In 1914, a group of Indianapolis citizens discussed the idea of starting a community theatre in the city. Impressed with the quality and success of the Chicago Little Theatre Society, the group sought to bring the same kind of volunteer-based theatre to Indianapolis. Thus, the Little Theatre Society of Indiana was established and opened the following year with a presentation of four plays, including "The Killing Triangle: A Domestic Melodrama", in the sculpture court at the John Herron Art Institute. S.A. Eliot was named Artistic Director and world-renowned author Booth Tarkington wrote several original plays for its stage.
In 1924, the Little Theatre decided to build its own structure, a new 240-seat playhouse at the corner of Alabama and 19th Streets, now the site of Footlite Musicals. On July 18, 1924, Booth Tarkington wrote to the Publicity Manager of the Little Theatre Society: "I hope your movement for a Playhouse for The Little Theatre will be successful. The Little Theatre in Indianapolis deserves to be taken seriously and gratefully by the Indianapolis public. I did not realize this until I saw a Little Theatre company play a comedy of my own better than a New York company did on Broadway." In February 1926, "Treasure Island" was the first performance at the new playhouse. In 1929, the Little Theatre adopted a new name, Civic Theatre of Indianapolis. The name was changed to Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre of Indianapolis Inc. in 1949-50 as a tribute to the famous Hoosier's artistic contributions as a playwright and his interest in the Theatre, although the name Indianapolis Civic Theatre was later adopted. In 1973, with a generous gift from Mrs. Grace Showalter, the Theatre relocated to the 645-seat Showalter Pavilion on the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA).
Civic has invested nearly $2 million in renovations to Marian Hall that includes the complete reconfiguration of the auditorium, new seating with excellent sight lines, state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, electrical upgrades, an orchestra pit and refurbished amenities. The renovated house seats 500. CSO Architects redesigned the auditorium and Shiel Sexton was the construction partner of the project. Renovations were completed in September 2004. Civic and Marian College are continuing discussions about the potential for building a multi-purpose theatre facility for the city of Indianapolis, which will serve as a permanent home for the Theatre.
Mainstage productions range from acclaimed musicals to comedies and dramas, entertaining more than 40,000 patrons each season. Over 7,000 area high school students attend curriculum-based School Matinee performances of a full-scale production each year. Jr Civic, the Theatre's educational arm, offers theatre-based youth programs for children of all ages, including year-round workshops and performances. Professionally staged youth productions are presented each summer, including the Jr Civic Musical in June, offering young thespians the exciting opportunity of real stage experience under the guidance of theatre professionals.
Indianapolis Civic Theatre has been a vital part of greater Indianapolis for nearly a century, providing outstanding live entertainment and unmatched opportunities for professional, avocational and educational growth.
