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 currently home of the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra and the Long Center Theatre Organ Society’s 3 manual, 21 rank, Mighty Wurlitzer theatre organ. Many other arts organizations frequently perform on the stage of the Long Center including: Purdue Bands, Purdue Musical Organizations, Purdue Convocations, The Lafayette Ballet, the Passion Play, Wabash Valley Youth Symphony 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:
Hospitality & Group Sales Coordinator
www.longpac.org
Starting at $16 per hour
Essential functions: This position is responsible for set-up of bars, concessions and artist hospitality for events and shows. Responsible for meeting group sales goals. Serves as back-up to the front of house manager.
Duties and responsibilities:
• Manages all tasks related to the set-up and clean-up of all bars and concessions.
• Assists business office manager with management of inventory and product orders.
• Manages cash drawers for bars/concessions and assists with closing out, balancing and
• completing end of show and special events reports as needed.
• Coordinates stage show talent runners and merchandise sellers.
• Ensures backstage hospitality and dressing room areas are maintained to the highest standards.
• Ensures laundry is completed for backstage hospitality.
• Works stage shows and special events including bartending/house managing as needed.
• Works with the front of house team to provide creative ideas for bars and concessions sales.
• Able to lift 50+ lbs.
• Assists with load-in and load-out tasks for hospitality and deliveries.
• Cultivate group sales contacts for assigned shows.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Adaptable with the ability to execute and prioritize multiple tasks. Education and/or experience: Must be at least 21 years of age with at least two years bartending experience and valid liquor license. High school diploma or GED. Knows and follows proper food and beverage handling best practices.
Hours: Part time based on 25 hours per week, with schedule based on show calendar. Evening and weekend hours required.
Application: Submit resume and cover letter via email to John Hughey at john@longpac.org
Fundraising & Marketing Coordinator
www.longpac.org
Starting at $16 per hour
Essential functions: This position is responsible for coordinating show marketing plans and individual donor campaigns. Responsible for meeting fundraising and sales goals.
Duties and responsibilities:
• Create and manage marketing assets for Long Center Presents concerts & events.
• Oversee social media & email marketing efforts to promote events.
• Develop and implement a membership program to engage and retain individual donors.
• Create personalized donor acknowledgment and appreciation plans, including thank-you letters, emails, and recognition events.
• Maintain an organized database of donor information, contributions, and interactions.
• Regularly update donors on the impact of their contributions through various communication channels.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to produce sponsor-focused content and materials.
• As assigned, identify potential grant opportunities from foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
• Collect and analyze data to measure the effectiveness of individual donor gift campaigns.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Proficiency in social media platforms and digital marketing strategies. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment. Strong organizational skills with attention to detail. Adaptable with the ability to execute and prioritize multiple tasks. Education and/or experience: Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., communications, public relations). Proven experience in marketing, public relations, fundraising/development, or related roles.
Hours: Part time based on 25 hours per week, with schedule based on show calendar. Evening and weekend hours required.
Application: Submit resume and cover letter via email to John Hughey at john@longpac.org
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