One of the satisfying joys of covering the performing-arts scene is the opportunity to chat with talented and dedicated people who are making a difference in contributing to the vitality of the Indianapolis area.
Below is a list of 10 extraordinary individuals, and one set of creative partners, in alphabetical order, who shared openly with Examiner.com during 2011.
To read their full stories, click on the links below each name.
Establishing a new tradition at the Indiana Repertory Theatre, Artzberger just completed his second year playing a very non-conventional “Scrooge” in the IRT’s annual holiday production of A Christmas Carol.
Goad, one of Indy’s most popular actors, took a year off from the stage to study the culinary arts. Now a full-time chef, Goad recently returned to the stage to appear in the Phoenix Theatre’s annual holiday show.
Greenlee, who is in her seventh season with Dance Kaleidoscope, is celebrated not only for her special talent and technique, but also for her beauty, both inside and out. Mariel has also been recognized for her edgy choreography in the Phoenix Theatre's production of Spring Awakening.
Harbin is an independent producer who operates Bobdirex, a production company that presents musicals at the Athenaeum.
Bloomington resident Kondrat is acknowledged as one of Indiana’s most respected and talented professional actors. Recently she performed to sold-out audiences in a highly successful run of Bloomington Cardinal Stage Company’s production of Red Hot Patriot: The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins.
Sadler, an attorney and former public official, is now the executive director of the Michael Feinstein Great American Songbook Initiative headquartered at Carmel’s Palladium. She also serves as the board president for the Cabaret at the Columbia Club.
Sanders is the interim music director of the Indianapolis Men’s Chorus (founded in 1990) and is considered by many to be partly responsible for the resurgence of the IMC as one of Indy’s leading performing-arts organizations.
Sobera is artistic director and Dick is managing director for the Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre. This duo led the move of one America’s oldest community theaters to its new home at the Tarkington Theater at Carmel’s Center for the Performing Arts.
The artistic director and conductor of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, Stark also is a professor and head of the Vocal Music department at Butler University. In his spare time, the licensed airplane pilot also volunteers for Angel Flight, a non-profit organization that provides transportation for those with medical needs who lack financial resources.
Maestro Urbanski made his debut this past year as the conductor of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. A native of Poland, Urbanski is the youngest music director among major orchestras in the United States and represents a new fresh new face and a new era for the ISO.
Thank you for visiting Examiner.com. Best wishes for a Happy New Year!
