"Fringe" Festival?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE a\i*urr\9~i*aoo<; CONTACTS: Jennifer Hanson, IDI, 317.237.2202 Kate Robbins, IndyFringe Festival, 317.822.4386

Hoosier artist donates creativity to Mass Ave Theater and IndyFringe Festival

Renowned Indiana artist James Wille Faust donated his time and talent to create artwork (above left) for the Mass Ave Theater and IndyFringe Festival, This inaugural event will take place Aug. 19 - 28. From advertisements and posters to buttons and t-shirts, the artwork Faust designed can be found on almost anything related to the 10-day event.

"I've always loved live theatre; I chose to lend my creative services in honor of my dear friend and patron Karl R. Zimmer, Jr.," Faust said. Zimmer was an early Faust supporter, buying his work when Faust was still in school. Zimmer, now retired from Zimmer Paper Products, is on the board of the Athenaeum Foundation.

Faust, a Lapel native, has lived in Indiana almost his entire life. He is a graduate of IU Herron School of Art and Design and received his master's from University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana.

Faust first came to national attention when he was commissioned to depict Indiana for the award-winning ABSOLUT Vodka's "ABSOLUT Statehood" 1992- 1993, $3.5 million campaign. He was also invited to be on the N.A.S.A. Art Team for the Mission to Planet Earth project in which he created the painting "Vigilant Shepard."

Faust's work has been exhibited widely in the U.S.A. Over the past decade in Indiana, his vibrant canvases have been displayed in the Richmond Art Museum, the Indianapolis Museum of Art and the Snite Museum of Art at Notre Dame.

His works, remarkable for their bold, brilliant palette, are taken from the Fauvists and psychedelic colors of the 1960s. Faust said he creates sculptural and some figurative, architectural and environmental forms. "Unconcerned about what classification my work fits into, I am free to explore with no limitations and in any direction, style or medium," said Faust.

His paintings are represented in museums, private and corporate collections.

"Ever since I was a little kid I've drawn, it's just in me, and it doesn't stop, it keeps coming," said Faust.

-more- FAUST-ADD ONE

The Mass Ave Theater and IndyFringe Festival is a 10-day event in which Mass Ave's five permanent live theaters (American Cabaret Theatre, Comedy Sportz Indianapolis, Phoenix Theatre, Murat Centre and Theatre on the Square) will feature their one-of-a- kind, scheduled productions at their normal ticket prices. in addition, local, national and international theater groups will converge for the inaugural IndyFringe Festival. Each Fringe Theater group will stage 60 minute performances - "old and new, edgy and not so" - for $10 each (plus a one-time $3 fee).

For more information regarding the Mass Ave Theater and IndyFringe Festival, visit www.DiscoverMassAve.com

### indianapoiis

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE au*irtTtvlMa« CONTACTS: Jennifer Hanson, IDI, 317.237.2202 Kate Robbins, IndyFringe Festival, 317.822.4386

What is a "Fringe" Festival? As with other Fringe Festivals worldwide, the roots trace back to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, that began in 1947 when the Edinburgh International Festival was launched. It was seen as a post-war initiative to re-unite Europe through culture and was so successful that it inspired more performers than there was room for.

Well aware that there would be a good crowd and focused press interest, six Scottish companies and two English companies decided to turn up uninvited and fend for themselves. They camped out on the edges of the International Festival and performed all day long, attracting a great deal of attention. The next year (1948) more companies showed up, and reporter Robert Kemp of the Evening News unknowingly coined the name that now describes one of the largest and most famous festivals in the world: 'Round the fringe of the official Festival drama there seems to be a more private enterprise than before... I'm afraid some of us are not going to be often at home during the evenings.' Soon the Fringe Festival gained a large and loyal following, outstripping the mainstream festival.

The Fringe Festival concept migrated to Canada in the 1980s and today that country boasts Fringe Festivals from coast to coast - including the Edmonton Festival, the largest in North America, which annually draws more than half a million people. In the early 1990s, the Fringe concept was embraced in the United States, and today Fringe Festivals are annual events in Philadelphia, Orlando, San Francisco, Minneapolis and Cincinnati. To date there are more than 20 active Fringe Festivals in North America.

How did Indianapolis get Involved? In 2001, Mayor Bart Peterson announced his Cultural Tourism Initiative and created the Indianapolis Cultural Development Commission. Kathleen Robbins, a theatre transplant from New York City, organized a public meeting, "Theatre City Indianapolis 2012," where the Mayor met with a panel of experts and more than 250 Indianapolis citizens. The group, asked to imagine what theatre in Indy might look like in 10 years, brainstormed more than two hours. A few weeks later the same panel met to review the results of the meeting, and the single best idea—the one that met the most needs expressed in the room—was the idea of an Indianapolis Theater Fringe Festival. Some seed money was contributed by Central Indiana Community Foundation to support research and travel for the project and IndyFringe was bom.

The mission of IndyFringe is to provide an accessible, affordable outlet that draws diverse elements of the community together and inspires creative experiences through the arts. (Courtesy of the Orlando Fringe) -more- WHAT IS FRINGE - ADD ONE

The Mass Ave Theater and IndyFringe Festival is a 10-day event Aug. 19 - 28 in which local, national and international theater groups will converge to offer additional performances - "old and new, edgy and not so." Admission to IndyFringe performances is a one-time $3 fee and $10 (cash only) for each 60-minute show; kids under 12 are free.

In addition, Mass Ave's five permanent live theaters (American Cabaret Theatre, Comedy Sportz Indianapolis, Phoenix Theatre, Murat Centre and Theatre on the Square) will feature their one-of-a-kind, scheduled productions at their normal ticket prices.

For more information, visit www.DiscoverMassAve.com and www.indyfrinae.org.

### indianapolts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE IJMuTl9-tfctaft CONTACTS: Jennifer Hanson, IDI, 317.237.2202 Kate Robbins, IndyFringe Festival, 317.822.4386

Mass Ave theater legacy continues

Mass Ave is the city's destination for distinguished arts and theater. The cultural district's rich theatrical tradition started back in 1909 with the design of the Murat Shrine, presently called the Murat Centre.

Mass Ave was declared Indianapolis' official arts district in 1993 after Theatre on the Square relocated to Mass Ave. Mass Ave became one of Indianapolis' six cultural districts 10 years later in 2003.

Mass Ave is the only cultural district that is home to five live theaters: American Cabaret Theatre, ComedySportz Indianapolis, Phoenix Theatre, Murat Centre and Theatre on the Square. Together, these theaters attract one-half million patrons to Mass Ave annually. In addition, the theaters have recently made improvements worth $145,000 collectively.

Each of the five theaters has its own unique story to tell. These stories all come together to form a strong theater heritage that has made the Mass Ave Arts & Theater district what it is today - an eclectic mix of theater ranging from Broadway tours to alternative performances.

American Cabaret Theatre 401 E. Michigan Si

American Cabaret Theatre opened its doors in the historic Athenaeum in 1990 as a means of helping restore the 100-year-old building. As the theater's home, the Athenaeum has since become an attractive and practical location for the theater to showcase Indianapolis' cultural arts.

The theater's mission is to provide Indianapolis and central Indiana with high-quality, original theatrical entertainment. It is the fastest-growing theatre in the Midwest and has extended its touring reach to theatres throughout the country. The theater recently underwent management change, with Jeff Owen stepping in as Interim Artistic Director.

ComedySportz Indianapolis 721 Massachusetts Ave.

ComedySportz came to Indianapolis after originally being founded in Milwaukee, Wis. The Milwaukee location was opened in 1984 by Dick Chudnow, having been based on the competitive Theatresports improv techniques of Keith Johnstone.

-more- THEATER LEGACY - ADD ONE

The first expansion appeared in 1985 in Madison, Wis. From there, locations popped up in San Jose, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Minneapolis and numerous other locations throughout the United States and even the world. The Indianapolis location opened on Mass Ave in 1993.

ComedySportz is fast-paced improvisational comedy played like a sport, with two teams battling for laughs and points as they make up scenes and songs on the spot. The audience makes all the suggestions and votes for the winners, and the referee calls the fouls.

The Murat Centre 502 N. New Jersey St

Oscar D. Bohien designed the Murat Shrine in 1909, modeling it after an Islamic mosque. By 1984, the Murat had the second largest membership of any Shrine temple in the world.

Theater was first brought to the Murat in 1910, making the Murat the oldest surviving Downtown stage house. It officially became the Murat Centre in 1996 after a significant renovation.

Today, the Murat hosts touring Broadway performances, such as the upcoming Les Miserables and Miss Saigon. Patrons can also catch performances by popular musicians, including Duran Duran, Carole King and the White Stripes. In addition, nationally recognized comedians, ballets and other performances are showcased at the Murat.

Phoenix Theatre 749 N. Park Ave.

Phoenix Theatre was founded in 1982 through a collaborative effort by local theater performers. The theater's mission is to function as a contemporary theater that deals with modern day topics and concerns. It was also developed as a means of promoting professional production values in an intimate setting.

The theater is housed in a turn-of-the-20th century church in the historic Chatham Arch neighborhood. The church, donated by avid arts supporter and current City County Councillor J. Scott Keller in 1988, has been renovated to accommodate a 130-seat Mainstage auditorium, the 75-seat Frank & Katrina Basile Theatre (complete with bar) and theater offices.

The theater's first production was Warp, a science fiction trilogy. Nearly 300 productions later, Phoenix Theatre has been well-recognized as a fun and witty theater without limits.

-more- THEATER LEGACY - ADD 2

Theatre on the Square 627 Massachusetts Ave.

Theatre on the Square was founded in September 1988 by Ron Spencer, the theater's present executive artistic director, and a group of his friends.

It was originally housed in the Fountain Square Cultural District and presented more than forty productions in its first five years. These performances brought the theater much recognition and several awards.

Theatre on the Square moved from Fountain Square to Massachusetts Avenue in July 1993. In its Mass Ave location, the theater opened a second stage, creating an intimate venue for local production groups. Theatre on the Square patrons enjoy a variety of both theatrical premieres and original works.

Upcoming Performances American Cabaret Theatre Vegas Now - August 28 Menopause the Musical Tuesdays - Sundays www.americancabarettheatre.com 317.631.0334

ComedySportz Indianapolis Improv Comedy For Ail Ages Fridays & Saturdays www.comedvsportz.com 317.951.8499

The Murat Centre For a complete schedule of events, visit www.murat.com. 317.231.0000

Phoenix Theatre Urinetown: The Musical September 1 - October 9 www.PhoenixTheatre.org 317.635.7529

Theatre on the Square Kiss of the Spider Woman: The Musical August 19 - September 17 www.tots.org 317.637.8687

### Indianapolis

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE W1UT1V1M.M* CONTACTS: Jennifer Hanson, ID!, 317.237.2202 Kate Robbins, IndyFringe Festival, 317.822.4386 Inaugural Mass Ave Theater & IndyFringe Festival sets the stage Aug. 19-28

The Mass Ave Arts and Theater District is thrilled to host its first ever Mass Ave Theater and IndyFringe Festival Aug. 19-28, 2005. Throughout the 10-day event. Mass Ave's five permanent live theaters (American Cabaret Theatre, ComedySportz Indianapolis, Phoenix Theatre, Murat Centre and Theatre on the Square) will feature their one-of-a-kind, scheduled productions at their normal ticket prices.

In addition, local, national and international theater groups will converge for the inaugural IndyFringe Festival. Each Fringe Theater group will stage 60 minute performances - "old and new, edgy and not so" - for $10 each (plus a one-time $3 fee).

"This Mass Ave Theater & IndyFringe Festival is a highly-anticipated and culturally-prestigious new event for Downtown Indianapolis," said Tamara Zahn, Indianapolis Downtown, Inc. president. "Mass Ave has the largest concentration of theaters in the state, so it's appropriate that Downtown's unique cultural district highlights this emerging theater experience."

Where the performances take place In addition to regularly-scheduled performances at Mass Ave's five theaters, IndyFringe Festival groups will perform on the Phoenix Underground Stage, Theatre on the Square Stage Two and Athenaeum Auditorium. (See attached schedule of events.)

How the Mass Ave Theater and IndyFringe Festival came about Riley Area Development Corporation (RADC) and Indianapolis Downtown, Inc. (IDI), partnered with area property owners, businesses, cultural institutions and residents to prepare the Mass Ave Commercial Development Plan in 2001 and the Mass Ave Cultural District Plan in 2003.

As part of these plans, Mass Ave theaters were identified as very important, but not often recognized anchors and economic generators for the district. In fact, Mass Ave is the only cultural district that is home to five live theaters: American Cabaret Theatre, Comedy Sportz Indianapolis, Phoenix Theatre, Murat Centre and Theatre on the Square. Together, these theaters attract one-half million patrons to Mass Ave annually.

During the same time, local theater representatives came together to envision what theater might look like in Indianapolis in 2012. The idea of an IndyFringe Festival, patterned after more than 35 similar festivals in Europe, Canada, United States and around the world, was imagined. Thus, the IndyFringe Festival was developed for Aug. 19-28, 2005 on Massachusetts Avenue. Admission to IndyFringe performances is a one-time $3 fee and $10 (cash only) for each 60-minute show; kids under 12 are free. All box office proceeds are returned to the performers.

-more- MASS AVE THEATER & INDYFRINGE FEST - ADD 1

"IndyFringe is an idea whose time has come," said Kate Robbins, IndyFringe Festival executive director. "The Fringe Festival will add a lot of life and zest both to Mass Ave and Indianapolis. We are welcoming half of the 30 performing companies from other states and countries. Because 100 percent of the box office goes back to the performers, we have created more jobs for artists - and the Fringe is very proud of that fact."

Unlike other cities where some permanent theaters may be dark during the festival, the Mass Ave theaters perform year-round, including August. Therefore, additional performing spaces were needed to stage the fringe performances. These spaces also would help meet the demand for a growing number of smaller performing companies that are emerging in Indianapolis.

A collaborative effort is born For the first time ever, Mass Ave theaters, with RADC and IDI, have come together in a collaborative effort. Through a collective fundraising effort, dollars were raised to complete theater enhancements this summer and showcase the theaters and inaugural IndyFringe Festival in a concentrated and collaborative promotional effort.

RADC and IDI surpassed the $100,000 fundraising goal, thanks to grants from the Massachusetts Avenue Development Corporation (MAC) and Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. Eighty percent of the budget went towards theater capital improvements and 20 percent to market the collaboration.

"We're very excited to partner with the IndyFringe Festival, Mass Ave theaters, RADC and IDI," said Bryan Fonseca, Producing Director of the Phoenix Theatre. "The grant money enabled us to make long-term improvements, maximize the usage of our space and be a performance site for the IndyFringe Festival. We have a long history of opening our doors to companies presenting original and unique work. We're looking forward to the energy and excitement flowing through our doors."

Mass Ave theaters make major improvements worth $145,000 All Mass Ave theaters/theater buildings needed capital improvements to enhance their visibility or their performing spaces. Each undertook several improvements, leveraging other funds in addition to the grant allocations. Subsequently, three new performing spaces have been created: one in each of the Phoenix Theatre, Athenaeum and Theatre on the Square.

American Cabaret Theatre/Athenaeum - focused on new carpeting and refurbished hard wood floors, making the auditorium a new performance space.

Murat Centre - focused on streetscape landscaping and improvements.

Phoenix Theatre - focused on exterior building repairs and aesthetics, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and electrical improvements, underground stage seats and acoustics, making the newly-named underground Frank & Katrina Basile Theatre useable simultaneously with the Mainstage auditorium.

Theatre on the Square -focused on new roofing, soundproofing, carpeting, electrical wiring and air conditioning improvements, making "Stage I" and "Stage II" useable simultaneously.

For more information regarding the Mass Ave Theater and IndyFringe Festival, visit www. DiscoverMass Ave .com indianapoiis

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Mass Ave Theater & IndyFringe Festival Interview Source List

Call Jennifer Hanson, Indianapolis Downtown, Inc., to schedule: 237.2202

American Cabaret Theatre/Athenaeum Jeff Owen, Interim Managing Director, 317.631.0334 ext. 109 Pat Dooley, American Cabaret Theatre Board Member, 317.487.5186 ext. 5186 Phillip Watts, The Athenaeum Foundation, Inc., 317.630.4569

ComedySportz Indianapolis Dave Ruark, Director of Sales & Marketing, 317.951.8499 Ed Trout, Artistic Director, 317.951.8499

Indianapolis Downtown, Inc. Tamara Zahn, Indianapolis Downtown, Inc., President, 317.237.2222

IndyFringe Festival Kate Robbins, IndyFringe Festival, Executive Director, 317.822.4386 Tom Battista, IndyFringe Festival, Board President, 317.698.5555

Murat Centre Terry Hennessey, General Manager, 317.231.0000 ext. 201 ADD DEO CARTER?? CONFIRM: XX, Elias Jacoby Foundation

Office of the Mayor Keira Amstutz, Director of Cultural Affairs, 317.327.3688

Phoenix Theatre Bryan Fonseca, Producing Director, 317.635.2381 Sharon Gamble, Managing Director, 317.635.7529

Riley Area Development Corp. Susan Vogt, Deputy Director, 317.637.8996 ext. 202

Theatre on the Square Ron Spencer, Executive Artistic Director, 317.637.8085 Jonathan Horton, Executive Managing Director, 317.685.8687 an I lmes August The downtown lowdown on Indy's ™ historic neighborhoods 2005

OUR I VERY III as art FIRSTV ISSUE: an the Avenue The Lockerbie Letter reinvented as a newsletter for our historic neighborhoods

LOCKERBIE QUARE • LJ Historic signs inch toward reality: page 13

• Trash carts aren't for everyone: page 19

ST. JOSEPH

• Neighborhood picnic set for Aug 2: page 28

CHATHAM ARCH

• Revamp of historic plan continues: page 29 THE OLD A Bruce and Linda Robbins (left) NORTHSIDE and Laura and Craig Coffman all came Downtown to eat at Agio, Mass Ave: The best collection of • Public art project one of Mass Ave's independent restaurants that attract people is dedicated: page 27 from all over the city. independent restaurants around Top: A crusted goat cheese salad with Indiana tomatoes and cucum bers, an R bistro creation. Story on pages 22-23 Fringe Festival: 30 troupes, Taste of 10 days of performances / 37 Downtown / 39 MEDIA ALERT August 1,2005 2005 INDIANAPOLIS THEATRE FRINGE FESTIVAL AUGUST 19-28,2005 An explosion of passionate creation VISUAL FRINGE OPENING Our first visual arts show ever! IT'S FREE

Venue: 4 Star Gallery Date: August 6 635 Massachusetts Avenue

Indy Fringe 2005 presents a cultural adventure in the theatres and on the streets of Massachusetts Avenue in the arts and theatre district of Indianapolis.

IndyFringe is presenting a visual arts show featuring drawings, watercolors, oils, acrylics, pencil and pastels by local high caliber artists. Artists were invited to paint or draw what they felt the inaugural Indianapolis Theatre Fringe Festival represented to them.

It all adds up to a very innovative and exciting visual arts experience and a showcase of artistic expression for local artists.

Charlene Faris, Curator; Sandra Smith Dorste, Marilyn Gatin, Chris Hodge, Nancy Kruse, Judith Levy, Liz Margason, Emma Overman, Quincy Owens, Garry Prosser, Shelley Savini, Jennifer K Sutton, and Sojna Widmer.

For further information contact 317 873 0738 Charlene Faris charlenefaris(5),v ahoo.com Kate Robbins, Festival Director 317 822 43 86 [email protected]

For clues, information and tickets, go to www.indyfringe.org Proudly supported by Indianapolis Downtown Inc; Riley Area Development Corporation (RADC); "The F.R. Hensel Fund for Fine Arts, Music & Education, a fund of The Indianapolis Foundation", Efroymson Fund of Central Indiana Community Foundation; Christel DeHaan Family Foundation; the Ruth Lilly Foundation; Sunrise Foundation; Barnes and Thornburg; Nuvo; WTTS. r\(sx^JL^o

Kate,

You need to work out what tickets are available for give away ... MIFA suggest 10%.

Can we run a radio competition and give away a few tickets First person to get to the Festival Office on Mass Ave each day for a week will receive two tickets to a performance.

RADIO BLURB

The 2005 Indianapolis Fringe Festival showcasing theatre, dance, music, visual arts, performance art, street theatre will explode onto Mass Ave late August.

Get ready for a full scale roller coaster ride of cultural adventure in the theatres and on the streets of Mass Avenue. Get a taste for it and you will find Fringe irresistible!

IndyFringe will set up shop on Mass Ave. Look for the signpost. Get your free program in Nuvo on August 17. Stake a claim in this important Indianapolis arts event. indianapGiis

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE mm\3-ib,im CONTACTS: Jennifer Hanson, IDI, 317.237.2202 Kate Robbins, IndyFringe Festival, 317.822.4386

Hoosier artist donates creativity to Mass Ave Theater and IndyFringe Festival

Renowned Indiana artist James Wille Faust donated his time and talent to create artwork (above left) for the Mass Ave Theater and IndyFringe Festival. This inaugural event will take place Aug. 19 - 28. From advertisements and posters to t-shirts, the artwork Faust designed can be found on almost anything related to the 10-day event.

Faust, a Lapel native, has lived in Indiana almost his entire life. He is a graduate of IU Herron School of Art and Design and received his master's from University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana.

Faust first came to national attention when he was commissioned to depict Indiana for the award-winning ABSOLUT Vodka's "ABSOLUT Statehood" 1992-1993, $3.5 million campaign. He was also invited to be on the N.A.S.A. Art Team for the Mission to Planet Earth project in which he created the painting "Vigilant Shepard."

His paintings are represented in museums, private and corporate collections.

"Ever since I was a little kid I've drawn, it's just in me, and it doesn't stop, it keeps coming," said Faust.

•more- FAUST-ADD ONE

For more information regarding the Mass Ave Theater and IndyFringe Festival, visit www.DiscoverMassAve.com

### FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACTS: Jennifer Hanson, IDI, 317.237.2202 Kate Robbins, IndyFringe Festival, 317.822.4386

For more information, visit www.DiscoverMassAve.com and www.indvfrinqe.ora.

### mdianapok rArea #^4t^b

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE mm \3~ ib/ioo*) CONTACTS: Jennifer Hanson, IDI, 317.237.2202 Kate Robbins, IndyFringe Festival, 317.822.4386

Mass Ave theater legacy continues

American Cabaret Theatre 401 E. Michigan St.

ComedySportz Indianapolis 721 Massachusetts Ave.

-more- THEATER LEGACY - ADD ONE

The Murat Centre 502 N. New Jersey St.

Oscar D. Bohlen designed the Murat Shrine in 1909, modeling it after an Islamic mosque. By 1984, the Murat had the second largest membership of any Shrine temple in the world.

Theater was first brought to the Murat in 1910, making the Murat the oldest surviving Downtown stage house. It officially became the Murat Centre in 1996 after a significant renovation.

Phoenix Theatre 749 N. Park Ave.

The theater is housed in a turn-of-the-20th century church in the historic Chatham Arch neighborhood. The church, donated by avid arts supporter and current City County Councillor J. Scott Keller in 1988, has been renovated to accommodate a 130-seat MainStage auditorium, the 75-seat Frank & Katrina Basile Theatre (complete with bar) and theater offices.

The theater's first production was Warp, a science fiction trilogy. Nearly 300 productions later, Phoenix Theatre has been well-recognized as a fun and witty theater without limits.

-more- THEATER LEGACY - ADD 2

Theatre on the Square 627 Massachusetts Ave.

Theatre on the Square was founded in September 1988 by Ron Spencer, the theater's present executive artistic director, and a group of his friends.

Upcoming Performances American Cabaret Theatre Vegas Now-August 28 Menopause the Musical Tuesdays - Sundays www.americancabarettheatre.com 317.631.0334

ComedySportz Indianapolis Improv Comedy For All Ages Fridays & Saturdays www.comedvsportz.com 317.951.8499

The Murat Centre For a complete schedule of events, visit www.murat.com. 317.231.0000

Phoenix Theatre Urinetown: The Musical September 1 -October 9 www.PhoenixTheatre.org 317.635.7529

Theatre on the Square Kiss of the Spider Woman: The Musical August 19-September 17 www.tots.org 317.637.8687

### ##d1'T% FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE aMJTt9-2M<»1 CONTACTS: Jennifer Hanson, IDI, 317.237.2202 Kate Robbins, IndyFringe Festival, 317.822.4386 Inaugural Mass Ave Theater & IndyFringe Festival sets the stage Aug. 19-28

The Mass Ave Arts and Theater District is thrilled to host its first ever Mass Ave Theater and IndyFringe Festival Aug. 19-28, 2005. Throughout the 10-day event, Mass Ave's five permanent live theaters (American Cabaret Theatre, ComedySportz Indianapolis, Phoenix Theatre, Murat Centre and Theatre on the Square) will feature their one-of-a-kind, scheduled productions at their normal ticket prices.

During the same time, local theater representatives came together to envision what theater might look like in Indianapolis in 2012. The idea of an IndyFringe Festival, patterned after more than 35 similar festivals in Europe, Canada, United States and around the world, was imagined. Thus, the IndyFringe Festival was developed for Aug. 19 - 28, 2005 on Massachusetts Avenue. Admission to IndyFringe performances is a one-time $3 fee and $10 (cash only) for each 60-minute show; kids under 12 are free. All box office proceeds are returned to the performers.

-more- MASS AVE THEATER & INDYFRINGE FEST - ADD 1

American Cabaret Theatre/Athenaeum - focused on new carpeting and refurbished hard wood floors, converting the auditorium to a new performance space.

Murat Centre - focused on streetscape landscaping and improvements.

Phoenix Theatre - focused on exterior building repairs and aesthetics, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and electrical improvements, underground stage seats and acoustics, enabling the newly-named underground Frank & Katrina Basile Theatre to be used simultaneously with the Mainstage auditorium.

Theatre on the Square -focused on new roofing, soundproofing, carpeting, electrical wiring and air conditioning improvements, making it possible for "Stage I" and "Stage II" to be used simultaneously.

For more information regarding the Mass Ave Theater and IndyFringe Festival, visit www.DiscoverMassAve.com indianapoii

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