Arena Dinner Theatre
by Alan North

At one time Arena Dinner Theatre was known as a communtiy theater organization that had the unfortunate task of finding a new venue for every performance. After a twenty two year odyssey - that started in the Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce building and included far flung performances in such places as "The Southwest Conservation Club", "The Sunset Reception Hall", and a bowling alley - Arena was able to purchase the old Art School at 517 Rockhill from IPFW in 1995.

According to Arena president Darrell Monroe Arena is now attempting to raise the $110,000.00 necessary to enlarge the Marge and Roland Waters Rehearsal Studio to accommodate the more complicated productions.

"Because of the difficulty in going from a small space (the rehearsal studio) to a larger space (Arena's stage) we just have to expand", Monroe stated. "Every time we move a production from the rehearsal studio to the mainstage we have had to re-stage the entire production."

Arena's patrons won't hear the sound of workmen's hammers just yet. Grant applications and pleas to Arena angels need to made. The "little theater that could" has a successful track record of overcoming the odds and adding a "can do" attitude to the Fort Wayne performing arts scene.