Pike Performing Arts Center in Indianapolis cuts center's performance series, director

By Scott Olson, The IBJ

solson@ibj.com

The Pike Performing Arts Center is losing both its flagship season series and its director due to budget constraints.

The Metropolitan School District of Pike Township cited a lack of funding as its reason to cancel the six-show season, which most recently featured the BodyVox dance troupe in February.

The positions held by center director Jeff Maess and community outreach coordinator Jared Duymovic will be eliminated June 30 and combined into one job. Joe Lampert, the school district's director of human resources, said both people and others can apply for the new position.

Maess did not return calls yesterday and today seeking comment.

Due to the poor economy, the series lately has suffered from declining attendance and support from corporate and individual donors, the district said.
 
"If somebody wanted to sponsor the season that would be great," said Lampert. "But we as a school district can't assume that financial responsibility."

The district's school board made the decision to discontinue the season last month. School administrators followed up with a press release this morning informing parents and donors that despite the cuts the center will remain open for student and community productions.

The changes will allow taxpayer funds to be used more efficiently and will help the district to retain three teachers for the upcoming school year, the district said in the press release.

"Even anything in the red is something we can't subsidize at the expense of classroom teachers and support staff," Lampert said.

The center opened in 1997 and houses a nearly 1,500-seat auditorium, a studio theater and a high school performing arts department.

The center's six-show season typically includes one dance act, musician or jazz artist, a comedian, celebrity impersonator and a tribute band.

In January, it hosted "John Mueller's Winter Dance Party," a tribute to the music of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper. The current six-show season closes in April with the "Riders in the Sky" country western show.

Besides Pike, Warren Township is the only other area school district that stages professional performances. Its Warren Performing Arts Center will host John Tesh March 19.