Indy Theater Gets New Name, Operator

Theatre on the Square has been temporarily closed.

An Indianapolis theater has a new operations manager and a new name to go with it. The former Theatre on the Square, now known as The District Theatre, is being operated by nonprofit arts organization IndyFringe.

The Central Indiana Community Foundation led the effort to revive the space in hopes of preserving a key venue in Indianapolis’ art and culture district. IndyFringe will handle theater operations at The District Theatre for at least two years.

CICF President and The District Theatre Board Chair Brian Payne says IndyFringe has a "proven track record" of successfully managing theaters, saying the organization "has continued to grow their own theater and the IndyFringe Festival, and we feel confident they will continue." The annual IndyFringe Festival has returned $1.4 million to area artists since 2005 through portions of box office sales.

Theatre on the Square, which has operated for nearly 30 years, has been temporarily closed in the face of costly needed repairs and other issues. It has worked with CICF to develop a long-term sustainability plan.

In addition to operating The District Theatre, IndyFringe will maintain its current location in the Mass. Ave. neighborhood.