The Indiana Theatre’s Official Birthday Party! On January 28th, the Bloomington community is coming together to celebrate the 100th birthday of the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, which first opened its doors as the Indiana Theatre silent movie house on December 11th, 1922.

Let’s go all out! Guests are invited to dress to the nines in their favorite 1920s-inspired costumes. Doors open at 6:30 pm to check in, grab a cocktail and finger foods, and join us in the auditorium for a journey through time beginning with a presentation at 7:30 pm. After remarks from key contributors to the theater’s evolution, you’ll be invited to explore the spaces you’ve never seen with backstage tours and other exciting activities. No will-call will be available until doors open the day of the event.

Eat, drink, and dance! Tickets include a feast of hors d’oeuvres and sweets throughout the theater and throughout the night with special thanks to One World Catering. Tickets also include one drink ticket to two bars which will be serving specialty cocktails from Cardinal Spirits, local wine from Butler Winery, and fun beers from Upland Brewing Co.

Meet the Stars of the Show! We invite you to journey with us back to the Roaring Twenties, review the theater’s first 100 years and look forward to the next 100. The evening features remarks from former State Senator Vi Simpson, Dr. Norris Chumley (of the Buskirk-Chumley Family), professor emerita of IU African American and Diaspora Studies and former director of the Black Film Archive Dr. Audrey McCluskey, Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton, and more!

Join Us for the Party of the Century! It may be our anniversary but we’re throwing a party for you. We’re hoping you’ll join us in celebrating BCT’s last 10 decades as well as what’s to come in the next 10!

Event Schedule