True story:
I largely learned how to ruin a business relationship thanks to The Center for the Performing Arts, a Carmel, Indiana performing arts center comprised of the 1,600 seat Palladium, 500 seat Tarkington Proscenium Theatre, and the 200 seat black-box Studio Theatre.
It happened not long after The Center had opened. I had been offered the chance to appear at a writer's event alongside other Indiana writers. I decided it was a great opportunity to review the venue (mistake #1). I did let some folks know from the facility, especially because I knew accessibility was a huge concern of mine and always a focus in reviews. I didn't think about letting the event organizer know I planned to review the facility (mistake #2) because, at my worst, I'm typically known as a kinder/gentler reviewer.
I arrive early. I check out the venue. As nearly everyone notes, it's a beautiful facility with kind employees and volunteers along with excellent acoustics. I had a few accessibility concerns, though I could tell this had been a strong consideration. The event itself went incredibly well and I was honestly surprised how accessible the actual stage was within the Palladium.
I write the review after the event (mistake #3). The Center seemed fine with it, though did address some of my accessibility concerns. The event organizer? Ick. Not so happy.
Long story not so short. I ended up deleting the review and, of course, apologizing to the event organizer. While we made amends, it's probably not surprising we would not work together again.
Ugh.
Now then, I've had a couple occasions to return to The Center including a recent Grace Potter concert along with multiple events at The Tarkington (which is also home to Civic Theatre). As I've learned the rhythm of the facilities and figured out some of the puzzles that presented on that first visit, I must admit that while I still think The Center has some accessibility concerns it has, in fact, grown on me and because I've figured out how to access it I find it to be a much more pleasurable experience.
So, yes, I'm finally re-writing my review of The Center. I'm actually upping my rating a star. I'm also not going to delete it.
It's important to note that The Center for the Performing Arts is a non-profit organization. You can subscribe to its season, rent its facilities, and you are right next to a variety of excellent restaurants along with the top-notch Hotel Carmichael. Parking is generally free, a rarity at performance venues these days, and there are some valet parking options (not free). Accessible parking is located in the parking garages and along Carter Green.
An interesting note - you can NOT back into parking spaces. This is a Carmel regulation and it is enforced. In all likelihood, you will be ticketed.
Accessibility features are available on The Center's website. They are pretty solid, though I've always found them a bit weak in terms of entry and parking.
Wheelchair accessible seating is located in various sections of the venues. Aisle seats with moveable armrests to accommodate transfers are also available throughout the Palladium and the Tarkington.
The Center is home to Great American Songbook Foundation (Michael Feinstein), Civic Theatre, Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre, Carmel Symphony Orchestra, Central Indiana Dance Ensemble, Actors Theatre of Indiana, and Indiana Wind Symphony.
While I'm still not willing to fork over that 5th star, I must admit that The Center has endeared itself to me with a devotion to accessibility, a diverse array of events and performances, and a team of employees and volunteers who consistently go out of the way to make the night special.
A longtime vision of soon to be outgoing Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard, The Center has become an essential presence for performing arts in Central Indiana and one of those venues where the first time you enter it you look around and go "Wow."
This is my review. This time, I'm sticking to it. read more