Bloomington, Indiana – As the holiday season draws near, Constellation Stage & Screen is taking bold steps to create a new holiday tradition for Bloomington and beyond. With an exciting venue change and a dual offering of holiday productions, Constellation aims to bring even more festive cheer to the community this December. The theater company, which has become a cherished staple of the local arts scene, is making the Waldron Arts Center its new home for the holidays, and with this transition comes the debut of two holiday shows—offering something for both families and mature audiences alike.
“We’re proud to make the Waldron Arts Center our new home for the holidays,” says Chad Rabinovitz, Artistic Director of Constellation Stage & Screen. “While we will continue to offer a large-scale, family-friendly musical, by producing in our own space, we’re able to bring Bloomington audiences a second show – one that is more geared toward mature audiences.”
The move to the Waldron Arts Center is a significant one for Constellation, marking the beginning of a fresh chapter for its beloved holiday programming. For years, the company’s Family Holiday Musical has been staged at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, where it became a yearly highlight for families in South-Central Indiana. But now, with the opportunity to perform in their own venue, Constellation is expanding its programming to include an additional show, offering something for everyone this holiday season.
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First established in 2006 by Cardinal Stage, Bloomington’s annual holiday show has become an anticipated tradition for thousands. In recent years, Constellation has carried the torch, and now the company is stepping up its game. “We often hear feedback from our Mainstage attendees that they’d like to see more opportunities throughout the season for adult theatergoers. By offering an additional show, we’re able to do just that,” says Rabinovitz.
This year’s offerings are designed to cater to a diverse range of audiences, ensuring that theater lovers of all ages can experience the magic of the holidays. Constellation’s holiday programming will include a large-scale family musical, sure to be a hit with children and families, and a second production that will cater specifically to a more mature crowd. By offering both, the company is enriching the theater landscape in Bloomington, giving its patrons more options for seasonal entertainment.
“Our goal is to give our community more opportunities to experience the magic of the season,” explains Managing Director Gabe Gloden. “We wanted to create a welcoming experience for everyone, whether they’re attending with their families or looking for a more adult-focused performance.”
To further enhance the holiday spirit, Constellation is reimagining its front-of-house experience with festive decor and seasonal activities throughout the venue. These changes are part of a broader effort to make the Waldron Arts Center a vibrant hub of holiday cheer, inviting the community to embrace the festive atmosphere both inside and outside the theater.
“We are eager to see how this transition impacts Constellation and the patron experience,” says Gloden. “This is a two-year experiment; we’ll evaluate it and remain flexible for future seasons to ensure each show is in the most appropriate venue based on its size and anticipated attendance.”
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Beyond offering a wider range of performances, Constellation remains committed to its mission of providing performance opportunities for local youth. The Family Holiday Musical will continue to feature youth ensembles, allowing children and teens from across South-Central Indiana to showcase their talents on stage. This longstanding commitment to fostering young talent is a cornerstone of Constellation’s holiday programming, and the company is excited to continue providing these opportunities in its new home.
In addition to its holiday programming, Constellation will soon be announcing its highly anticipated 25/26 Mainstage Season. The official announcement will take place on April 30 at the Waldron Arts Center during the company’s Season Announcement Party. At this exclusive event, Constellation Season Ticket Holders and Producer Society Members will be the first to hear about the upcoming season, including the two holiday productions that will kick off this new tradition.
The switch to the Waldron Arts Center marks an exciting new chapter for Constellation Stage & Screen. By expanding its holiday offerings and embracing a new venue, the company is looking forward to creating lasting memories for Bloomington’s theatergoers and continuing its mission of bringing high-quality live theater to the community. With a renewed focus on both family and adult audiences, Constellation’s holiday season is sure to shine brighter than ever before.
As December approaches, local residents can look forward to a festive season filled with theater, joy, and the magic that only live performances can bring. And as Constellation embraces this new holiday tradition, one thing is clear—there’s no better place to experience the wonder of the season than at the Waldron Arts Center.
