Arts United Center held a ground-breaking ceremony Aug. 8 for the expansion and restoration of the building designed by architect Louis I. Kahn and erected in 1973.

The expansion and modernization project was initiated following an eight-year planning process that began with a comprehensive assessment of the lack of accessibility, the evolution of theater technology needs, and the functional needs of residents and Fort Wayne Civic Theatre, Fort Wayne Ballet, Fort Wayne Philharmonic, and Fort Wayne Youtheatre.

Arts United Center, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, will undergo a nearly $40 million revitalization of the existing structure and the addition of a newly constructed accessible lobby. The construction is anticipated to last 18 months, with a reopening target date of fall 2025.

Philharmonic’s Family Series shows are free

Thanks to the generous gift of an anonymous donor, admission to the Fort Wayne Philharmonic’s Family Series concerts for the next three seasons will be free. 

Designed for ages 2-12, these sensory-friendly matinee concerts provide a joyful introduction to the world of orchestral magic and can be enjoyed by any age. 

Patrons can enjoy fun, pre-concert activities, such as crafts, instruments, stories, and additional resources, led by community partners. Additional support is given to those with sensory sensitivities and diverse abilities, such as social story guides, headphones, sensory kits and fidgets, a calming area, and concert visual aids. 

 For 2024-25 tickets at Purdue University Fort Wayne’s Auer Performance Hall, go to ticketing.fwphil.org and filter by genre for “Family Series.”

Science Central celebrates Ghostbusters

Science Central will host their ninth annual Sci-Fi Central from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17.

The Ghostbusters-themed event commemorates the movie’s 40th anniversary. There will be characters from the movie on hand thanks to Summit City Cause-Players as well as other pop culture cosplayers. 

Also on hand will be food trucks, vendors, The Nerdy Flutist, I Heart Pizza, and Sega Genesis games.

General admission costs will be applied.

Register for Fire & Light Academy classes

Fire & Light Academy are holding several theater arts classes this fall at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1636 St. Marys Ave., in Fort Wayne.

 The classes include:

  • Foundations of Theatre (Ages 9-12, $150): 4:30-6 p.m., Tuesdays, Sept. 3-Nov. 19.
  • Foundations of Singing (Ages 12-15, $50): 5-6 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 3-Nov. 19.
  • Broadway Dance! (Ages 14 and older, $45): 4:45-5:45 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 3-Oct. 22.
  • The Actor’s Studio (Ages 14-20, $65): 4:45-6:45 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 3-Oct. 22.
  • Building Basics (Ages 12 and older, $80): 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 17-Oct. 22.
  • Beginning & Advanced Tap (Ages 9-18, $54): 11-11:50 a.m. Fridays, Sept. 6-Nov. 22.
  • Little Stars (Ages 5-8, $60): 5-5:45 p.m. Fridays, Sept. 6-Oct. 25.
  • Improv Hour (Ages 12 and older, $45): 5-6 p.m. Fridays, Sept. 6-Oct. 25.

Go to fireandlightproductions.com/classes for more information or to sign up.

PFW sets theater schedule, Cabaret auditions

The PFW Department of Theatre has announced their 2024-25 season, with auditions for Cabaret set for this month in Room 113 at Williams Theatre on campus.

Based on the 1993 Donmar Warehouse Revival, Cabaret will be cast with 12-16 adult singer/actors of any age, gender, ethno-cultural heritage, religion, or ability. 

Song/monologue auditions will be Tuesday, Aug. 27, from 5-8 p.m. Dance call will be Thursday, Aug. 29, from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

This year’s season schedule includes: 

  • The Catastrophist: Sept. 20-22, Sept. 26-28 at Williams Theatre.
  • Cabaret: Nov. 15-17, Nov. 21-23 at Williams Theatre.
  • The 24-Hour Plays: Dec. 7 at Studio Theatre in Kettler Hall.
  • John Proctor is the Villain: Feb. 21-23, Feb. 27-March 1 at Williams Theatre.
  • Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!”: April 18-19, 24-26 at Williams Theatre.

Tickets are $5-$18.

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