT's artistic and educational programming, ranging from theatrical classics to the most compelling new works, serves audiences from across the state, including school districts in more than 50 Indiana counties each year, an impact unequaled by our Indiana theatrical peers. IRT seeks to provide experiences that will engage, challenge, and entertain ALL of Indiana, a state composed of an ever-changing population of ethnicities, backgrounds, and cultures, all with rich histories and dynamic points of view. IRT provides this diverse population with a place where their stories can be presented and shared, where issues of social justice that center on culture and race can be explored. Moreover, the Theatre aims to do more than create a dynamic where these stories are passively viewed onstage - conversations must be held to show how these issues affect our community as a whole, and how action might be taken to find common ground and equitable social advancement. Rooted in the heart of Indiana, IRT is committed to building a vital, vibrant, and informed community through the transformational power of live theatre. IRT produces inclusive, top-quality, professional theatre and community programming to engage, surprise, challenge and entertain members of the whole community. In fulfilling this mission, we have created a rich legacy of more than 300 classic and contemporary productions, ranging from Shakespeare to Shaw to August Wilson. The theatre also has a long-standing commitment to create and present new works, producing 34 world premieres (20 that we commissioned) and four American premieres. Since its founding in 1971, IRT has grown into one of the leading regional theatres in the country, with its national reputation confirmed by prestigious grants from the Joyce Foundation, the Lila Wallace-Reader's Digest Fund, the Theatre Communications Group-Pew Charitable Trusts, the Shubert Foundation, the Kresge Foundation, and multiple awards from the National Endowment for the Arts. Community connections are strengthened through a range of collaborations, such as work with the Central Indiana Community Foundation and local universities; these relationships have been central to examining racial issues, gender roles, and more through community conversations and panel discussions connected to IRT productions. Additional work has forged relations with the Mayor's Office, Leadership Indianapolis, Women's Fund of Central Indiana, RISE Indy, and others. An effective partnership with Autism Society of Indiana was instrumental in the Theatre's expansion of services to audiences with differing sensory needs. IRT is an active partner in the Access Pass program, offering $5 tickets to families receiving financial assistance through the state. The 2023-24 Season, which began the second half-century of IRT productions, marked a significant change for the Theatre as it saw its first change in artistic leadership in almost 30 years. The post of Margot Lacy Eccles Artistic Director has been assumed by Benjamin Hanna, previously the Theatre's Associate Artistic Director of six years. Mr. Hanna brings a unique combination of IRT history and fresh perspectives to his position, maintaining the artistic integrity and tradition of the Theatre while offering audiences new access points. It is a priority to welcome new audiences into the IRT, dispelling any notions that theatre is elitist, stuffy, or antiquated, and creating a welcoming environment for all. To that end, IRT has made a three-year commitment to producing a musical in each season - the musical remains one of the most popular forms of theatre across both generational and cultural spectrums, and presents a side of IRT programming that has not been seen in many years. From that starting point, the IRT's 2023-24 Season offered a potent blend of exciting new works and established pieces that received dynamic reinterpretations: * The season began with an electrifying adaptation of MARY SHELLEY'S FRANKENSTEIN. Audiences were invited to join a memorable gathering of literary giants on a dark and eerie evening, as Mary Shelley stitched together her grisly Gothic tale of Victor Frankenstein and his terrifying creation. This galvanic take on the classic novel thrills and enthralled as it experimented with love, grief, horror, and the power to create-or destroy-life. * One of Indiana's most beloved holiday traditions, A CHRISTMAS CAROL shone a light on the power of kindness and love in this uplifting tale of one man's journey to redemption. * Rising from humble roots as the daughter of a Mississippi sharecropper, Fannie Lou Hamer became a leader in the struggle for voting rights at a time when Civil Rights were far from secure. Her grit and determination to keep fighting shows what it means to be a true revolutionary, and shines through in the gospel-tinged FANNIE: THE MUSIC AND LIFE OF FANNIE LOU HAMER. This production was directed by lauded director and collaborator, Henry Godinez. * THE FOLKS AT HOME was a riff on the beloved family sitcoms of the 70s, a complex yet heartwarming portrait of modern life. Roger and Brandon, an interracial couple living in South Baltimore, are doing the very best they can to live their version of the American dream: love, house, solid jobs. Except Roger's been laid off for months, their mortgage is late...and there might be a ghost in the attic. And that was before both sets of parents decided to move in... * Iconic Mexican painter Frida Kahlo was a woman who lived boldly, loved wildly, and painted prolifically in order to see herself and the world around her more clearly. With stunning stagecraft and irresistible charm, Brazilian writer and performer Vanessa Severo unearthed powerful common ground between herself and Frida, inviting us to experience the artist's vibrant, tumultuous life and rare genius in FRIDA... A SELF PORTRAIT. * When shy, awkward Seymour Krelborn finds a strange and interesting new plant that sings wicked R&B, he suddenly sees an unexpected road to fame, fortune, and the heart of his true love-as long as he's willing to pay a horrible price. The silly, scary sci-fi musical romp LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS devoured the hearts of audiences around the world-and has done the same for Central Indiana!