The Warren Performing Arts Center (WPAC), located at 9500 E. 16th St., is a premier facility for concerts and shows on the east side. On the campus of Warren Central High School, the WPAC is noted for its wonderful acoustics and diverse programming. It is the only arts venue on the east side of Indianapolis with a full time professional staff.
For the past 30 years, WPAC has offered world class arts with a friendly local touch. Thousands of people from the Indianapolis metropolitan area have attended shows in the comfortable, spacious theater over the years, and look forward to each new season of diverse programming. With easy access from major highways, the WPAC is able to draw audiences from all over Central Indiana.
The WPAC was built in 1983 and the auditorium seats just under 1,000 patrons. There are actually two stages: the Mainstage Auditorium, and the Studio Theatre, which seats about 112.
The Warren Performing Arts Center is home to the 1926 Barton Theatre Organ. The organ is owned by the CIC-ATOS (Central Indiana Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society) and was installed at the Warren in 1997. The CIC-ATOS acquired this majestic instrument in 1990, and under the supervision of Carlton Smith its members rebuilt and restored the organ to its original condition. This organ was originally installed in the old Indiana Theatre in downtown Indianapolis (now the IRT), and now the Grande Barton plays in the WPAC before professional artists’ shows, at CIC-ATOS concerts, and more. Visit cicatos.org or call 251-6962 for information about upcoming shows.
The Indianapolis Symphonic Band is the Ensemble in Residence at WPAC and is also an arts partner with the venue. They perform free shows at WPAC regularly — the next one is on October 29 at 7 p.m.
The Warren Performing Arts Center hosts many Warren Township Schools concerts and plays. In addition, the venue hosts a Professional Series of entertainment every year. This year, to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of WPAC, the most requested performers will be back on stage:
• War Bonds: The Songs and Letters of WWII on September 15 from 4:00-6:30 p.m. (Tickets are $25 for adults, $23 students and seniors.) A reception and 30th Anniversary celebration will follow the show.
• Ricky Skaggs January 19 at 4 p.m. (Tickets are $30 for adults, $28 students and seniors.)
• Purdue University Glee Club and the Singing Hoosiers: Together in Concert February 9 at 4 p.m. (Tickets are $25 for adults, $23 for students and seniors.)
• The Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra: Back Home Again in Indiana — The Music of Cole Porter & Hoagy Carmichael March 16 at 4 p.m. (Tickets are $25 for adults, $23 students and seniors.)
• Black Violin May 4 at 4 p.m. (Tickets are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors and students.)
Tickets for the Professional Series are available online through the Web site www.warrenpac.org or by calling the box office at 532-6280. Advance ticket sales are recommended as the shows sell out fast.
