Founded in 2004, Summer Stock Stage began as a high school program at Park Tudor School and has since evolved into a regional professional theatre company and a leader in educational arts for young people. Its offerings include an Academy for students in 3rd through 8th grade, a Mainstage program that produces two fully staged musicals each summer with high school students from across central Indiana, and Eclipse, a professional company that attracts top-tier talent from across the nation. This new partnership will allow the company to expand its reach, offering even greater opportunities for collaboration, growth, and artistic development.

Founder and Artistic Director, Emily Ristine Holloway, an adjunct professor with Butler Theatre for more than 15 years, expressed excitement in bringing the excellence of Summer Stock Stage and Butler University together. “Our goal is to provide accessible, community-building arts experiences that inspire people of all ages,” Holloway said. “This partnership with Butler University will allow us to elevate our offerings and reach even more students, artists, and audiences in the heart of Indianapolis.”

“We are excited to continue our excellence in presenting high-quality theatricals alongside a great partner in Summer Stock Stage,” Aaron Hurt, Vice President of Arts, Events, and Enterprise Management at Butler University, said. “This partnership is a perfect example of how education and the arts can work hand-in-hand to provide quality experiences for students and patrons.”

The partnership also reflects the growing centrality of BAEC as an arts and cultural hub in the heart of Midtown Indianapolis. By relocating its operations to Butler’s campus, Summer Stock Stage will be able to better serve its artists and audiences while contributing to the rich artistic landscape of the city.

“We can’t wait to be part of the incredible work being done by the Butler Arts & Events Center,” Mike Berg Raunick, Managing Director of Summer Stock Stage, said. “Having a dedicated, central location at Butler’s campus will allow us to grow and continue building on our mission to bring high-quality musical theatre education and performances to the community. We are grateful for the support of our past partners at Park Tudor School and the Phoenix Theatre Cultural Center, whose support and contributions helped make this new chapter possible.”

About Summer Stock Stage
Summer Stock Stage is a non-profit theatre company based in Indianapolis, Indiana, that offers a wide range of educational and performance programs in musical theatre. With a focus on pre-professional training for young artists, as well as professional-level productions, Summer Stock Stage serves the central Indiana community by providing high-quality arts experiences and fostering the next generation of theatre talent.

About Butler Arts & Events Center
Located in the heart of Indianapolis, the Butler Arts & Events Center (BAEC) at Butler University is a home for passion, creativity, and the highest caliber of professional and student performances. The Butler Arts & Events Center is dedicated to providing meaningful experiences in and through the arts, bringing people together to celebrate community.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Mike Berg Raunick
Managing Director, Summer Stock Stage
Email: mike@summerstockstage.com
Phone: 908-216-4475
Website: www.summerstockstage.com

Mallory Doyel
Director of Event Marketing, Butler Arts & Events Center
Email: mdoyel@butler.edu
Phone: 317-940-5914
Website: www.butlerartscenter.org