Your thoughts on Civic’s Carmel move

Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre of Indianapolis, Inc. — better known as Indianapolis Civic Theatre — and the City of Carmel
Redevelopment Commission announced Tuesday evening that Civic will be moving to Carmel’s new Regional Performing Arts Center.
It will be, according to a press release, "the primary occupant for the 500-seat proscenium theater" beginning with
its 2011-2012 season.

A major loss for Indianapolis? Absolutely. Any time an institution moves outside of city
limits, it’s a blow to the Indy arts community.

A disappointment that the new arts center won’t be anchored with a fully
professional theater company? Yes. 

A smart move for Civic? That’s anybody’s guess. With a total payment due from
Civic of $10 million, one has to wonder if there’s enough of an audience for community theater in this new location — or
enough new big-check donors — to generate the necessary revenue.

And, of course, there’s the memory of Edyvean Repertory
Theatre, which went out of business shortly after a made the major move from CTS to the University
of Indianapolis (and that was still within city limits).

Your thoughts?