History

After the Dryfus Theatre was destroyed by fire in 1914, Lafayette was without a legitimate playhouse until 1920 when the Luna Amusement Company announced plans to construct a new theatre. Designed by Nicol, Scholer and Hoffman and built by A.E. Kemmer, the building is a significant architectural example of the Neo Classical design.  It was christened the Mars Theatre after a rural Lafayette woman submitted the name in a contest that won her $25. 

Opening night April 19th, 1921, featured comedian Ed Wynn’s traveling show, Carnival.  Wynn, who was billed as “The Perfect Fool,” experienced a long career on stage screen and television. He is perhaps best known for his comedic portrayal of Mary Poppins’ uncle who levitated when he laughed. 

Although the Mars Theatre was originally built as a vaudeville house, just six years after its opening, the Roaring 20’s revolution of talking movies soon upstaged the touring troupes.  The period’s top names were familiar faces on the silver screen. 

The Mars continued operating primarily as a movie house until 1977 when Mr. Irving Long, president of the 4th Avenue Amusement Corporation donated the theatre to the city as a memorial to his father, Purdue alumnus, Dennis H. Long. The City changed the name to the Long Center for the Performing Arts to recognize the Long family’s generosity.  

Today the facility is owned by the City of Lafayette and managed by Long Center Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3).  The facility underwent a major renovation in 2000 and is slated for several upgrades over the next few years.  In 1981 the theatre was included on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Long Center for the Performing Arts is a truly community based venue by offering a wide range of high quality musical, comedy, and theatrical events, but also hosts performances by Purdue Bands & Orchestras, Purdue Musical Organizations, Lafayette Symphony Orchestra, Wabash Valley Youth Symphony, YWCA Y-Dance, Turning Pointe Academy and many others.  



Job Openings

The Long Center for the Performing Arts, a non-profit live performance complex in downtown Lafayette, is seeking applicants for the following part-time positions:

Tech Team Associate

www.longpac.org

Starting at $15.50/hr. and varies based on experience.

Job responsibilities will vary depending on scheduled events in the Long Center and the Lafayette Theater, but will include:

· Operating the lighting and/or sound systems during performances.

· Helping touring shows load in/load out equipment, merch, etc.

· Helping the Technical Director hang/focus lighting equipment per touring shows rider.

· Assisting the Technical Director with maintenance tasks around both the Long Center and Lafayette Theater

Hours will be part time by call.

Requirements:

· Ability to work nights and weekends.

· Ability to work at heights of up to 50 feet

· Ability to climb ladders

· Ability to Lift 50+ pounds

· Ability to work in the dark

· Ability to work in a fast paced, moving environment

Qualifications:

· Must be age 18+

· A valid driver’s license and/or reliable transportation to work (preferred)

· Previous experience in theater, i.e. acting, tech, stage management etc.

· Previous experience operating a fly rail system (preferred)

· Previous experience hanging and focusing stage lighting (preferred)

· Previous experience with theatrical sound consoles (preferred)

· Previous experience running follow spots (preferred)

Application: Submit resume and cover letter via email to Michael Kaufman at techdirector@longpac.org



 


Staff

John Hughey
Executive Director
john@longpac.org
Christine Isbell
Business Manager
cisbell@longpac.org
Stephanie Lester
Operations & Events Manager
events@longpac.org
Michael Kaufman
Technical Director
techdirector@longpac.org

Kristin Carnes
Fundraising & Marketing Coordinator
marketing@longpac.org

Mike Strong
Hospitality & Group Sales Coordinator
host@longpac.org
Miles Gresham-Miller
Box Office Manager


Long Center Board of Directors

Christin Claxton, President
Kyle Cray, Vice President
John Collier, Secretary
Diana Isbell, Treasurer

Gail Brickler
Randy Brist
Duane Carlisle
Kier Crites Muller
Jason Cottrell
Ilicia J. Hall







Contact Us

Box Office Walk-In Hours:  Open by appointment.


111 North Sixth Street
Lafayette, IN 47901
john@longpac.org
(765) 742-5664 ext 1


Prohibited Items

Starting Aug. 1, 2024

For the safety of the Long Center and Lafayette Theater’s guests, performers, and staff, all guests may be subject to visual inspection of person, parcels, bags, containers and/or clothing capable of concealing prohibited items. Guests may refuse inspections. However, management reserves the right to refuse entry.

For safety reasons, prohibited items may include but are not limited to the following:
- Weapons of any type, including firearms, knives, chains, and spiked jewelry
- Alcohol, drugs, illegal substances, or any paraphernalia associated with drug use
- Outside food or drinks
- Professional-grade audio/video recorders, professional cameras, tripods
- Backpacks and other bags exceeding 12” x 12” x 6”
- Cans, bottles, coolers, or other similar containers
- Clothing that displays obscene/offensive language and/or pictures (as determined by Long Center management)
- Laser pens/pointers of any type
- Noisemakers such as air horns
- Any other item deemed unacceptable by event/building management

If an item is revealed during a search, the guest may dispose of the item or return item to a safe storage location away from the Long Center or Lafayette Theater.


Directions & Parking

On-Street Parking is free in Lafayette
On-street parking week nights (5pm - 7am) and weekends are FREE with no time restrictions.
On-street parking weekdays (Mon.-Fri., 7am-5pm) is time restricted.


Garage Parking near the Long Center
Just one block away!
    - 7th Street Garage: 70 N 7th St, Lafayette, IN 47901
    - Denison Parking - Lafayette City Garage:  18 N 5th St, Lafayette, IN 47901

Pay for time parked during weekdays 7am-6pm. FREE evenings after 6pm and on weekends!


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