Programs
The Madame Walker Theatre Center has its own set of signature programs that offers a wide variety of events and activities to the Indianapolis community.
Jazz on the Avenue
Jazz on the Avenue, presented every last Friday, showcases local and national jazz artists in concert in a cabaret setting in the Casino Ballroom. JOA provides opportunities for the community to be entertained by the hottest local jazz, funk and neo-soul bands in Indianapolis. For your chance to perform at JOA, email mjeffers@walkertheatre.com.
2012 Schedule:
January - Sandy Lomax and Friends
February - Kenny Dodson
March - Al Finnell and theJazzmen
April - Greg Sansing and the Jazzsetters
May - Sounds of Essence
June - Abedeen Project
July - Mo Betta Jazz
August - Chubby Massey and All Stars
September - David Morris and The D-Love Experience
October - TBD
November - Aberdeen Project
WalkIN’ On The AvENUE
In an effort to increase healthy living, The Walker will sponsor an annual Madame C.J. Walker Walker-Thon to raise money for programming and student scholarships. In addition to this fundraiser will be the opportunity for participants to pledge to live healthier, livelier lives.
Art at the Walker
The Madame Walker Theatre Center is an advocate of the arts in Indianapolis; performing arts as well as the visual arts. Beginning in March 2011 with a group show, the Walker will begin bi-monthly visual art exhibitions on the 4th floor. This new gallery space called The Lobby is dedicated to local artists as well as student work. Artists interested in submitting images for consideration should contact the Director of Marketing and Programs at mjeffers@walkertheatre.com
Dancin’ at the Walker
The Grand Casino Ballroom turns into a dance studio as adults
perform the West Coast Swing with a bit of ECS, Hustle, Cha Cha, Nite Club 2-Step, Shag, Latin and other dances in the rhythm family. Co-sponsored by Dance Indy Swing, beginner, intermediate and advanced lessons are provided one hour prior to a three-hour open dance time on every other Sunday in the ballroom.
FLIX At The Walker.jpg)
Ask anyone to talk about The Walker in its heyday and they’ll relive stories of popcorn and movie night in the theatre. You’ll have to see it to believe it but, the theatre at The Walker lends itself to an amazing movie experience. The 940 seat theatre has amazing sound, a giant screen and gets so dark you’ll want to see every movie at the Walker. Join us for screenings of indie films and viewings of your favorite oldies. Join us for the grand (re-) opening of movies at the Walker, now called FLIX, in Spring 2011.
First Fridays at the Walker
Think of this is the happy hour for young professionals. This monthly event in the Grand Casino Ballroom is set up for various groups to sponsor an evening out for cocktails, music and networking. Depending on which organization or social service club is sponsoring that month, you’ll hear a short schpiel from them and take home information on how you can get involved with their org. If your organization would like to sponsor a First Friday’s event, email mjeffers@walkertheatre.com to choose which month works best.
Praise at the Walker
The Walker opens its stage quarterly for an opportunity for performance artists to showcase their gospel talent. This community program will highlight singers, choirs, ensembles, musicians, dancers and DJ’s in a clean entertainment environment. If your group would like to perform at Praise, email mjeffers@walkertheatre.com. Check out the calendar for the next Praise event!
PRE-Kwanzaa Bazaar AT THE WALKER
On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, organizations, artists, restaurants, jewelry makers, and more will gather in the Grand Casino Ballroom to sell their wares and meet potential clients. Gifts, clothing, handmade items, food, jewelry, toys, artwork, etc. will be available for purchase. The Walker will offer a selling opportunity for merchants, artists, and businesses who offer quality African-centered, merchandise, crafts, health and business services.
Soul Food Fridays at the Walker
Presented every last Friday of the month, The Madame Walker Theatre Center will invite area soul food restaurants to participate in a “Taste of" style lunch for downtown workers and dwellers. Restaurants will have an opportunity to advertise their menus and locations while offering a taste of their version of soul food. Guaranteed to be your most fun lunch hour yet! Music provided by DJ Gemini and lunch is a flat $10. Sweet tea provided! RSVP at rsvp@walkertheatre.com.
Theatre at the Walker
Voted “Best Theatre in Indianapolis” by WRTV’s 2010 A-List, The Madame Walker Theatre Center is home to a 943 seat Theatre dedicated to bringing in quality productions. Theatre is our passion! Broadway plays, musicals, short films and dramas are welcome on stage at the Walker. Playwrights and directors should email sbwebster@walkertheatre.com to introduce new ideas and plays to the Walker. We’d be delighted to see your production come to life!
Tighten’ Up at the Walker
The Walker now offers fitness classes!! Monday evenings from 5:30 until 6:30 are open to the public to come in for Zumba classes! Instructed by certified Zumba fanatic, Granita Young, Zumba is a fun and energetic aerobic dance class. Stop in for a class ($8) or sign up for 6 weeks for just $40! No membership required.
MLK Jr. Celebration
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Celebration
follows the “Freedom Walk” on the King Holiday, and commemorates
the life and legacy of this late international icon in a 90-minute
program featuring local artists singing songs of courage, literary
artists sharing words of wisdom, and dancers presenting dances
of praise.
FREEDOM WALK ON THE AVENUE
Annually, The Walker joins forces in with the Indianapolis Urban League by co-presenting the “Freedom Walk on the Avenue” and the “The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Celebration.” “Freedom Walk on the Avenue” is an annual processional of community leaders, civil rights supporters, business professionals, students, and families down Indiana Avenue, from the front doors of the Indianapolis Urban League to the Madame Walker Theatre Center.
Youth-In-Arts™
In 1987, the Madame Walker Theater Center launched the Youth-in-Arts™ program, opening a world of possibilities to Indiana’s children. Youth-in-Arts™ reflects The Walker’s mission as it seeks to provide an environment of cross-cultural appreciation through nurturing and celebrating the artistic and cultural perspectives of African-Americans. Join us June 20th through July 29th for Kamp Kuumba! Kamp Kuumba is an all day summer program for youth between the ages of 6 and 18. Students will learn various aspects of art including dance, theatre, piano, art, vocal awareness and storytelling. Register by emailing info@walkertheatre.com.
