Partnership with Honeywell Arts & Entertainment transforms city’s arts scene
The Paramount Theatre Centre & Ballroom in Anderson, Ind., has experienced tremendous growth since March 2019, when Honeywell Arts & Entertainment (HAE) became a co-partner.
HAE is dedicated to providing arts, education, and entertainment for all through live entertainment, movies, arts education, cultural events, culinary experiences, and more. HAE partners with several venues across Indiana and Ohio, offering expertise, leadership, and services ranging from booking talent to guest relations and marketing support. Among those partner venues is The Paramount Theatre.
Overall, 20,000 audience members have attended a Honeywell-presented show at The Paramount Theatre since March 2019, with 10,600 attendees already this year and 5,000 of those being first time visitors.
Of the 54 performances to hit The Paramount stage in the five years since the partnership with HAE began, there have been multiple sold-out shows from a wide range of national touring artists and performances, including rockers Three Dog Night, 80s superstars TESLA, legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Buddy Guy, and more. Family-friendly shows Dragons & Mythical Beasts and Fairy Tales On Ice, repeat favorites like Oak Ridge Boys, comedians Jim Breuer and Bob & Costaki, and traveling shows Glenn Miller Orchestra and Rhythm of the Dance have also graced the stage over the years.
“The Paramount hosts great organizations such as the Anderson Symphony Orchestra and the Anderson Youth Ballet Theatre, along with numerous regional nonprofits for their galas and events,” said Mark Thacker, Anderson Madison County Visitors Bureau Executive Director. “The Paramount’s successful marketing partnership with Honeywell Arts & Entertainment has brought a level of awareness to downtown Anderson and our dining establishments. Event traffic has grown due to this partnership and more businesses have returned downtown to create a broader community experience.”
The Paramount draws many out-of-town attendees, with more than 70 percent of ticket buyers coming from outside of Madison County eager to make the trek. About an hour’s drive from Indianapolis without the hassle of big city traffic, the theatre’s ease of parking, accommodations, and nearby dining experiences keep its guests happy and coming back for more.
The Paramount’s rich history as a staple for celebrating the arts since 1929 makes it a point of pride for locals as well. The 1,450-seat “atmospheric” theatre was originally designed by John Eberson – and is thought to be one of only 12 Eberson theatres in the U.S. – with enchanting features like wrought-iron gates, original statues along the walls (Hebe, Goddess of Youth and Venus, Goddess of Love), a cloud-painted ceiling with twinkling ‘star’ lights, a Grand PAGE Pipe Organ, and more.
“The Paramount has long been considered the crown jewel of performance entertainment in our region. The theatre is a place where local families and out-of-town visitors alike can experience an eclectic mix of shows, from holiday movies & young ballet performers to world-class concerts and presentations,” said Clayton Whitson, President/CEO of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce. “One of the main drivers of tourism in our area has been the addition of Honeywell presented shows, regularly bringing thousands of visitors to our downtown area every year. The renovations to The Paramount over the years have restored the theatre to its historic beauty, which truly makes it a one-of-a-kind venue.”
With even more in store for the remainder of 2023 and 2024, newly announced Executive Director Rich Jorn invites guests from near and far to experience the magic of this historic theatre building and community.
About the Anderson Paramount Theatre
The Paramount Theatre Centre & Ballroom has been in operation since Aug. 20, 1929. The Paramount has inspired many spectators with its architecture, entertainment, and history. On behalf of generous local benefactors with an appreciation of history, the theatre continues to shine as brightly on the outside as the stars do inside. The Paramount offers residents and visitors unique entertainment options year-round in partnership with Honeywell Arts & Entertainment. For more information about the Anderson Paramount Theatre, visit AndersonParamount.org.
About Honeywell Arts & Entertainment
Honeywell Arts & Entertainment encompasses the full range of arts opportunities and venues of The Honeywell Foundation, a nonprofit public charity based in Wabash, Ind. The organization is dedicated to providing arts, education, and entertainment for all through live entertainment, movies, arts education, cultural events, culinary experiences, Honeywell Arts Academy, and more.
Offerings take place at seven venues including the Honeywell Center, Honeywell House, Eagles Theatre, Charley Creek Gardens, Dr. James Ford Historic Home, Clarkson House, and 13-24 Drive In. Honeywell Arts & Entertainment partners with a network of venues throughout the region to further the reach of live entertainment programming. Honeywell Arts & Entertainment programs and activities are made possible by generous donors and in part by Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne, Regional Arts Partner; the Indiana Arts Commission, a state agency; and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
For more information about Honeywell Arts & Entertainment, please visit HoneywellArts.org.