By Dawn Pearson
Considered the country’s “longest, continuously operating community theatre,” Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre is the largest of the more than 70 community theaters in Indiana and is now celebrating its 100th Season.
Founded in 1915, their mission statement is simple; “To foster a love of the theatre through imagination, education and participation.”
But scenes change and there is a shift in leadership at the Civic to continue the mission and the theatre’s longevity.
Cheri Dick, the executive director since 2005, will be acting in a different role.
According to a press release sent to Current, Dick announced in May her decision to faze herself out of that role and shift her leadership exclusively to Civic Theatre’s ongoing capital campaign.
“It has been a privilege to serve as executive director to Civic for nine years,” Dick said. “I am proud to have been a part of an organization that brings such high quality theatre to central Indiana. While it is difficulty to leave this position, I am eager to remain engaged through my co-leadership of the capital campaign and know Civic Theatre is in great hands with John (Hedges).”
Hedges, who will be taking over Dick’s position, is returning to Indiana.
“The opportunity to return to Indiana is something I look forward to. At this stage in my career, it feels right,” Hedges stated in a press release. “After living and working all over the country, I am honored to be able to return home to serve such an important institution as its next Executive Director.”
Hedges began his career in community theatre as a teenager actually acting in a show the Civic Theatre when it was at the Museum of Art 40 years ago according.
Hedges now has more than 20 years of professional acting experience and has performed in theatres across the country including Broadway’s Town Hall, the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles and the American Stage Festival in New Hampshire where he appeared opposite Academy Award-winner, Olympia Dukakis.
For the last seven years, Hedges has shared his passion and knowledge for theatre as Executive Director of the Weathervane Playhouse. Hedges grew the theater’s audience base by 24 percent, increased total revenue by 31 percent and increased individual contributions by 57 percent. In addition to these efforts, Hedges successfully completed a $1.1 million capital fundraising campaign to expand and renovate the theatre according to the press release.
“Theatre, at its best, is a place in our community where we can come together to not only be entertained, but, also, to experience a shared sense of our own humanity,” Hedges said. “Through seeing life from someone else’s point of view, there can emerge a greater sense of empathy and tolerance for others.”
“We are pleased to welcome John back to Civic,” said Connie Horwitz, Chairman of Civic’s Board of Trustees. “He made impressive strides for Weathervane during his time as Executive Director and we look forward to the progress and growth that he will bring to Civic.”
