Take these educational opportunities at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts

A legacy of support

Heard the news? The largest venue at Allied Solutions Center has been named the Payne & Mencias Palladium after a generous pledge of support from Carmel residents Eric & Leah Payne and Ron & Suzanne Mencias. The gift will help continue elevating the quality, variety and accessibility of the Center’s events and programs, including the educational opportunities discussed below.

Click here to read the announcement.

Come sing at World Voice Day

Spring has sprung, and with it comes the annual World Voice Day celebration April 10 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium.

Anyone with a song to sing – and anyone who wants to listen – can join in this international observance, as the elegant concert hall stage is transformed into a cozy but lively cabaret for one evening. It’s free, but show up early if you plan to perform.

Click here for all the details.

What’s opera, Doc?

If you think opera is a stuffy, highbrow affair, the fun folks of Indianapolis Opera will prove you wrong at the next Peanut Butter & Jam concert for kids on April 5.

Figaro! The Bunny of Seville is a bite-sized version of Gioachino Rossini’s best-known comedic opera, filled with silly antics and catchy tunes you may recognize from the acclaimed films of Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd.

At $10 per kid, free for two accompanying grownups, it’s the ideal Saturday outing for families.

Get your PB&J tickets here.

Take a trip around Our Planet

Another engaging and enlightening opportunity for all ages is the Old Town Family Series event The Making of Our Planet, a multimedia presentation from the makers of Netflix’s Our Planet series.

On April 29 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium, Emmy-winning showrunner Dan Tapster will share amazing footage and stories of the natural world, with a focus on the effects of climate change.

Get your tickets here at just $15 for children and students.

Book club to meet April 14

The Palladium Bookies are a fun and casual crowd who meet every other month to discuss books about the performing arts. Their next session April 14 will explore The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride. On deck for the June 9 gathering is Shy: The Alarmingly Outspoken Memoirs of Mary Rodgers by composer and Broadway figure Mary Rodgers.

If either one sounds like your speed, grab a copy somewhere and RSVP to Outreach@TheCenterPresents.org.

Arts camp needs volunteers

The Prism Project at the Center, now in its third season, is a monthlong performing arts day camp for children and young adults with a range of physical, cognitive, and sensory disabilities. With thoughtful guidance from arts professionals, the campers develop and present an original stage production designed around each one’s unique talents and abilities.

This year’s camp, beginning May 28 and closing with a public performance June 22, is at capacity, but more volunteer Buddies are needed to provide the one-to-one support that helps participants be successful. Volunteering is a great experience for college students and a rewarding service opportunity for anyone who can spare three mornings a week for a month. Interested parties can inquire at Outreach@TheCenterPresents.org.