As the state of Indiana relaxes its health-related restrictions on public gatherings and travel, the Center for the Performing Arts is preparing to resume business operations and live events on its three-venue campus in Carmel.
All performances and other on-site programming offered by the Center and its six Resident Companies have been suspended since March 12, and most employees have been working remotely.
As of July 6, however, employees are permitted to return to the workplace as necessary under stringent testing and safety protocols. The Center’s main Box Office at the Palladium will remain closed to walk-up business for now, but the Patron Services staff will be available by phone at (317) 843-3800 and email at Tickets@TheCenterPresents.org during the current business hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
On-site programming will resume this summer with small-scale education programs, Resident Company performances and rental events before moving up to larger Center Presents performances later in the year as conditions permit, said Jeffrey C. McDermott, President/CEO of the Center and the affiliated Great American Songbook Foundation. For now, the Center will continue the various virtual programming initiatives it has launched since March, including a newsletter of curated arts and entertainment content, classes offered through social media and interactive online events.
The return to campus will require adjustments by staff and patrons alike, McDermott noted. Masks or other facial coverings will be required at all times, except when seated for a performance. Venue seating will adhere to physical-distancing guidelines, which will reduce audience capacity and potentially limit the range of events that can be presented.
“Our mission is to bring people together to experience and engage in the arts, and we are eager to reopen our venues and welcome the Central Indiana community back to our campus,” McDermott said. “However, we must proceed carefully and responsibly. We trust our patrons to understand the importance of these safety measures and remain patient as we all adjust to the new circumstances.”
The Center continues to book artists for the upcoming 2020-2021 Center Presents concert season. Details will be announced later in the summer.
Meanwhile, the Center will continue to share news as well as online arts and entertainment opportunities through its twice-weekly Interlude e-newsletter. Anyone can join the Center’s eClub mailing list by visiting TheCenterPresents.org and clicking the “SIGN UP” button.