Bates out at Madame Walker

August 7, 2009
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Christopher L. Barney, new board chairman of the Madame Walker Theatre Center, announced today that Cynthia Bates will be leaving her job as President of the arts organization.

It's the third major transition for Indy's arts presenters over the past season, with the death of Warren Performing Arts Center head Matthew Oskay and the elimination of the Pike Performing Arts Center's season (including cutting the position of executive director Jeff Maess).

Spokespeople for the Madame Walker were not available for comment

The upcoming Walker season includes performances by soprano Angela Brown on Sept. 11, a tribute to Freddy Hubbard as part of the Indy Jazz Fest on Sept. 25, and dance group Philadanco in Oct. (rescheduled from last season).

Your thoughts?
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  • Judie S.August 7, 2009 1:31 PM
    I fear ART FLIGHT!... and mundane blight!!

    I can only hope this opens the doors to HIGHLY creative design solutions!
    Reply to CommentFlag Comment
  • Sandra JAugust 7, 2009 2:53 PM
    I am sad to hear of Cynthia leaving MWTC. Cynthia was a great ambassador for the Center and signified the values Madame Walker displayed of hard work and determination. Best wishes to Cynthia as she leaves. Her presence will be missed.
    Reply to CommentFlag Comment
  • Walker Theatre
    StevenJuly 28, 2010 2:51 PM
    Chris Barney is an outstanding leader and will do so well
    restore the Madame Walker Legacy..
    Reply to CommentFlag Comment

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  1. First, the Athenaeum is going to have to get past the hurdle with the Lockerbie residents and the agreement that the parcel would be residential. Second, and in my opinion, this prime piece of property should include parking, PLUS, a black box theater(s), some market rate and affordable artist housing and a plan to renovate and reconfigure the second story theater. I would negotiate to add the DeHaan property surface parking lot into the development mix, place a one story surface parking garage on the DeHaan lot on the street level (for the Dehaan tenants use during the daytime) and add a second story to the garage that would become an addition to the current second story theater and then change the direction of the theater by moving the stage across the alley and on top of the DeHaan lot parking. You can add all the stage elements that are currently missing from the Athenaeum stage to make it more attractive for use by Ballet, Opera and traveling productions. Plus, the theater changes would probably help solve some of the soundproofing issues. Alas,it does not seem to be a part of the strategic plan to conduct a study to determine best use of the property. Seems like the current plan is a quick and easy move that ignores the property best use/potential and any strategic property planning for the effect on future generations.

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