Theatre at Christian Theological Seminary

[Kevin Carr]

Does anyone have any info on the return of Theatre to Christian Theological Seminary ? I heard there was an announcement some time ago that it was returning but I can't seem to find any information on it.

I for one am excited about the possible return of Theatre to the CTS facility. CTS in it's heyday produced some of the finest productions Indianapolis and Central Indiana has ever seen. CTS was known for it's Theatre with a message.

If anyone on Indiana Auditions has any info on their return to CTS could you reply accordingly ?

Also if you see any audition notices come out I would advise you to go to the auditions. Being cast in a CTS production will definitely be a feather in your cap and look impressive on anyone's resume !!!

[Rose]

"CTS" is something of a misnomer - the group that used to call the Christian Theological Seminary home, which had the motto "Theater with a message" was actually Edyvean Repertory Theatre. Edyvean moved to a new home on Indy's near south side at the University of Indianapolis campus many years ago, where they had several more seasons before closing their doors permanently. Many theories were offered as to why the move eventually caused the closure - long-time patrons being unwilling to make the drive to U of I, the economy, the glut of community theater in Indy, and the inconvenience of parking on the U of I campus were common reasons people put forward, but it was probably a combination of these and more that did it. So unless there has been an announcement of the rebirth of Edyvean Repertory Theater, I don't think you'll get that particular feather in your cap, sad as that might be.

I have heard of a few productions that have been staged at the seminary - I believe they are affliliated with the school, however, and are not technically "community theater" anymore - however, I might be wrong in that assumption. Your best bet would be to contact the CTS office and ask about this to find out if they actually do theater where open auditions are held. (If I'm remembering correctly, one of the reasons Edyvean moved was that CTS wanted/needed their theater space for classes, seminars and other activities pertaining to the seminary.)

[Kevin Carr]

Rose,

Thank you for the info, and you are correct, I should have properly called the theatre The Edyvean Repertory Theatre at CTS.
The old Edyvean was one of the most noted theatre spaces in Indianapolis and you are right again, it did fail to carry most of it's loyal patrons down to the South Side. One of the other reasons it did not take off is that theatre just does not seem to fair well on that side of town.
As far as new productions, yes there have been a smattering of productions now and again, but I thought I had heard that The Edyvean was returning with a season full of new productions. Anxious to hear any feedback on this since it was a great space to work in, always with great casts and crews and directors .
Great idea about calling them. I do have a great friend that works there, so I should give him a call.
Any other feedback from anyone else would be appreciated.

[Dee]

I am aware that a small group of interested persons recently met with the new CTS President, who has a heart for theatre, but I'm unaware of any specifics. I thought I had heard that the first production was going to be a passion play, but hadn't heard of anything much beyond discussions and brainstorming. Like Rose, I would suggest calling CTS to inquire.