I recently sat down with Van Kirby and Conrad Cortellini to discuss their exciting ideas to form a Broad Ripple Playhouse. Van is a member of the Real Estate Ambassador Group that was formed under the Broad Ripple Village Cultural District program. The mission for the group is to help decide what kind of development is desired for the Village and to help attract businesses and developers that can fulfill those desires. Conrad is a Broad Ripple architect. Both have been directors of the Broad Ripple Village Association.

"When the church at 62nd and Carrollton Avenue came up for sale," explained Van, "I thought: it has a stage and chairs and lights. All it needs is a little action. I threw the idea of a small theater for Broad Ripple to the movers and shakers of the Village."

Van and Conrad think the theater would be set up similar to the Phoenix Theater and Theater on the Square. "I think it's important to attract a good director to run the theater, and to find the person who has the vision that is right for Broad Ripple."

If you are interested in helping Broad Ripple develop a small theater group, contact Van Kirby at (317) 490-9550.