BLOOMINGTON, IN.: The Bloomington Playwrights Project (BPP), Cardinal Stage, and Pigasus Institute have announced plans for a three-way merger to take place on July 1. The new organization will build on the strengths of each founding organization and allow for the expansion of services and programs, featuring productions, film projects, educational outreach, and a new-work development pipeline.

The three organizations are currently in the final stages of negotiation with the City of Bloomington to take over the John Waldron Arts Center, which will become their new administrative home. Once finalized, the new organization plans to renovate the building with updates such as new seating, concessions, and theatrical lighting.

The founding organizations began collaborating during the establishment of the Bloomington Academy of Film & Theatre (BAFT) in 2019, and then, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, they decided to work together to sustain the future of Bloomington performing arts. With support from the Community Foundation of Bloomington & Monroe County (CFBMC), the three boards began merger negotiations with independent consultant Sara Peterson in early 2021, and reached an agreement on March 1.

Co-artistic directors Kate Galvin and Chad Rabinovitz will lead the company, along with managing director Gabe Gloden. John Armstrong will take charge of the organization’s fundraising initiative. The merged organization will retain all of its full-time staff while also welcoming new employees to the team.

The new company’s name and first theatrical season will be announced at the Big Bang, a celebratory fundraiser on April 23. This season will include original plays and musicals, classics, theatre for young audiences (TYA), and creative development for stage and screen.