We all love a little drama in our lives. No, not that kind of drama…think the theatrical kind! This month we’re partnering with the Indiana Repertory Theatre and sitting down with some of the most talented women in the Indianapolis theatre and arts scene to learn a bit more about their experiences in leading their respective organizations and creating art in Indy –the good, the bad, and the dramatic, all of it.

Join us on March 30 from 6-8 p.m.!

ABOUT THE PANELISTS

Moderator:

Julie Goodman, President & CEO, Indy Arts Council

An Indianapolis native, Julie Goodman joined the Indy Arts Council as President and CEO in March 2019. She brings 30 years of experience in marketing communications, advocacy, and development across arts, nonprofits, and business to lead and support Indy’s vibrant Arts & Cultural sector. IndyArts.org and Explore.IndyArts.org

Panelists:

Janet Allen, Margot Lacy Eccles Artistic Director, Indiana Repertory Theatre

Creating world-class professional theatre for Central Indiana audiences of all ages has remained a career-long passion for Janet Allen. After nearly 40-years of service, Janet will retire at the end of this, IRT’s 50th anniversary season, with gratitude for all the artists, audiences, administrators, and artisans who have delighted her over the years. During Janet’s tenure, the IRT has significantly diversified its services to both adults and children, and solidified its reputation as a top-flight regional theatre dedicated to diverse programming and production quality. irtlive.com

Lauren Briggemen, Founding Artistic Director, Summit Performance Indianapolis

Lauren is the Founding Artistic Director of Summit Performance Indianapolis and a local professional actor, director, and writer. Acting credits include Alabaster, The Agitators, and Cry It Out (Phoenix Theatre); To Kill a Mockingbird and Finding Home (Indiana Repertory Theatre), and As You Like It, Taming of the Shrew and Othello (Indianapolis Shakespeare Company). Directing credits include The Convent, Mary Jane, and several original one-act plays (Summit Performance Indianapolis). In 2019 Lauren was named one of the Indianapolis Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40” and was recently named one of Indy Maven’s “Women to Watch in 2023.” Lauren is a member of Actors’ Equity Association and a proud company member of Indianapolis Shakespeare Company. www.summitperformanceindy.com

Keesha Dixon, Executive Director, Asante Art Institute of Indianapolis, Inc. Theatre

Keesha Dixon is the Executive Director of the Asante Art Institute of Indianapolis, Inc. She was instrumental in expanding the organizational model from a children’s theatre, established in 1990, into a multifaceted not-for-profit that serves as the parent organization for the Asante Children’s Theatre, Asante Artreprenuerial Incubator and Asante Community Connections.

Veteran arts administrator, community advocate, experienced fundraiser, and creative artist, Dixon has become one of the most respected leaders in the arts community of Indianapolis and throughout the nation. Her single most professional accomplishment was raising over $500,000 during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The most unearned revenue received in the history of the organization. Asanteartinstitute.org

LaKesha Lorene, Founder, Naptown African American Theatre Collective

LaKesha Lorene is an actress, producer, CEO and Founder. The creative was born and raised in Indianapolis and has a love for theatre, film, television and community. She is the proud owner of entertainment production company Loving Life Productions LLC and founder of Indy’s First Black Equity Theatre, the Naptown African American Theatre Collective. lovinglifeproductions.com naatcinc.org

Constance Macy, Artistic Director, Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre

Constance Macy is a professional theatre-maker. As an actor, she has appeared in more than 40 productions at the IRT alone. In 2022, she became Artistic Director of the Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre. phoenixtheatre.org