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?