INDIANAPOLIS: Indiana Repertory Theatre has announced the public phase of Front and Center, its capital campaign to support artistic innovation and sustainability. With a goal of $18.5 million, the money raised will not only support the IRT’s immediate needs but also provide funding for long-term projects.
“A campaign of this scope has not been done by the IRT in 20 years,” IRT’s managing director Suzanne Sweeney said in a statement. “As Indiana’s largest professional theatre, IRT values its role as a community leader, educator and thought-provoking entertainer. We know the impact from Front and Center will strengthen the institution for years to come.”
The campaign’s planned investments focus on creativity, innovation, and reach, with a large portion of the campaign going toward doubling IRT’s endowment from $12 million to $24 million. Other key areas of funding include expanding the production schedule in both number and variety to diversify programming and audience development, updating the technology in the theatre’s shops and performance spaces, and remodeling the Upperstage lobby.
“We consider ourselves to be part of the Hoosier narrative, both by sharing Midwestern stories with the world and bringing the world to our hometown stages,” Jennifer C. Turner, IRT’s director of development, said in a statement. “Through Front and Center, we look forward to playing a vital role in our community’s continued growth.”
Founded in 1971, IRT is currently Indiana’s largest professional not-for-profit theatre. IRT’s strives to provide theatrical experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain audiences.
