Footlite Musicals

Footlite Musicals is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization founded in 1955. Throughout its history, Footlite has produced musicals and other programs to provide education and training to nonprofessionals in the theater.

Starting with two productions a year, the group produced and rehearsed 50 musicals in a variety of high school auditoriums and other venues across Indianapolis from 1956 to 1974. In 1974, Footlite leased the original home of Civic Theatre located at 1847 North Alabama Street, in the heart of the Herron-Morton Place historic district. Indianapolis businessman Phil Hedback purchased the theater and the surrounding property. In 1976, Hedback and his wife Betty donated the property to Footlite, and the building was renamed the Hedback Theater in their honor. The Hedbacks also paid for renovations and installed a 2-manual, 11-range Page Theatre pipe organ, which was built in 1925. The organ has since been renovated, and Members of the American Theatre Organ Society own and maintain the instrument. A member of the organization plays the organ before each Footlite performance.

In July 1991, Footlite Musicals became America’s “Number One Community Theatre” by winning the national competition of the American Community Theatre Association for Into The Woods by Stephen Sondheim. This production then competed in international competition in Toyama, Japan, in August 1992, where it won several awards.

Following its move to the Hedback, Footlite’s season included four productions and has expanded to seven each season. The company offers hands-on experience and classes that cover all stages in the production process. In addition to bringing their dramatic and musical talents to Footlite, volunteers construct sets, create costumes, provide technical assistance, and work as stagehands for its performances.

Activity occurs year-round and includes four full-scale Broadway musicals, a winter cabaret, and two summer Young Artists Productions. It also conducts a summer children’s workshop that culminates in a fully staged musical. Administered by a board of directors chosen from its membership which pays annual dues, the organization’s activities are financed principally through ticket sales.