Why “Southbank”? In 1599 the Globe Theatre was constructed on the southbank of the River Thames in London. When we looked for inspiration for our own theatre company in Indianapolis, we tried to think of ways to connect to Shakespeare’s home base. At the Globe, the great traditions of the Western world were adapted, updated, and presented as mirrors to the early modern world. That’s one of the goals of Southbank Theatre Company: to produce thought provoking plays that engage traditional subjects in new ways and inspire us to think more deeply about our contemporary moment.
Southbank Theatre Company is a nonprofit theatre company dedicated to enriching the Indianapolis community – and beyond – through producing plays and musicals by both Indiana playwrights and playwrights of historical and contemporary significance. What makes us unique are our interests in history, politics, philosophy, and literature – and how those subjects can contribute to critical thinking, self-awareness, and social change.
New Play Development
In addition to loving the classics, we are committed to new play development. At least twice per year, we will host a rehearsed staged reading with a selected playwright to help develop their work and make it ready for submission. Plays that fit our thematic interests will be considered on a limited basis, and preference is given to members of the Indiana Playwrights Circle and residents of the state of Indiana. Only invited submissions to our new play development program are accepted at this time.
Southbank believes it is an honor and our duty to provide opportunities to diverse artists of all backgrounds. We want to develop our shared craft and build community, regardless of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, or military status. We acknowledge the historical exclusion of people of color, women, nonbinary, trans, and differently abled individuals in the theatre — and we want to be part of the solution! We embrace you as you are, whoever you are! All are welcome at Southbank!
Safety and Covid-19
Southbank is a nomadic theatre, and as such, we are required to follow the safety standards of each venue from which we rent a stage. When proof of Covid-19 vaccination is required by the venue, we will include that information on our tickets. We do encourage masking in the theatre, and when masks are required, we will let you know. If you’re sick, please contact us to change your tickets to another available date.
Featuring videos from artistic director Marcia Eppich-Harris and board member Carla Castaño
Marcia Eppich-Harris founded Southbank Theatre Company in 2021. She holds a PhD in Shakespeare and Dramatic Literature and taught at the college level for over fifteen years. She is a playwright, director, lyricist, and composer. Her writing includes plays, musicals, fiction, poetry, scholarship, and reviews — all influenced by the literature and history of the ancient Greeks and Romans, the British Medieval and Renaissance periods, as well as current events. In her creative writing, she focuses thematically on politics, philosophy, the arts, gender, family, and culture. Her plays Seneca and the Soul of Nero (2021), The Profession (2022), Seeking Nietzsche (2023), Troilus and Cressida: The Musical (2023), and Shit Cake (2024) all had their world premieres with Southbank. The Profession and Seneca and the Soul of Nero have been published by Next Stage Press.
Aric Harris holds a Masters degree in New Media Communications from Marquette University. Aric’s theatrical experience includes acting, directing, and backstage work. He is the founder and owner of TikiKitchen, Inc., a full-stack digital creative studio, focusing on digital and print marketing, web design and development, video editing, and motion graphics.
Karen Webster-Cones grew up in Indianapolis Community Theatre. She’s a singer, dancer, actor, stage manager, properties manager, scenic artist/designer, costumer, tech, director and musician. She’s been nominated for several Encore Awards for acting and costumes and has won Encores for singing and dancing. Her love of clothes and costumes began with her mother who taught her how to sew. She enjoys researching time periods and clothing styles to make sure the costumes support the story and vision of the production. Style, comfort, form and function are her goals in any show. She is very happy to be a part of the Southbank Theatre Company family.
Southbank Theatre Company is a nonprofit, tax exempt 501(c)3. That means every financial contribution is tax deductible! No matter how big or small, your contribution supports theatre artists and the stories they bring to our audiences. With your help, we will be able to build a sustainable, creative company in Indianapolis that will celebrate emerging and established artists from all backgrounds.
