At its June 21, 2006 meeting, the Indio City Council, acting as the Redevelopment Agency Board, voted unanimously to approve a Lease Agreement with the Indio Performing Arts Center (IPAC) Board of Directors and to provide $300,000 in funding to assist in the initial renovations of the building.

In October, 2005, the Indio Redevelopment Agency purchased the Twisters building with the idea that it would eventually serve as an entertainment center attracting people to downtown Indio. The Twisters building is about 60 years old and, after serving as two different department stores, was converted into a movie and entertainment center in 1998. The facility later served as a Charter School for about a year and a half. As it is currently configured, the building includes a large lobby area, a full restaurant kitchen, reception/bar area, and three stadium-style theatres that each seats about 140 people.

The IPAC Board of Directors approved By-Laws at its June 1, 2006 meeting. At the same meeting, the Board also approved the proposed Lease Agreement as well as a Request for Proposal for Architectural Services to assist in identifying and designing needed renovations.

The Indio Performing Arts Center was granted 501c(3) status by the Internal Revenue Service on June 7, 2006. Being a recognized non-profit corporation is important because funds will need to be raised for both the renovations and operations of the IPAC.

The IPAC Board of Directors has developed a list of potential donors including 240 individuals, 100 foundations, 95 corporations, and eight grant opportunities. Fundraising ideas include “selling” each of the three theaters and naming the theater after the purchaser; “selling” seats and placing the purchaser’s name on each seat he or she buys; seeking donation of building supplies; and, once renovated, renting the facility to other interests, such as corporate events.

Some of the envisioned improvements include:
• “Green Rooms” (dressing rooms with electricity and plumbing for the actors)
• Stages, with curtains
• Sound and lighting
• ADA accessibility
• Removal of concession stands to open up the lobby area
• Signage, entrance improvements, and landscaping

IPAC’s goal is to open its inaugural season in Fall 2007. Proposed shows include:
• Charlie Jene
• Zero Hour
• Joanne Juliet Lapointe
• Antonio Joaquin Arizaga
• Mamaleh
• Nutcracker Bits
• The Life And Times of A. Einstein

The Indio Performing Arts Center will consist of three 125 seat theatres, which will combine outstanding arts and entertainment with state-of-the-art technology and acoustics. We will serve over 100,000 patrons and over 25,000 children with more than 250 performances annually.

The Indio Performing Arts Center will host stellar headliners and run the spectrum from the contemporary to the classic. In addition we will present musicals, popular entertainers, award-winning children's programs, international, folk and modern dance companies, classical performances, chamber music, choral ensembles, jazz, civic light opera, comedy as well as community programs and film festivals.

To further enhance the theatre experience, the Indio Performing Arts Center lobby will double as a fine art gallery for exhibitions by both local and internationally acclaimed artists. Our lobby will also be available for rent for concerts, corporate events and fundraisers.

 

For information, contact the Indio Performing Arts Center at (760) 775-5200.