Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Civic Theatre and the Indianapolis theatre community were heavily impacted by the HIV/AIDS Epidemic. Many talented performers, directors, patrons, and crew members were lost during this time. These were neighbors, friends, partners, and cast mates of Civic Family members who are still involved in the community today.
As we get a glimpse of this time period through the lens of RENT, it is important to remember the real lives affected by this deadly disease. Civic and other Central Indiana theaters would not survive without those who dedicate their time and talents to this craft. We are proud to honor them.
For more information about the HIV/AIDS Epidemic, please visit HIV.GOV,
If you know of Civic family members who should be added to this list or have photographs you would like to share, please contact Julia Bonnett at julia@civictheatre.org.
ALAN ALDERSON
Alan was a singer, actor, and pianist from Greenwood. At Civic, he starred in many Civic productions including MISS MOFFAT (with Ginger Rogers), THE COUNTRY WIFE, DEATHTRAP, THE DINING ROOM, THE WIZARD OF OZ (Scarecrow), and CAMELOT (Lancelot). Alan graduated from IU and was part of the Singing Hoosiers. Alan passed away in 1987. He was 25.
SCOTT ARENDALL
Scott was a theatre industry entrepreneur, actor, graphic designer, and volunteer. He starred as Huck Finn in Civic's world premiere production of HUCK & JIM. He toured nationally with Neil Simon's COME BLOW YOUR HORN and Lerner and Loewe's MY FAIR LADY. Scott worked in marketing at IRT. Scott passed away in 1994. He was 32.
STAN HANESWORTH
Stan appeared in several Civic productions in the 1980s including THE WIZARD OF OZ, ARSENIC & OLD LACE, OKLAHOMA!, CABARET, and ANYTHING GOES. He was a microbiologist for the Indiana State Board of Health. Stan passed away in 1987. He was 34.
MICHAEL KLASS
Michael served as the Director of Marketing, Director of Education, and Box Office Manager for Civic in the 1980s. Michael also had a big part in establishing the Jr. Civic Musical. He also frequently performed and directed for Civic. Michael passed away in 1997. He was 34.
KARL KLIPPEL
Karl Klippel (stage name Karl Kastle) was an accomplished performer from Evansville and a Butler Bulldog. He had an extensive dance background and appeared in Civic's productions of CARNIVAL, PIPPIN, and CABARET. Karl passed away in 2015. He was 56.
TED LIGHTFOOT
Ted was a charismatic performer who appeared in several Civic productions, including BUBBLING BROWN SUGAR (with Angela Brown), MISS MOFFAT (with Ginger Rogers), RASIN, and COLE. Ted graduated from Butler University and was employed at Allison Gas Turbines. Ted passed away in 1993. He was 36.
TROY LONGEST
Troy was an accomplished scenic artist, actor, and director. A long-time scenic artist for IRT, Troy's work was also featured at Civic Theatre, Purdue University, Toledo Repertory Theatre, and Civic Theatre of Lafayette. Troy passed away in 2004. He was 38.
TIM MEDENWALD
Tim was an accomplished dancer and appeared in Civic’s productions of ANNIE, SOUTH PACIFIC, THE WIZARD OF OZ, and GODSPELL. Tim passed away in 1991. He was 33.
JEFF MEHARRY
Jeff was a member of the Indianapolis theatre community. Jeff passed away in 1995. He was 31.
RG MOORE
R.G. Moore was an active performer in the Indianapolis area, having been in productions at Civic, Footlite Musicals, the American Cabaret Theatre, and more. R.G. moved to Florida in the 1980s where he continued performing.
NORMAN MOUSER
Norman was a Civic volunteer and husband of staff member, Norman Brandenstein. He often worked as a bartender for Opening Night parties for Civic shows. He shared a home with Norman Brandenstein, Michael Klass, Steve Poe, and former Civic staff member, David Ratts. Norman passed away in 1994. He was 34.
DAVID NEIGHBORS
David was a force within the Indianapolis theatre community, beginning his theatrical career as a Jr. Civic student. He was an accomplished performer, director, and Jr. Civic instructor. He was a performer with the New York City Opera and performed professionally across the nation. David passed away in 1989. He was 40.
JEFFREY NEWKIRK
Jeff was an Indianapolis actor who performed at a variety of theaters in the city. He was seen at Civic in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES and CAN-CAN. Jeff passed away in 1996. He was 32.
STEVEN POE
Steve was an actor, crew member, hair stylist, and makeup artist for Civic Theatre in the 1980s. He was involved with several productions including MISS MOFFAT. Steve appeared on stage Civic's productions of THE MUSIC MAN, SOUTH PACIFIC, NO, NO NANETTE, PETER PAN, LI'L ABNER, and BARNUM. Steve died in 1994. He was 40.
JEFF REEVES
Jeff was a talented actor and singer, who appeared in many Civic productions including THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE (1990), JOSEPH…DREAMCOAT (2001 Pharaoh), and LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (2008 Orin Scrivelo, DDS). Jeff passed away in 2018. He was 57.
DENNY YOUNT
Denny was active in the Indianapolis community as a musical director and owned Costumes by Margie. He was the musical director for Civic's productions of 42ND STREET, PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES. He was a choir director at North Montgomery High School and the assistant director of the Purdue Music Organization. Denny passed away in 1993. He was 37.
JOHN WURZ
John was an Indianapolis actor and dancer with ties to several local theatres including Phoenix, Theater on the Square, and the American Cabaret Theater. John passed away in 1991. He was 26.
JOIN THE FIGHT AGAINST HIV & AIDS
Founded in 1987, Damien Center is Indiana’s oldest and largest AIDS service organization (ASO) and serves more than 6,000 individuals affected and infected by HIV/AIDS through a comprehensive, innovative approach to HIV care and prevention.
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is the philanthropic heart of Broadway, helping people across the country and across the street receive lifesaving medications, health care, nutritious meals, counseling and emergency financial assistance.
amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, is one of the world’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to the support of AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education, and advocacy.
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