HomeMy WebLinkAboutAdditional Arts Grant - The CAT CITY OF CARMEL
J.AMES BRAINAR1). ,\1:11'C)R
February 23, 2023
Via email to: willwood�rr.;thecat.biz
The CAT, Ltd.
254 Veterans Wa1
Carmel, IN 6032
Attn: Willie Wood
Dear Willie:
This letter refers to Arts Grant Program Agreement(the "Agreement"),between the City of
Carmel, Indiana("City") and The CAT. Ltd. ("CAT ") dated as of January-3.2023.
I'm pleased to let you know that the City will make an additional grant to the CAT in the amount
of$16,020, which brings the CAT's total 2023 City of Carmel Arts Grant amount to $80,100.
Therefore,pursuant to Paragraph 16 of the Agreement, the City and the CAT hereby agree tr,
amend the Agreement as follows:
Paragraph 2 of the Agreement is deleted in its entirety and replaced by the foliowin`_:
"2. Grant Agreement. The City, after review and recommendation by the Mayor, agrees to
grant S80,i 00.00 to the Grantee for the eligible costs of the project (the "Project")or services as
described in Exhibits "A" and "13" of this Agreement. The funds shall be used exclusively in
accordance with the provisions contained in this Agreement. Generally, the Grant award may not
exceed one third (1/3) of Grantee's combined contributed income. revenue of sales, and/or ticket
revenue from the previous year. The City of Carmel may, however, make exceptions for start-up
organizations that have been in existence for three (3)years or less."
Except as expressly provided in this letter, all terms and provisions of the Agreement are and
will remain in full force and effect and arc hereby ratified and confirmed.
•
ONE CIVIC SQUARE.CARMEL. IN q(fl 2/UFFICE: :1 -?"'I.21b1 I FAN:317-s•-s-3s9$/\C:\\\'.(:A1(.11ELIN.(;uv
lfthe foregoing accurately reflects our understanding.kindly sign and dale this letter and return
to Sharon Kibbe, Once received,you may anticipate receipt of the grant check within a few
weeks,
Very truly yours,
am, ��
James Brainard
Mayor
Agreed to and accepted:
The CAT, Ltd.
By:Name:
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Title: V . 61,� C 3' -, `ram Ccef
Date: -3 `z J
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INDIAOP'
ARTS GRANT PROGRAM
AGREEMENT
This Grant Agreement (herein referred to as "A ree ent")l me ed into by and between the City
of Carmel (the "City") and (�l ✓'V (the
"Grantee" is executedpursuant to the terrrT�andI
), conditions se orth herein. In consideration of
those mutual undertakings and covenants, the parties agree as follows:
1. That on behalf of Grantee, a not-for-profit corporation, I,
an authorized representative of Grantee, have applied for a City of Carme
("Grantor") Arts Grant, said application attached hereto and made a part hereof as
Exhibit "A."
2. Grant Agreement. The City, after review and recommendation by the Mayor,
agrees to grant $ 6 4 , 0 8 0 .0 0 to the Grantee for the eligible costs
of the project (the "Project") or services as described in Exhibits "A" and "B" of this
Agreement. The funds shall be used exclusively in accordance with the provisions
contained in this Agreement. Generally, the Grant award may not exceed one third
(1/3) of Grantee's combined contributed income, revenue of sales. and/or ticket
revenue from the previous year. The City of Carmel may, however, make exceptions
for start-up organizations that have been in existence for three (3)years or less.
3. Design and Implementation of Project. The Grantee agrees to use any and all grant
funds in accordance with the proposal contained within this agreement and any
documents attached to this Agreement, which are incorporated by reference.
4. Warranty of non-profit status. Grantee hereby represents and warrants that it is a
not-for-profit entity with a determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service
declaring that it is exempt from Federal income tax.
5. Payment of Grant Funds by the City. The payment of this Grant by the City to the
Grantee shall be made in accordance with the following conditions:
A. This Agreement must be fully executed and signed by both Grantee and Grantor.
B. Grantee has attached all the following information, which it represents and warrants
to be true and accurate, all which have been incorporated fully by reference.
I. An application and description of the proposed use of the grant funds (EXHIBIT
A); and
2. A budget for the calendar or fiscal year for which the grant is requested
(EXHIBIT B); and
3. Certified copies of incorporation as a not-for-profit corporation under state law
(EXHIBIT C); and
4. A not-for-profit application or determination letter from the U.S. Internal Revenue
Service identifying that it is a not-for-profit corporation that is exempt from
Federal income tax(EXHIBIT D); and
5. Any audits, reviews or compilations available describing the financial condition
of the Grantee. unaudited Balance Sheet and Income Statement, most recent
available IRS Form 990, and the attached Affidavit(EXHIBIT E); and
6. A list of the Grantee's board of directors and officers listed (EXHIBIT F); and
7. A Year End Report from the previous year if Grantee received an Arts Grant from
the City of Carmel in the previous calendar year, pursuant to paragraph 8 herein
(EXHIBIT G).
C. Any other grant conditions that City requires to be met by Grantee, specifically:
6. Grantor's right to request audit or review. Grantee shall submit to an audit or
review by an independent Certified Public Accountant of funds at the City's request,
and shall make all books, accounting records and other documents available at all
reasonable times during the term of this Grant Agreement, and for a period of three
(3) years after final payment of funds under this Agreement, for the purpose of an
audit by the City of Carmel, the State of Indiana, or their designees. Said review or
audit, if requested, shall be performed by a Certified Public Accountant ("CPA") who
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is neither an employee of Grantee nor a member of the Grantee's Board of Directors.
to be provided to the City of Carmel by March 31 of the following year.
7. Quarterly financial statements. Grantee agrees to provide the City of Carmel
quarterly financial statements within 45 days after each quarter-end for Grant awards
in excess of sixty thousand dollars($60,000).
8. Year-end review. Grantee agrees to provide the City of Carmel a year-end report
("Year End Report") for each year, describing how the grant was used and the impact
of the dollars received.
9. Funding Credit. Grantee agrees to credit the City of Carmel in the printed materials
associated with a funded program or project. The City of Carmel will supply. upon
request, Grantee with the graphics/logos necessary for compliance.
10. Statutory Authority of Grantee. The Grantee expressly represents and warrants to
the City that it is statutorily eligible to receive these monies and it expressly agrees to
repay all monies paid to it under this Grant, should a legal determination of its
ineligibility be made by any Court of competent jurisdiction.
11. Use of Grant Funds by Grantee. The funds received by the Grantee pursuant to this
Agreement shall be used only to implement the Project or provide the services in
conformance with the Budget and for no other purpose. If it is determined by the
City that misappropriation of funds have occurred. the Grantee must return all funds
received by Grantor and individuals who misuse Grant funds may also be subject to
civil and/or criminal liability under Indiana and Federal law.
12. Employment Eligibility Verification. The Grantee affirms under the penalties of
perjury that he/she/it does not knowingly employ an unauthorized alien.
The Grantee affirms under the penalties of perjury that he/she/it has enrolled and is
participating in the E-Verify program as defined in IC 22-5-1.7. The Grantee agrees
to provide documentation to the City that he/she/it has enrolled and is participating in
the E-Verify program.
The City may terminate for default if the Grantee fails to cure a breach of this
provision no later than thirty (30)days after being notified by the State.
13. Governing Law; Lawsuits. This Agreement is to be construed in accordance with
and governed by the laws of the State of Indiana, except for its conflict of laws
provisions. The parties agree that, in the event a lawsuit is filed hereunder, they
waive their right to a jury trial, agree to file any such lawsuit in an appropriate court
in Hamilton County, Indiana only, and agree that such court is the appropriate venue
for and has jurisdiction over same.
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14. Relationship of Parties. The relationship of the parties hereto shall be as provided
for in this Agreement, and neither Grantee nor any of its compensated officers,
employees, contractors, subcontractors and/or agents are employees of City. The
Grant amount set forth herein shall be the full and maximum compensation and
monies required of City to be paid to Grantee under or pursuant to his Agreement.
15. Severability. If any term of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable under any
statute, regulation, ordinance, executive order or other rule of law, such term shall be
deemed reformed or deleted, but only to the extent necessary to comply with same,
and the remaining provision of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
16. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with any exhibits attached hereto or
referenced herein, constitutes the entire agreement between Grantee and City with
respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior oral or written
representations and agreements regarding same. Notwithstanding any other term or
condition set forth herein, but subject to paragraph 15 hereof, to the extent any term
or condition contained in any exhibit attached to this Agreement or in any document
referenced herein conflicts with any term or condition contained in this Agreement,
the term or condition contained in this Agreement shall govern and prevail. This
Agreement may only be modified by written amendment executed by both parties
hereto, or their successors in interest.
IN WITNESS WHEROF. the p rtie hereto have made and executed this Agreement as follows:
("Grantee")
I
By: Signature;
Printed Name of Officer: LA76\Z/\A�D I it't� j>Ij 1/ \j\C
a
Date: �4
CITY OF CARMEL (" a n tor")
By:
James Brainard, Mayor
Date: 1/3/2023
ATTEST:
Date: 1/3/2023
If you have any question concerning the City of Carmel's 2023 Arts Grant Program,grant whiting,guidelines or application materials,contact
Sharon Kibbe,City of Carmel,One Civic Square,Cannel.IN 46032.Phone:317-571-2483.skibbe u,cannel.in.eov.
4
Exhibit "A"
An Application and Description of the Proposed Use of the Grant Funds
APPLICANT:
Name of organization: CA+ / +��(/'
Address:c.j L Vf f/a oS Aiox
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Telephone:� i7) ` 1 c�O — S 8" Fax: NM-
Contact Person: WWI-t n-b cg-
Email: (A\ U3 dC7& 0 C'(&-k"• 40f�
APPLICATION AMOUNT: $ 1 3 6 1 1I 7—
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED USE OF THE GRANT FUNDS:
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(Additional pales may be added to Exhibit"A")
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Printed N e of Of`cer:
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5
1. $103,712 STAFF AND OPERATIONS
$69,090 Staff
The Cat has found its home as a staple in the Carmel Arts Scene. So far in 2022 The Cat has
hosted 34 separate events or full weekends with 21 different companies, including our first
wedding! We couldn't have done this without our full-time employee, who we hired with your
help in 2019.
Since 2021 The Cat has had one part time employee. She helps with technical,developmental,
and operational tasks.
$34,622 Operations
In past years the Carmel Arts Grant has provided The Cat for 30%of her operational expenses,
thus allowing her to maintain low rent and ticket prices. In addition, she was able to create a small
savings to sustain her though the traditionally low-income summer months.As inflation has
increased dramatically this year,she has had to tap into some of her savings.
2. $28,000 CARMEL APPRENTICE THEATRE
Our signature company serves the mission to create experiences for people of all abilities and
stripes.This past year our registration response for the two productions was daunting.Due to that
demand,we expanded the casts of both You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown(from 5 to 10)and
The Addams Family(from 16 to 20). Our 2023 season will be expanded to from 2 to 5 shows due
to this demand! We once again humbly request funding to support this special mission. Our 2023
season will include
• Almost, Maine(cast of 20)
• Our Intern Productions(several shows written&produced by our summer interns)
• Four Old Broads(we adopted this production after it lost its venue in Westfield)
• Chitty Chitty Bang Bang(large musical with spots for all ages—and a flying car!)
• The First Ever Cat Christmas Cabaret.
3. $5,000 EDUCATION
For the past few years it has come to our attention that there is a need for affordable theatrical
classes locally. So,this year we are broadening our view for The Cat. This year we want to offer a
series of workshops that will help fledgling actors feel more confident when they go out to
audition. The Cannel Parks & Recreation department is, in fact,scheduling theatrical classes
with us for the summer of 2023.
TOTAL 1/6,712
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The Cat is a spirited theatre hub serving the Carmel and Indianapolis area with a multiplicity of plays,
musicals and unique performing experiences. Dedicated to cultivating talent and audiences,The Cat
provides an inclusive community for theatrical companies,schools,artists and audiences to
explore in a creative,welcoming, and fun environment.
The Carmel Apprentice Theatre
(Our very own theatre company!)
The Carmel Apprentice Theatre is the quintessential experience and cornerstone of The Cat. The Carmel
Apprentice Theatre welcomes both the tenured artist and the novice,the seasoned theatre patron and the
first-time audience member.The Carmel Apprentice Theatre is dedicated to creating art with and for
people of all ages,abilities and disabilities.
What Happened in 2022
In addition to staff and operations support,the 2021 Carmel Arts Grant was designated to 2 Carmel
Apprentice Theatre productions- You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown and The Addams Family Musical.
Charlie Brown was a roaring success playing to 6 full houses! As of writing this, The Addams Family just
finished its last weekend,with one show to a full audience of CYAP families.
Adaptation and Tenacity have been our words for the last 2 years,and now we are back to focusing on
growing the community.
ADDENDUM
The Why of The Cat: The reason for this local, friendly Cat
BACKGROUND
The Cat was created to provide an inclusive environment for artists, companies,teachers and students:
both tenured artists and those who stepping on stage for the first time. In making the arts accessible to all,
The Cat provides learning,and development opportunities in all aspects of theatre production and
management;and a safe and affordable environment for artists to incubate and implement original art. We
want to allow everyone to be a theatre person or patron and have an enriching theatrical experience. What
do we mean by inclusive?The answer is two-fold:
Everyone can play&Everyone can perform (Will's Inspiration)
6 summers ago,Will Wood took a trip to NYC to visit some friends.Jim&Joyce Houghton had been
living for years,raising a family and founding a theatre(The Signature Theatre).Their youngest, a boy
named Henry,has autism.At the time of Will's visit,Henry was 22 years old.Nevertheless,Henry was
cast as a lead in Anything Goes at an awe-inspiring production company called After Work Theatre.
Jim,who had just received a Tony Award for his theatre,was very well respected in the theatre
community.Not only was he the founding artistic director of a theatre that worked personally with
American legends like Arthur Miller and Edward Albee,he was also the director of drama at Juilliard. •
These facts are only important to give context for the rest of the story. Jim was Mr.Theatre.
One of the evenings Will saw Henry in Anything Goes. He couldn't get a seat,so he stood against the
back wall, by a piano,with Jim.Every time Henry came on stage, Will glanced over to see Jim's beaming
face! At the end of every song Henry was in, Will looked over at Jim and saw him whoop and holler!
Occasionally Jim would hold up his camera,clearly in violation of the pre-show instructions!
Jim was experiencing,first-hand and deep in his heart,the wonders that theatre can bestow on a family.
Jim was a kid watching Saturday morning cartoons or witnessing a group of clowns piling out of a little
car. Mr. Theatre was a child again, because he was sharing joy with his s
It was then that Will knew that he had to bring this theatrical model to Indiana.
Affordability for the artists and the audience
In early February of 2017, Will had been looking for a theatre to mount a little-known musical: Cole
Porter's You Never Know.All the theatres were either full up,or if available,they were expensive beyond
his reach. The building formerly known as The Warehouse came up for lease and he hoped to rent it for a
month.An hour later,with a new dream,he&his wife Deborah signed a three-year contract. They
realized that Carmel(and Indianapolis for that matter)could use a multi-use,affordable home for some of
the smaller theatre companies or individual artists. Theatre companies that were losing their space,had no
space, fledgling companies who could use a small home in which to feel comfortable and thrive,and
artists who wished to experiment and grow.
In addition,they wanted their audience to afford to come to The Cat. The price range for live events in the
area is$35 to over$100. The Cat believes that by making the arts affordable,they are bringing more
people into the theatre; and performing arts helps to build a stronger community.
ADDENDUM
The Cat Community
Our 1st performance was in May of 2017.Side By Side By Sondheim performed by legend Ellen Kingston and the
Carmel Theatre Company, led by June&John Clair. Since then,we have had over 200 different productions.
THEATRES AND ARTS COMPANIES
1. Amalgamated Stage Productions
2. Ashley Nicole Soprano
3. Ballet INitiative
4. Bard Fest
5. Christian Youth Theatre
6. Carmel Apprentice Theatre
7. Carmel Community Players
8. Carmel Theatre Company
9. Cat's Pajamas Improvisational Comedy
10. Emma Rund Plays
11. Intern Theatre
12. Patty's Productions
13. Reciprocal Theatre Company
14. Shandrea Funnye Productions
15. The MD Writer
16. Two Woman Shows
SCHOOLS,RECITALS,CAMPS
17. Art Lab
18. Ballet Studio of Carmel
19. Carmel Music Academy
20. Coach Blair's Music Studio
21. Comedy with Dave Dugan
22. Carmel High School Grad Parties
23. Interactive Academy
24. M3 (a division of Meridian Music)
25. Russian Social Club
26. School of Rock
27_ Starting Line Preschool
28. Barometer Soup(Jimmy Buffet tribute band)
29. The Music Playhouse
CHARITIES
30. Our Lady of Mount Carmel
31. Guerin Catholic High School
32. Hamilton County Young Republicans
33. Toys For Tots
34. Carmel Fire Department
35. CYAP(Carmel Youth Assistance Program)
36. Aide to The Ukraine(International Fellowship of Christians&Jews)
The Cat also supports the community by providing space to nonprofits at discounted rates or free. We also have a
blooming Cheshire Cat Community Garden outside on Veteran's Way.
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ADDENDUM: The Cat's Mission At Work
The Cat's Most Recent Success Story- Sarah Gasper
November 16,2022
Mayor Jim Brainard
City of Carmel
One Civic Square
Carmel, IN 46032
Your honor,
I want to express my gratitude to you, and the Carmel Apprentice Theatre, for its generous offer to my daughter
Sarah to join the The Addams Family last month.
Sarah is my dear one for she represents the purest form of innocence and love. She is 22 and has Down Syndrome.
We give her opportunities and experiences so she can have some independence and adaptability. So I have been
taking Sarah to shows since she was six. We want her to experience live theater so that she can realize that the
world doesn't exist solely on a screen,or even in a book.
Sarah is very trusting and believing. She believes in flying nannies with parrot-head umbrellas. She believes that
two ogres can fall in love and get married. She also believes that if two people are lying flat on stage at the end of
West Side Story,they are dead, and she will cry, and I will have to carry her out of the theater due to her despair.
Sarah believes all that she is told and all that she sees. Everything is literal.
One of Sarah's favorite shows is The Addams Family. It has opened a door for Sarah that I could never have
anticipated. We have seen over 20 productions. However, it was in 2018 that I found a production at a theater
that sounded quaint:The Cat. Sarah was enchanted by the production, and visited with each of the cast members
after the many shows we saw. She brought some of her Addams Family toys, comics and posters to show them!
The cast members were extremely attentive,and created a bond that was greater than at any other production.
Since then,we have attended other productions at The Cat and visited with Audrey Larkin (who was in that 2018
cast), Will Wood and several cast members. In 2021,while waiting to go in to The Cat to pick out seats, Will&
Audrey asked Sarah if she would like to be in their 2022 production of The Addams Family. Sarah agreed
enthusiastically. She was excited about being *IN* a production! Her first ever!
I was not asked to help cover any of the expenses,fees or other costs. I know that several such organizations
locally require each participant or their parents to pay to cover the cost of scripts, music, licensing,overhead, etc.
(Some groups charge$600 per participant to be in a single show, plus purchase 20-30 tickets.) The Cat didn't ask
for a penny from us(or any other participant), didn't require us to commit to a guaranteed number of tickets,
didn't put any type of financial constraint in order to participate. This is exceptional in the realm of this type of
community theater. Regardless of my own ability to pay any such fees, I'm fairly certain that very,very few people
would have registered to be in the production, and most would have felt discouraged at being excluded due to an
inability to pay.
I commend The Cat for its business model and commitment to encouraging unrestricted and unfettered
participation in theater. I don't know if The Cat makes enough money from ticket sales to cover costs—but I hope
they do. I do know that the City of Carmel has been very generous in aiding The Cat, and for that we are thankful.
How has this theatrical experience benefitted my daughter Sarah? The ten weeks from "call out" until "closing"
were hard work, but allowed Sarah an unprecedented amount of time with a close-knit cast who nurtured her,
cared for her, looked after her, and made her feel like the most important person in the world. The cast—only a
few of them had ever seen or heard about Sarah prior to this—helped Sarah when needed, boosted her self-
esteem,gave her encouragement and love, and allowed her to be herself and not be concerned that she would not
fit in or feel wanted. Sarah gained the courage to greet everyone in the cast each day(three to four nights per
week, and more during Tech Week). Sarah could talk with anyone, sit with anyone,feel good about herself with
everyone. She performed beautifully in numerous scenes throughout the production each night(for twelve
performances), and had a glorious smile on her face in each of her scenes. Each night after rehearsals and
performances,Sarah would hug each cast and crew member,wish them a good night, and was able to be"one of
the company". She was as much a part of the team as anyone else. I don't think the show would have been the
same without her(but I am more than a little biased). I do know that Sarah wouldn't have had these new
experiences and friends without being in the show.
I am grateful to The Cat (and the cast of this particular production). I will always want to do whatever I can to
support The Cat, by attending more productions with Sarah, by volunteering for tasks they might need, by asking
friends to go to their shows or make donations,and in helping Sarah with performances in future productions.
I ask for the continued support from The City of Carmel, and from you Mayor Brainard,to contribute substantially
to The Cat in whatever they need for funding all their needs—administrative,staff, overhead and more. I ask you
to continue to help The Cat continue her mission and programming so that Sarah and a thousand others like her
will continue to participate in shows without needing to pay a. The greater your level of support,the more The Cat
can do.
Thank you for reading my very long story about Sarah and her experiences with The Cat. Thank you also for
everything you have done over the years for The Cat, and for everything you will continue to do for them.
Sincerely,
Mark Gasper
3335 Babette Ct.
Indianapolis, IN 46227
tradermark@juno.com
317-716-7839
ADDENDUM
The Cat's Mission at Work
Diana is 60 years old,and because of some early- life illnesses,has the mental capacity of an 8-year-old.
We encouraged her family to enroll her in You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown,the inaugural production
of the Carmel Apprentice Theatre.As stated earlier,this theatre company is for novices,experts,and
everyone in between. It is a welcoming place.It is a no-audition theatre. You sign up and you're in!
Diana can't dance,sing,or memorize lines.No problem! She became our Woodstock! It was so special
watching the cast take responsibility for Diana: getting her on stage for all her scenes,and then back off
again! Diana loved her costume,and her smile energized the cast and audience. Her brother,Bruce said,
"Within a few practices Diana had become part of a play family;with a part that she could handle and be
proud of.Everyone associated with the production went out of their way to help her feel safe and
confident. Diana and I were both very sad that the experience had to end. We both have a new faith in the
goodness of people that surround us in life."And guess what,Diana has performed in her 4th show this
year, she joined us again for our production of The Addams Family.
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Diana in The Addams Family-2018
ADDENDUM
The Cat's Mission at Work(Continued)
Carmel Theatre Company: Our first resident theatre company
In December of 2016,this theatre company lost the lease on their building. In need of a venue in which to
perform their next show,we sat down and talked. They had already cast their show and were deep into
rehearsals. Side By Side By Sondheim, directed by Ellen Kingston,was shaping up to be a fabulous show.
So, we worked out the details and had a rehearsal and performance plan. The show was a success! CTC
was our first theatrical resident and remains so today!
,141,
JJ w
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David Duncan Thom Brown Matthew Vire
Carolyn Lynch Ellen Kingston Gail Payne
Side By Side By Sondheim
Ballet Initiative: A company incubated by The Cat
Proud! That's how we feel about our association with Ballet INitiative. When we heard that this group of
5 highly talented young ballerinas were looking for a home to create their own company,we jumped at
the chance to host them. Christina and her dance partners have quickly become our favorite resident arts
company. They have also endeared themselves to the community of Carmel. Performing 6 ballets and
helping choreograph our musicals,they are loved by all who meet them. Add to this the unlikely fact that,
as a brand-new arts company,they are fiscally sound, and you have the perfect group of artists. Since
they've started, they have grown by leaps and bounds,but they still come back to The Cat,the place
where they started,to host both their fundraisers and their Happy Hour performances.
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ADDENDUM
People Who Love The Cat: Testimonials
"There's a theater in Carmel that I am quite fond of-The Northside Drive-In-but it closed years ago. I
kid.Of course,it's The Cat!" Dave Dugan
Comedian
"Ballet INitiative has found a home at The Cat. From the friendly faces of the staff to all the assistance
and support we've received with each production; we are so honored and proud to be The Cat's residence
dance company. This last year specifically The Cat has really helped us to expand our repertoire and our
audience reach,which is helping our business grow insurmountably. We love The Cat!"
Ola Tarnowski
Co-founder,Artist
Ballet Initiative
"The Cat was home. This Summer I have found family and friends.I have been given so many new
opportunities from The Cat. I am so proud to have been a part of the Internship program and The Cat
Family." Maddie Wood
Summer Intern, 2021
"I'm not sure what Christian Youth Theatre would have done without The Cat during the past
year. Although they are always one of our most valuable partners,we appreciated their careful
consideration regarding operations during the pandemic.
"Willie and Audrey are always willing to take my call, brainstorm, discuss possibilities,and
always support us. They help us form new community partnerships, connecting us with others who they
know can be of assistance.They perform tasks to ensure our success that,quite honestly,aren't part of the
job description of those who work for the facility.
"The Cat is one of the Cannel arts scene's most important resources. Theatre companies always
struggle and brick and mortar is almost impossible to afford. To have a theatre where we can perform in
Carmel, with individuals like Willie and Audrey who truly understand and have a passion for the art, is
something other communities don't offer. CYT is here today because of The Cat."
Laura Baltz
Artistic Director
Christian Youth Theatre
"The Cat is a diamond in the rough in Cannel,the perfect place for a local,amateur playwright like me,
which has and continues to allow me to stage my work.The avengers and people behind the scenes are
great to work with and have a"can do"attitude about getting the show on stage.The Cat also reaches
from the impossible,being the only theatre company in the world to perform Annie 1 &Annie 2 in
repertory.If you like live stage performances,The Cat is a must! You will not be disappointed."
Louis Janeira, MD
The MD Writer
"We are so appreciative of you and everyone at The Cat and are so grateful to have you in our lives."
Christina Voreis
Co-founder
Ballet INitiative
ADDENDUM
People Who Love The Cat: Testimonials (continued)
"I wanted to thank you for arranging for us to run the world premiere of our play,Just the Truth,
at the Cat last June. The Cat has opened many doors for me as a local playwright and also for the
nonprofit organization that I direct called the Winged Victory Foundation. We were able to premier our
play to very enthusiastic audiences. Besides offering the community a murder mystery and thriller,Just
the Truth honors the profession of journalism and its critical role in protecting our freedoms.Thanks to
the Cat, we were able to bring this important play to our community.Noteworthy people attended,
including city and town council members,theatre professionals,state officials and candidates,directors of
local organizations,neighbors,students, professionals,and retirees. We ran the full gamut in our
audience,serving many diverse groups in our community.
It was great working with you,Audrey Larkin,and the rest of the cheerful,competent staff and
volunteers at the Cat.The theatre is always clean and well managed,and the stage improvements
provided the room needed for our various sets.Add to that comfortable seating,as well as good sound and
lighting,and the entire experience was entertaining,comfortable,and memorable for us and for the
audience.
What a great venue the Cat is,and so close to Carmel's restaurants and shops! People in the
audience told me on how much they enjoyed being at the Cat. Some guests were coming to the Cat for the
first time,and they commented on how pleased they were to find live theatre in the heart of the Arts and
Design District.
The Cat is a vitally important venue for live theatre and a perfect complement to all the other
activities in our vibrant Arts and Design District. I've also enjoyed going to the Cat many times as a
guest,watching musicals, ballet,drama, etc., all well-performed by enthusiastic casts and crews."
Gen LaGreca
Novelist&Playwright
Winged Victory Foundation
"When Carmel Community Players lost our lease to our performance space,The Cat went out of their
way to allow us to perform the remainder of our season without major alteration in our already announced
season.They have an outstanding affordable performance space, allowing our patrons a high-quality
experience unmatched in the Carmel area." Tim Paramore
President
Carmel Community Players
"The Cat has provided me with incredible opportunities to push myself, stretch my skills, and leave
outside my comfort zone,with the knowledge that there is a supportive community there to catch me."
Emma Rund
Summer Intern, 2017
Chicago/New York playwright
"We really appreciate having a place like The Cat in Carmel. Will and his staff have been kind and
generous with their time,and they have provided us with an affordable space for our summer camp
productions and fundraiser." Hillary Blake
Co-Founder
M3
ADDENDUM
People Who Love The Cat: Testimonials(continued)
"BardFest began with an idea. Could we feature full scale Shakespeare productions but in a small
intimate setting and present them in rotation creating a festival?The answer was yes if we could achieve
strategic partnerships with small theatres in the community.
"The Cat has played a large role in our development. They were among the first to step forward
and embrace the notion of a Shakespeare festival here in Carmel to enrich the cultural lives of its citizens.
"Shortly we will begin our 9th year. We have grown to become the largest Shakespeare festival in
Indiana and attract actors and audience from across the area.The Cat's support has been critical in that
success.We would not be here otherwise.The Cat believed in our dream and the results have been
spectacular." Glenn Dobbs
BardFest
Founder and Executive Producer
"Let me just start by saying working with The Cat and their volunteer staff was nothing short of
amazing. Willie Wood is truly a wonderful person. I had written my very first stage play and had no idea
what needed to into getting my play from paper to the stage. After being told that another theatre in the
area could not accommodate me, I called The Cat. Willie told me to come in and speak with him that
same day,and the rest was history. Willie not only encouraged me,but he gave me resources and helped
every step of the way. From putting me in touch with the person who lent me props,to gifting me
programs for my very first show. Willie even spent about 20 minutes opening night giving my mom
directions over the phone. I am so thankful. I could not possibly end this without mentioning Gary
Coburn. Gary oversees set design and was another huge reason that my show was so successful. Gary lent
me things from his personal residence just to make sure my set was perfect. After 2 sold out shows, I am
eternally grateful to Willie and my new friends at The Cat for making my first experience painless and
fun! They took me in from the first day and supported me in a way that exceeded every expectation."
Shandrea v Funnye
Author, Producer, and Director
Shandrea Funnye Presents
ADDENDUM
The Cat's Fact Sheet
Address: 254 Veterans Way, Carmel, IN 46032
Status: 501-c-3
Website: www.thecat.biz
Email: willwood@thecat.biz
audreylarkin@thecat.biz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecatcarmel/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecat_carmel/
Personal Cell: Will: 317-750-2484
Audrey: 317-408-0844
WILL WOOD
Will Wood studied theatre at the University of Nebraska,North Texas State University,and Southern Methodist
University.He took a detour from theatre and pursued his career in non-profit for a number of years with The Boy
Scouts of America.He was then in a position to help his wife,Deborah,start and grow DWA Healthcare
Communications Group located here in Carmel. 14 years ago. Will returned to theatre,first through assisting and
directing at the high school level,and then on to writing,producing and directing in community theatre.Some of
Willie's favorite theatres to direct at include Cannel Community Playhouse,Footlite Musicals,and Christian Youth
Theatre. Will also enjoys mentoring and coaching high school and college students pursuing degrees and careers in
theatre arts.
AUDREY LARKIN
Audrey has been participating in theater in Hamilton County since age 5 and then went on to study theatre at
Baldwin Wallace University in Cleveland,Ohio.There she studied everything from Arts Management to
Playwrighting. She has worked in almost every position in theatre,fully embracing the jack-of-all-trades
methodology.Since joining the team at The Cat,she has directed,acted,designed sound,lights,sets,and costumes.
She also works with new playwrights and producers to help them get started producing their projects. She has a
passion for working with both new playwrights of all ages and interns,both college and high school,and helping
develop the Cannel Apprentice Theatre. Her favorite thing is watching the growth of every artist that crosses the
stage. When not at the theatre,Audrey writes and publishes poetry,and she is currently having fun experimenting in
the kitchen as she works on her cookbook.
THE CAT LLC Exhibit B
2023 Annual Budget
Preliminary
TOTAL
Jan - Dec 23
Income
Concession Sales 12,480.00
Grant 125,000.00
Rent 36,720.00
Sales -
Sponsorship 30,000.00
Ticket Sales 39,000.00
Unrestricted Contributions 8,000.00
Total Income 251,200.00
Expense
Advertising and Promotion 360.00
Automobile Expense 282.00
Bank Service Charges 100.00
Cable & Satellite 566.00
Cash 3,317.00
Computer and Internet Expenses 2,000.00
Concession Supplies 7,586.00
Donations -
Fundraising Expense 150.00
Insurance Expense 1,704.00
Educational Programs 5,000.00
Janitorial Services 1,054.00
Marketing 3,900.00
Meals and Entertainment 1,252.00
Office Supplies 580.00
Payroll Expenses 69,000.00
Ambience Music Licensing 3,015.00
Production Show Budget 33,000.00
Production Show Talent 5,400.00
Production/Show Licensing 3,811.00
Professional Fees
Accounting 5,800.00
Legal 1,000.00
Total Professional Fees 6,800.00
Rent Expense 74,944.00
Major Rennovations
Repairs and Maintenance 3,653.00
Security 1,443.00
Taxes
Food & Beverage Tax 367.00
Personal Property 500.00
Total Taxes 867.00
Telephone Expense 1,416.00
Theatre Small Equip & Supplies
Trash Service 500.00
Utilities 11,502.00
Total Expense 243,202.00
Net Operating Income 7,998.00