IRT Major Gifts Campaign: Case Statement

C A M PA I G N F O R T H E I N D I A N A R E P E R TO RY T H E AT R E

C A M PA I G N F O R T H E I N D I A N A R E P E R TO RY T H E AT R E

EXPAND OUR COMMUNITY’S PERSPECTIVES ENTERTAIN RESIDENTS AND VISITORS ENLIGHTEN YOUNG MINDS ENHANCE OUR REGION’S ECONOMY Cherry Duke and Scott Hogsed in IRT’s 2013 production of A Little Night Music. Photo by Zach Rosing.

heart of downtown.

THE arts.

IN THE

They entertain.

In a magnificent building,

They make us laugh, or cry.

On the Cultural Trail,

They shock, surprise, and delight.

The Indiana Repertory Theatre

They open our minds,

Complements our state’s visual and musical arts.

And touch our hearts.

They make us jump from our seats And shout “Bravo!”

It entertains every generation, Teaches our children, Grows our economy, Contributes to our thriving downtown,

LIVE THEATRE

does more.

Helps us attract and retain young professionals, Draws visitors from near and far.

It’s not passive, but active.

It’s not just staring at a screen.

It’s being there: immersed, engrossed, interactive.

You’re in the kitchen of poverty, The drawing room of a gilded era, The sunset of yesteryear, The twilight of tomorrow.

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FRONT and CENTER

IN INDIANA, THE

pinnacle of live theatre IS THE IRT.

THE IRT needs your help, SO IT CAN FURTHER:

WHEN YOU stand with FRONT AND CENTER,

• Expand our community’s perspectives

You help the IRT address vital needs today,

• Entertain residents and visitors

And ensure the future of live theatre tomorrow.

• Enlighten young minds

us,

• Enhance our region’s economy

FRONTand CENTER IT’S YOUR CHANCE TO HELP THE IRT HELP OUR COMMUNITY AND ITS PEOPLE.

CAMPAIGN FOR THE INDIANA REPERTORY THEATRE | 5

THE IRT: FRONT AND CENTER

on community perspectives Since 1972, the IRT has drawn nearly five million people to discover new worlds and meet new people. These audiences come together from the city, the suburbs, and across the state and nation. They’re of different races and different faiths. They’re straight and LGBT. They’re coupled and single. They’re men, women, and children of virtually every generation. Often, they’re children, parents, and seniors arriving at the theatre for a shared experience.

While these audiences arrive from different places, they unite for a few hours at a time in a common space. Theatre lets us live in someone else’s world; watch people with similarities and differences collide and unite; witness conflict, and address it with civil discussion and thoughtful insight.

In our too-often uncivil society, the IRT uses live theatre to shape new perspectives and find common ground – among generations, races, faiths, communities and more.

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WHEN YOU PUT THE IRT FRONT AND CENTER, YOU HELP THAT:

support live theatre

• Addresses diverse people with diverse interests, • Involves and welcomes all segments of the community, • Connects us to meaningful issues in our lives, • Encourages personal reflection and community discussion, • Inspires our neighbors to learn about themselves and others, and • Makes Indianapolis a more vibrant place for cultural expression, economic vitality, and a diverse, informed, and engaged citizenry.

Your gift

TO IRT’S FRONT AND CENTER CAMPAIGN helps shape the human experience and explore the primary issues of humanity for citizens of every generation throughout their lives.

FRONT and CENTER: CAMPAIGN FOR THE INDIANA REPERTORY THEATRE

“The IRT’s impact on the community is different than other organizations. Theatre has the ability to

change the ways that people look at themselves and the world.”

- Gregory Gaich, IRT subscriber

David Alan Anderson and Marcus Naylor in IRT’s 2016 production of Fences. Photo by Zach Rosing.

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THE IRT: FRONT AND CENTER CLASSIC, CONTEMPORARY

and ORIGINAL

Your gift to the IRT helps enrich our community’s entertainment options. Theatre, after all, is about laugh-out-loud, oh-my-god, he-said/she-said, drown-in-your-tears, head-slapping, hand-holding, fall-in-love, stand-up-and-cheer moments.

for entertainment

As a result, people from central Indiana and beyond can, each year, see a full season of professional theatre that ranges from the contemporary to the classics – all rendered by highly skilled actors, directors, and designers.

The IRT is a magical place where you can step into the past or encounter new worlds.

It’s a place where you can peek inside the windows of the house next door, or look a little deeper into your own heart and mind.

As Indiana’s premier professional theatre, one designated as our state’s “theatre laureate”, your IRT brings superb productions and talent to the heart of our region.

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new plays

THAT BUILD CREATING UNDERSTANDING OF OUR PEOPLE AND VALUES What sets the IRT apart from other theatres is a commitment to new play development.

The IRT – through its longtime resident playwright James Still – creates and performs new plays that capture the history, culture, people, and contemporary realities of Indiana and the Midwest. And by exporting those plays to other places – from New York to Washington to California and points in between – we help build understanding of who we are, how we live, and what we bring to the world.

Your gift to the IRT KEEPS GREAT

ENTERTAINMENT FRONT AND CENTER.

Top: Cristina Panfilo and Kelsey Brennan in IRT’s 2012 production of Fallen Angels. Left: Christina D. Harper, Tracey N. Bonner, Nick Vidal and Nia Simmons in IRT’s 2015 production of April 4, 1968: Before We Forgot How to Dream. Right: Jen Johansen, Rob Johansen, and Ben Tebbe in IRT’s 2011 production of Julius Caesar. Photos by Zach Rosing.

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THE IRT: FRONT AND CENTER

for enlightening young minds

In a community and nation increasingly concerned about the quality of education for our children, the arts in general and theatre in particular, make an enormous impact in classroom performance, test scores, behavior, and more.

Studies show that students involved in arts programs benefit in such areas as: • Academic achievement • Writing • Attendance • SAT scores • Reduced drug use What’s more, a University of Arkansas study found that field trips to live theatre enhance literary knowledge, tolerance, and empathy among students.

Our remarkable educational commitment - WHY ALL THOSE

SCHOOL BUSES ARE LINED UP ON WASHINGTON STREET

By night and weekend, the IRT is an entertainment place for couples and families, individuals and groups. But that’s only half the story. By day, students fill the theatre due to IRT’s commitment to education – a far higher commitment to our schools and their students than most theatres.

Each year, IRT brings lessons to life for over 40,000 students from more than half of Indiana’s 92 counties. An astonishing 48 percent of our student attendees need financial assistance.

In addition to youth-focused, curriculumenhancing productions, the IRT provides a rich training ground for young performers in our shows, students in summer theatre courses, and young playwrights learning to write for the stage.

Your gift to the IRT

KEEPS LIVE THEATRE FRONT AND CENTER FOR STUDENTS from throughout the state who greatly benefit from insightful, interactive learning not found anywhere else.

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“When you read a book in a classroom or watch a movie, you never feel that special connection with the characters that you do by having them act out the story right in front of you. It places you in a position where you are with them in the story. All of the actors and actresses make the story a million times more interesting.”

- 9th grader, Warren Central High School

Right: Grayson Molin in IRT’s 2014 production of The Giver. Photo by Zach Rosing.

Left: Piper Murphy interacting with the audience after IRT’s 2015 production of Peter Rabbit and Me. Photo by Amber Mills.

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THE IRT: FRONT AND CENTER

for boosting our

Robert Lynch, president and CEO of “More and more businesses understand that Americans for the Arts, once said that while ethos and are making the adaptations necessary the arts “inspire us, soothe us, provoke us, to attract and retain creative class employees,” involve us, and connect us, they also create says Florida. “Most civic leaders, however, have jobs and contribute to the failed to understand that what is economy.” true for corporations is also true “FOR BUSINESS AND for cities and regions: Places that PROFESSIONAL PEOPLE The arts help attract and succeed in attracting and retaining CONSIDERING MOVING retain the kinds of workers our creative class people prosper; TO THE CITY, THE IRT IS city needs most – what urban those that fail don’t.”

DEFINITELY ” studies theorist Richard Florida - ROLLIN DICK, EMERITUS BOARD MEMBER Fortunately, Indianapolis supports calls the “creative class” – this concept and the IRT is at the the scientists, engineers, forefront, creating its work locally while working architects, designers, writers, artists, in a historic building in the heart of our revitalized musicians, and others who spark creativity downtown. In fact, the IRT contributes to local in our businesses and our community.

an asset.

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city’s economy, jobs, and businesses employment by supplying salary or fee income to over 300 artists, artisans, administrators, and service personnel each season.

The arts in Indianapolis – including the IRT – also generate cultural tourism revenue. In addition to show tickets, that means lodging, meals, and transportation. According to Americans for the Arts, nonprofit arts attendees spend an average of $24.60 per person, not including admission costs.

Your gift

HELPS THE IRT ENHANCE OUR REGION’S CREATIVE CLASS AND GROW OUR CITY’S ECONOMY.

Above: Cast of IRT’s 2015 production of The Great Gatsby.

Right: IRT staff posing on the red carpet outside the Indiana Repertory Theatre, with the “Indy” sign.

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THE IRT: FRONT AND CENTER

a capacity building campaign current needs and ensure sustainability OVER TIME TO ADDRESS

Because the IRT is fiscally sound, strategically directed, and well governed by a veteran staff and prestigious board of community-leader volunteers, the theatre has benefited from a long history of individual, corporate, foundation and other support.

However, while the IRT is resourceful, its ability to reach more and different people, keep its work and technology cutting edge, and enhance the quality of its productions and facilities requires more than resourcefulness.

It requires your help.

Why are campaign dollars needed now?

The answer: • Vital and immediate investments in technology, facilities and other measures, • Even better programming for people of all ages,

Key funding FROM LILLY ENDOWMENT

INC. AND THE CITY OF INDIANAPOLIS IS GETTING THE CAMPAIGN OFF TO A STRONG START

Recognizing the importance of the long-term sustainability of the IRT to the cultural fabric of Indianapolis, Lilly Endowment has provided a gift of $7.5 million - $5.5 million for endowment, $1 million for capital and capacity-building projects, and $1 million to underwrite the cost of this campaign. Further, the City of Indianapolis is making critical building repairs to the city-owned building where IRT operates. Donor dollars can be focused on enhancing our artistic product and improving service to our audiences.

When you give TO IRT’S FRONT AND

CENTER, EVERY PENNY OF EVERY DONATION HELPS THE THEATRE BETTER SERVE THE COMMUNITY.

• Ongoing building maintenance and continual upgrade needs that require a stronger endowment, and • Assured long-term financial sustainability, which will secure the IRT’s future as an important downtown cultural leader.

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FRONT and CENTER: CAMPAIGN FOR THE INDIANA REPERTORY THEATRE

“The quality of IRT productions is top-notch. We would put it up against any shows we have seen in New York, Chicago, Washington, and elsewhere. We are awestruck by the collective talent the IRT has brought together and are filled with pride to be a part of the organization.”

- Dan and Ginny Emerson, IRT Subscribers

Roz White in IRT’s 2009 production of Crowns. Photo by Zach Rosing.

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THE IRT: FRONT AND CENTER

addresses immediate needs

SUPPLEMENTING CITY-FUNDED TO IRT’S HISTORIC BUILDING

repairs

The Indiana Repertory Theatre operates from a beautiful, classic, historic building in the heart of a bustling downtown. In many ways, the IRT was an urban pioneer, anchoring a downtown revitalization that’s seen investments of $12.4 billion.

Because of its location and exceptional facility, the IRT has hosted many other arts organizations—most notably, its 15-year relationship with Dance Kaleidoscope, Indiana’s premier modern dance company.

But the city-owned building behind the magnificent terra-cotta façade is in need of repair. City government is making those much-needed repairs to the structure and common areas – stairwells, elevators, etc.

But IRT must make additional improvements to public areas, production spaces, offices, and more. Front and Center will help fund ongoing building expenses, plus immediate and necessary renovations and improvements that make the theatre a better place to visit and work.

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FRONT and CENTER: CAMPAIGN FOR THE INDIANA REPERTORY THEATRE

upgrades

PROVIDING TO THE LATEST PRODUCTION AND CUSTOMER-SERVICE TECHNOLOGY The IRT draws more than 200 freelance professional theatre artists annually to Indianapolis, from across the country. It also supports a strong base of local artists and technicians. In fact, the IRT’s full-time administrative and artisan community, now more than 80 strong, contribute significantly to the creative capital of our community.

But new and innovative productions often necessitate investment in new kinds of technology and the need for new artists, including videographers and projection designers. Increasingly, the IRT’s technology and lighting equipment are behind the times. Many designers, for example, employ projectable images that enhance the magnificent sets that are a hallmark of IRT productions. Yet we lack the specialized technology to create and incorporate such design elements at the level today’s top professionals demand.

Your gift

TO IRT’S FRONT AND CENTER WILL MAKE THE THEATRE EXPERIENCE BETTER THAN EVER.

IRT artisans at work. Photos by Amber Mills.

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THE IRT: FRONT AND CENTER

addresses immediate needs

Building the IRT’s capacity to create the best possible mix of productions.

If you’ve ever heard an IRT “curtain speech” (those brief remarks of gratitude before a show), you know that ticket sales cover only about half of a production’s cost. Grants, sponsorships, and individual contributions help cover the rest.

But there’s more to the story: IRT is often

restricted by budget on the size of shows it can produce, the size of the cast in each show, and the quality of sets, costumes and lighting, etc.

What’s more, the IRT often must select shows that appeal to both students and adults to continue to serve its broad age range.

Front and Center includes strategic investments that allow more creative freedom, production capacity, and audience development. With your help, IRT can: • Produce more age-specific plays for younger students, while selecting plays for adult audiences that better target their tastes.

• Invest in equipment and designers to accommodate now industry-standard video technology that enhances sets and productions.

• Have the flexibility to stage more beloved, well-known works (larger-cast American classics and musicals).

• Replace obsolete lighting with more energy-efficient and flexible technology.

• Create and stage new works that advance the field, attract high-caliber artists, and give Indiana audiences the chance to be first to see new plays.

• Continue to tell stories of Indiana through consistent commissioning that attracts new voices and diverse, dramatic storytelling about today’s society.

• Market the theatre in new and innovative ways to impact more of the community • Increase educational offerings to make a difference in more children’s lives.

• Increase the theatre’s endowment to help the IRT be more self-sufficient and better able to withstand economic changes.

• Overhaul backstage infrastructure that has not been upgraded in more than 40 years.

Your gift

TO IRT’S FRONT AND CENTER CAMPAIGN WILL MAKE THE THEATRE EXPERIENCE BETTER THAN EVER.

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FRONT and CENTER: CAMPAIGN FOR THE INDIANA REPERTORY THEATRE

“The IRT provides a quality product.

But unfortunately, it has had to provide this quality on a

tighter budget

than some other arts organizations.”

- Thomas C. Froehle, Jr., Faegre Baker Daniels

Christina D. Harper in IRT’s 2015 production of April 4, 1968: Before We Forgot How to Dream. Photo by Zach Rosing.

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INVESTING TODAY TO SUSTAIN THE BENEFITS OF LIVE THEATRE

for future generations

Your investment in the IRT now will allow the theatre to produce better art, educate more kids, contribute to downtown’s economic vitality, and sustain the IRT’s efforts for generations to come.

By theater standards nationally, the IRT enjoys relatively good fiscal health. We have the opportunity to improve our long-term sustainability, but remain mindful of the existing challenges. Producing in a

building rich in history, but rife with repair needs. Audiences are changing, too: How do we persuade people to set aside their electronic screens and engage in live experience? And changes in audience buying habits – from strong season ticket holder sales to buy-as-you-go preferences – have theatres everywhere rethinking not only their marketing, but also their endowments.

So, Front and Center includes a commitment to increase the IRT’s $11 million endowment.

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We’re seeking to add $7.6 million to the current endowment – the investment dollars that are needed now so that earnings can fund future building maintenance, diversity programs, administrative costs, and year-to-year contingencies.

Your gift TO FRONT AND CENTER BUILDS THE IRT’S CAPACITY TO MEET CHANGING NEEDS AND ENHANCED SERVICES WITH CAREFULLY STEWARDED INVESTMENT DOLLARS.

Ryan Artzberger in IRT’s A Christmas Carol. Photo by Zach Rosing.

“The IRT is a key part of a vibrant arts community. It adds to the quality of life in the city and helps to differentiate downtown Indianapolis through the programs and productions it offers.”

- Lance Chrisman, Community Leader

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please, help

KEEP THE IRT FRONT AND CENTER There are many ways to support central Indiana and the organizations that set our community apart. But few provide the opportunity to do so much with a single gift.

Indeed, your investment in the IRT delivers entertainment benefits for you, your significant other, your friends, and loved ones. You get to cheer the hero. Boo the villain. Encourage the lovers. Slay the dragon.

But with that same gift, you can: • Expand our community’s perspectives • Entertain residents and visitors

However you want to help – including named gifts with specific goals that are meaningful to you, or gifts of greatest need – you’ll be making an important investment in the arts, in the community, in your neighbors, and yourself.

Help the IRT deliver all the benefits of live theatre not only for you and your generation, but also for our children and their children for decades to come.

Please, give TO IRT’S FRONT AND CENTER CAMPAIGN

• Enlighten young minds • Enhance our region’s economy

Top Right : Milicent Wright in IRT’s 2016 production of Bridge & Tunnel. Photo by Zach Rosing. Second: Elizabeth Laidlaw, Ryan Artzberger, and Morgan McCabe in IRT’s 2013 production of The Crucible. Photo by Zach Rosing. Third: Paula Hopkins and Jan Lucas in the IRT’s 2016 production of To Kill a Mockingbird. Photo by Zach Rosing. Bottom Right: Priscilla Lindsay in IRT’s 1992 production of The Miser.

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FRONT and CENTER: CAMPAIGN FOR THE INDIANA REPERTORY THEATRE

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FRONT AND CENTER CAMPAIGN

by the numbers

Serving adults and children Today’s artistic program needs Endowment for tomorrow’s artistic program

$ 1,200,000 $ 9,100,000

Innovating and capacity building Building improvements, technology, audience growth

$ 3,200,000

Endowment for building improvements and ongoing operating costs

Campaign expenses

$ 4,000,000

Campaign goal

$ 18,500,000

$ 1,000,000

Questions? Wish to make a gift? Contact Us. JANET ALLEN EXECUTIVE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

SUZANNE SWEENEY MANAGING DIRECTOR

JALLEN@IRTLIVE.COM SSWEENEY@IRTLIVE.COM 317.916.4800 317.916.4820

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FRONT and CENTER: CAMPAIGN FOR THE INDIANA REPERTORY THEATRE

Expand our community’s perspectives Entertain residents and visitors Enlighten young minds Enhance our region’s economy Zach Kenney and Liz Kimball in IRT’s 2014 production of Kurt Vonnegut's Who am I this Time? (and Other Conundrums of Love).

Photo by Zach Rosing.

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I REGARD THE THEATRE AS THE THE MOST IMMEDIATE WAY IN WHICH A HUMAN BEING CAN SHARE WITH ANOTHER THE SENSE OF WHAT IT IS TO BE A HUMAN BEING.”

greatest of all art forms,

- OSCAR WILDE