The campus of the organization which hosts Indy’s annual Fringe Festival has a new name: IF Theatre – a move made to reflect the fact that since 2015 IndyFringe has hosted year-round programming on its two stages at its headquarters on E. St. Clair Street just east of Mass Ave.
“Rebranding that year-round programming as IF Theatre distinguishes ‘IndyFringe’ from IndyFringe,,” said CEO Paul Daily. He explained that IF Theatre is a clearly defined entity, one that operates year-round. And while the IndyFringe Festival is an amazing, 11-day theater festival that happens once a year, “IF Theatre helps make bold theatrical experiences possible.”
In addition to preparing for the 20th Anniversary IndyFringe Festival, IF Theatre will also invest in classical theater, campfire storytelling, new play development, interactive and immersive theatrical events, and arts projects dedicated to social justice and climate justice.
IF Theatre exists to be Indy’s “third space” for artists and arts lovers, creating an accessible and welcoming campus that hosts public art, social hours, community classes, and even a new Play-Lovers’ Club where members support local artists at other theatres throughout the city and convene at IF Theatre for snacks, beverages, and conversation.
Daily said the rebrand re-centers the organization’s unique position in the local community. The IndyFringe Festival was initially founded to draw cultural and financial interest in the Mass Ave Cultural Arts District. Now that IF Theatre exists as a unique, established entity, it will be right at the root of Indy’s continued creative growth by building resources, teaching classes, and creating community for our bravest new producers. This will drive nationwide interest in Indianapolis as a hub for new and exciting performances.
“It’s an economic engine for arts at known as the next great Midwestern arts city – but only if we invest in the belief that we will be,” Daily said. “That’s what IF Theatre is all about.”
“At its heart,” he concluded, “we’re keeping all the wonderfulness of IndyFringe, while providing a more defined framework for what we do year-round, and how the Festival functions as one of our many bold and exciting programs throughout the year.”
Photo above: Newsom Aerial Dance is one of the many troupes which have performed on the IndyFringe (now IF Theatre) stages in 2024. PHOTO BY ROB SLAVEN
