Indiana Repertory Theatre celebrates holiday tradition, 50th Anniversary 
A Christmas Carol returns with Artistic Director Janet Allen directing final show

Indianapolis, Ind.— The Indiana Repertory Theatre’s 50th Season Anniversary celebration takes on a festive, snowy layer this month with the opening of the annual tradition Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.  This classic story, which has been adapted by Tom Haas, welcomes audiences November 19 – December 24 on the snowy OneAmerica Mainstage.

This year’s production includes the return of many familiar IRT faces, including Rob Johansen in his second year as Ebenezer Scrooge and Ryan Artzberger reprising his role as Bob Cratchit and Marley. In her final year before retirement, IRT’s Margot Lacy Eccles Artistic Director Janet Allen will direct this annual treasure for the Theatre’s 50th Anniversary Season.
 
“Directing A Christmas Carol this season holds many revelations and reflections for me. As one of the first projects I worked on as a dramaturg at IRT in 1980, it feels very much like coming full circle in this, my final season at the IRT,” Allen said.

A Christmas Carol celebrates the power of kindness, family, and love in this treasured tale filled with laughter, tears, and redemption. The play, which is an adaptation of the almost 180-year old novel, has taken different forms over the decades at the IRT, the heart of the story remains as it serves as both holiday entertainment and a powerful look at the need for kindness and connection. 

“This is a story best shared inter-generationally, where the youngest to the oldest can gently lift their own takes on the story and learn from one another’s viewpoints. It also serves great purpose in the Central Indiana community, reminding us of the essential values of the holiday season: generosity, forgiveness, and charity to those less fortunate, removing the blinders that make us self-absorbed, reaching out to others with warmth and care,” Allen said.

The IRT will have a Sensory Friendly performance on November 26 and offer ASL and Audio Described services on December 4. After select performances, patrons can attend a post-show discussion Talk Back with staff and cast. In celebration of the holiday season and the monumental anniversary, the IRT will have commemorative books ($55) and puzzles ($22) available for purchase during the run. 

Tickets are available now for Indy’s favorite holiday tradition!

DETAILS

WHERE: Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W. Washington Street, OneAmerica Mainstage

RUN DATES:  November 19 – December 24, various times. A Christmas Carol is approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission. Tickets and performance schedule available at IRTlive.com. 

TICKETS: Tickets start at $25. Click to buy. 

CAST & CREATIVE TEAM:
RYAN ARTZBERGER | Bob Cratchit, Marley, Topper, & Ensemble
SEAN BLAKE | Fezziwig, Christmas Present, Pawnbroker, & Ensemble
WEEZIE CHAVERS | Child Scrooge, Tiny Tim, & Ensemble
CAROLINE CHU | Felicity, Belle, Laundress, & Ensemble
JENNIFER JOHANSEN | Mrs. Fezziwig, Mrs. Cratchit, Prudence, & Ensemble
ROB JOHANSEN | Scrooge
ELLIOT SAGAY | Fred, Young Scrooge, Christmas Future, & Ensemble
MARIA ARGENTINA SOUZA | Christmas Past, Penelope, Charwoman, & Ensemble
BELLE TAYLOR-MOORE | Child Scrooge, Tiny Tim, & Ensemble

JANET ALLEN | Director
RUSSELL METHENY | Scenic Designer
LINDA PISANO | Costume Designer
MICHAEL LINCOLN | Lighting Designer
BENTLEY HEYDT | Associate Lighting Designer
MICHAEL KECK | Composer
NICHOLAS A. OWENS | Choreographer
RICHARD J ROBERTS | Dramaturg
ERIN ROBSON-SMITH | Stage Manager
BECKY ROEBER | Assistant Stage Manager
MATT SHIVES | Assistant Stage Manager
ISAIAH MOORE | Second Assistant Stage Manager

SPECIAL PROGRAMMING:
TALK BACK | Saturday, November 19, 2022 | Following the 2 PM performance
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

YOUTH WORKSHOP: DO-SI-DO AND DICKENS | Saturday, November 19, 2022 
Bring your youth group to an afternoon of holiday fun at the IRT! When you arrive at the Theatre, enjoy a traditional Christmas snack tasty enough for the Cratchit’s feast. Then enjoy the 1:30 PM matinee of A Christmas Carol. After the show you will have the opportunity to meet Scrooge himself in a question and answer session, and then have a dance party where you will learn a jig that will be the envy of the Fezziwigs’ guests. It will be a Dickens of a time at the IRT! For more event information, please click here.
Questions or to register contact Anna Barnett at education@irtlive.com or 317-916-4841.

SENSORY FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE | Saturday, November 26, 2022 | Performance at 2 PM
Sensory Friendly performances are designed to create a welcoming experience for all, including those with autism or other sensory sensitivities. Elements of this performance may be adapted to ensure the comfort of all of our audience members.

TALK BACK | Friday, November 27, 2022 | Following the 2 PM performance
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

ASL/AD PERFORMANCE & TALK BACK | Sunday, December 4, 2022 | Talk Back following the 2 PM performance
The IRT offers ASL/AD services to our patrons with vision and hearing needs. Patrons with hearing needs are encouraged to sit in the interpretation zone and meet with the interpreter before the show. We also offer Assisted Listening Devices free of charge at each performance. To learn more visit irtlive.com/accessibility. 

Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes. 

TALK BACK | Saturday, December 10, 2022 | Following the 2 PM performance 
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes. 

TALK BACK | Saturday, December 17, 2022 | Following the 2 PM performance
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.
 

For more information contact Kerry Barmann, Associate Director of Marketing, at kbarmann@irtlive.com or 317.916.4824.

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ABOUT THE IRT
Founded in 1971, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA): The IRT strives to celebrate and serve the diverse people and cultures that make up our whole community. The IRT is committed to providing access for all; to creating and maintaining an antiracist theatre that is inclusive, safe, and respectful.

 
Indiana Repertory Theatre announces Director of Inclusion & Community Partnerships
Devon Ginn will further cultivate, lead, and nurture connections, IRT’s IDEA work

Indianapolis, Ind.— The Indiana Repertory Theatre is looking forward to the evolution of the Theatre’s community connections, inclusive environments, and equitable programming through the new position of Director of Inclusion and Community Partnerships. The IRT welcomes Devon Ginn (he/they) to the role this November.
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"I am elated to join a robust and dynamic team actively producing world-class, inclusive theatre for the masses in the heart of Indiana. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Access work requires stamina and compassion,” Ginn said. “I'm grateful for the foundation laid by senior leadership to ensure the IRT exists as a refuge for artists and patrons across identity strata.”

An Indianapolis native, Ginn joins the IRT after nearly eight and a half years at the historic Madam Walker Legacy Center. He serves as a board member for BlackSpace Urbanist Collective and Vice President of the board for the Indiana Writers Center. A writer, nonprofit administrator, and performance artist, Ginn has been awarded fellowships with Americans for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts/Indiana Arts Commission, and the Indy Arts Council.

"The IRT is excited to welcome Devon to the organization and looks forward to learning from and sharing in his ideas as the Director of Inclusion and Community Partnerships. His years of experience in the arts, theatre, and many other facets of the community make them a wonderful choice for this role,” IRT’s Managing Director Suzanne Sweeney said. “This position has been something the IRT has been striving to develop for many years, and it is a meaningful step in our ongoing commitment to community connections and IDEA work."

Ginn will further IRT’s community partnership-making, nurturing relationships with community leaders, and, as IRT continues the work to become an antiracist, inclusive organization, Ginn will work alongside staff to identify partnerships with culturally diverse community organizations and individuals. The IRT holds key relationships in the central Indiana community, but there is significant opportunity to grow and diversify these relationships, connecting even more people through partnerships with neighborhoods, corporate affinity groups, and social service organizations. The IRT will ensure these relationships are grounded in earned trust, built with sustainability in mind, and centered on the ways communities want to be welcomed.

“Devon’s enthusiasm for this work is infectious, and he is a wonderful match for this critical position,” Sweeney said.

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ABOUT THE IRT
Founded in 1971, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA): The IRT strives to celebrate and serve the diverse people and cultures that make up our whole community. The IRT is committed to providing access for all; to creating and maintaining an antiracist theatre that is inclusive, safe, and respectful.