Jason Newkirk

Crump Art Director

Homepage: http://www.myspace.com/godofthetheatre
Feature By: Jonathan Earley

The Crump Theater, one of the oldest theaters in Indiana has been the topic of endless debate for decades. Once a thriving opera house over a century ago, the Crump has since faded to a much more humble state. With a mounting list of maintenance issues, and lack of support, the Crump has been on the verge of seeing its end.  However, with the sold-out performance of John Mellencamp in 2009, the Crump proved that it could be the home for much larger crowd attracting acts.

Enter stage left Jason Newkirk, the long-awaited art director of the Crump. Having performed for Disney and around the world, and having started his own production company in Indy, Jason may be the key ingredient to making the Crump boom for a new generation. 

C-buz: Could you describe your job as artistic director of the Crump?

Jason Newkirk: As the artistic director of the crump I over see all the productions the Crump mounts. I work with the actors as a director, and have the overall artistic vision to the show. I also help in the fundraising for the theatre as well.

CB: How were you first contacted by The Crump?

JN: I was actually on a tour of "Greater Tuna" about a year ago and we were booked into THE CRUMP! That’s when I met Rovene Quigley (Who is a great character!) I actually live in Broad Ripple in Indy when I'm not on the road, she knew that I own my own media production company in Indy. And she called me up and said "CAN I PUT ON A SHOW IN A MONTH?" I said "I don’t know if you can but I sure can!" she laughed and so started our Mickey and Judy relationship!

CB: Had you heard about the Crump before you got this new position?

JN: Actually yes. My parents actually own the number one paranormal group in the Midwest "Indy Ghost Hunters" and they had actually done an investigation at the Crump. Let’s just say it was a very weird house growing up with your sister being the girl next door, your mother who has an unhealthy love for toy poodles and your dad who is always out in the cemetery! Most people went to Disney World....We went to the Lizzie Borden House....! It’s all good! (laughs)

CB: What were you doing prior to this?

JN: I worked as a mainstage actor for Walt Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando during college.  I also toured in shows and have now performed around the world as a profesional actor with such stars as Susan Egan, Nathan Lane.  I also am a playwright as well with a show that goes up in Branson in 2012. And a show that goes up in Chicago this spring. I also have filmed several TV show pilots as well. And I am the founder of Newkey Productions in Indianapolis a Mass Media complex company that deals in all the aspects of the arts.

CB: Wow, that is a very impressive line up. were you reluctant at all to commit to a smaller town like Columbus after doing so many high-end projects around the world?

JN: Not at all, its a nice change of pace, I came from a small town I love the home atmosphere, and that's why they make planes. I fly out to Chicago and NYC for auditions and things as that still. And on the weekends usually spend time in Chicago. I'm just all over the place!

CB: What types of things are you passionate about?

JN: I am passionate about good causes, and the arts. I think there is a lack of support for the arts, as most of us know. I don’t think people understand that you can not like something but still support the art form. I'm not a fan of Rap music, but I would never not be open to it. I also feel that in many arts groups they play favorites and have their own set of people they like, and they don’t really open the organization up to the community. That’s not me. I am a very friendly person who likes to be around other people as well. I support all the arts groups as a whole and think that if everyone worked together you would see much higher results!

“The arts should always be for everyone. No matter who they are or what they do in them.”

CB: What do you know about the Columbus creative scene?

JN: I don’t know much since I have only been down here for a month now, but I’m learning. My cast for my first show keeps pointing things out to me.  But for a smaller town I am amazed with what I have seen so far, and can’t wait to meet everyone and every organization!

CB: What do you see for the future of the Crump?

JN:  I feel like now is the time for the Crump - to bring her back to her old glory days. I think what people don’t understand that once you get done with all the politics (and I NEVER get involved with that sort of thing, too much talk not enough action) you will see that with the proper restoration and a coat of new paint, the Crump will be a brand new theatre. This might take some time, but you shouldn’t judge a person by what the look like on the outside, the same with historical buildings. My goal is to bring the best of entertainment to the Crump with brand new shows, guest artists, bands, and speakers. To make people aware, to bring joy, fun and entertainment and to make the Crump be a thriving theatre like it once was.

CB: I'm sure you heard about the John Mellancamp show and how it was completely packed. Do you think the Crump would be able to attract that same type of crowd for a much "younger" or more youth-targeted music group?

JN: Yes! Big time! I am working as we speak to bring higher end music groups to the Crump, people who they love and I love as well. But to answr the question Yes! Its all about marketing!

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Crump Promotions
Posts: 19

the crump
Reply #19 on : Fri November 25, 2011, 04:47:44

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About five years ago I booked my first show at the crump, a benefit concert for a girl who was in a major car accident. From there I booked and promoted many shows. I worked closely along side Rovene and never once would I have said that she "ruled with an iron fist". During my duration working for the crump I booked out of state bands, local bands, metal bands, acoustic, and even a rap show. Rovene not only enjoyed all of the music there, but I even remember her jumping up on the stage during the rap show and performing her own rap.
Rovene was not a dictator, she was simply trying to give back to the community. The only reason that prices got so high was because the "security" people were the ones sneaking their friends in and leaving the side doors unlocked. Rovene had a vision as well, she wanted a safe, fun place for kids to spend their weekends and slowly but surely a few bad seeds turned into a whole rotten tree. Let's not attack her for a job I would call well done on her part. I hope that the Crump does become a thriving theatre once again. Not only for a place for the people of our community, but for the greatness of the history behind the building itself.

Yours Truly

uyaoguvnwa
Posts: 19

OyYrenJRdxdKFF
Reply #18 on : Thu August 25, 2011, 07:16:36

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Demelza
Posts: 19

teEKuohaRGQQM
Reply #17 on : Wed August 24, 2011, 06:39:53

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Wonderful explanation of facts avalaible here.

Amanda
Posts: 19

Re: Crump Art Director
Reply #16 on : Thu February 24, 2011, 02:00:57

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Lol. That is a very true story of what happened, I was there! And caring patron is 100 percent rovene quigley, cause she was the only one who was not invited back to the cast, after she pulled what she did. It's sad that the crump lost such a great person, who was actually trying to turn it over instead of try revenge on other performing arts group in the town, like you were doing. Shame on you rovene quigley. It was never about Jason, it was about someone finally standing up to you say g, what you are doing isn't right, and when he did, left and brought his own group to town you went for him again. Well the rest of us don't need to hide behind fake names. If any of you don't believe me, just read the posts about rovene at the start of this.

Charlotte harvey
Posts: 19

Caring for the crump
Reply #15 on : Thu February 24, 2011, 01:52:54

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Actually rovene, Jason left because you never paid him, and than you attacked him for being gay. And after you said you wanted nothing to do with the show dearly departed. That he was doing for the senior center, he took you out of the cast, and replaced you with another person who wanted to do the show. It's sad you need to write in as caring patron, when the sad truth is, he started to rebuild the theatre for you, giving you a website for the theatre, spending many hours, and when he wanted to do a show that was. In his production companies name and was to play a church you told him, it was either the crump or the church and he had to pull the church show. So Jason fed up, left and went back to Indy to once again leave the crump crumbling, with you in it. True story of what happened.

Caring Patron
Posts: 19

Caring for the Crump
Reply #14 on : Mon January 10, 2011, 15:15:21

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Some make some good comments here...but let's set some things straight...First, Rovene runs the Crump with an iron hand. That should be thanked not knocked as the theatre is still there and operable because of her hard work and persistence. Jason had some good ideas. He has talent...no question. But he lies and drinks. He steals from people. His dad's group is not the #1 group in the midwest. In fact the lying continues in that group which is why people no longer use their services. This is another reason Jason is no longer an employee at the Crump. It was about Jason, not the Crump itself. It is called self promotion. He stole a show the Crump just did and ran the show elsewhere in town under his company's name. Oh and did I mention replaced a few people he did not persoanlly like? People in Columbus will wise up fast to the big city mentality in a great historic town like Columbus.

Chris
Posts: 19

Re: Crump Art Director
Reply #13 on : Tue August 03, 2010, 02:01:06

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Have you guys ever thought that he was thinking about the High-End Entertainment because that is what the kids know! Not everyone knows about the local talent in their area! But EVERYONE knows the talent of High-End Entertainment! He never said that he wasn't going to book local talent. He just said that he was going to book stars that everyone would enjoy! Why don't you guys give him a chance. He owns his own media production company! Which means he knowns what he is doing. He has enough experience for the job! Maybe thats why they gave him such job! All I'm saying is give the man a chance and lets see what he does!

Alison Williams
Posts: 19

The Crump
Reply #12 on : Sun February 07, 2010, 08:30:28

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As I've started to get involved with the things Jason is doing at The Crump I've heard and ear-full of complaints about how the place is run, how things used to be, how other theatre groups run... and on and on.

You can't ever please everyone, but The Crump does have great potential both for local artists and touring artists.

I think I can speak on the behalf of most (probably all, but I don't want to be to presumptuous) of the cast of Arsenic and Old Lace in saying that we (the locals) are glad to have Jason's fresh vision and energy and are excited to see what great things he can spur at The Crump.

On another note, The Crump needs serious work, some cosmetic but also the plumbing in the building is deteriorating. With an increase in events hopefully The Crump can work towards having the money it needs to be repaired properly. I can't imagine anyone who cares about arts in our community wouldn't want that.

-Alison

Anonymous
Posts: 19

Re: Crump Art Director
Reply #11 on : Fri February 05, 2010, 15:54:29

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Hey All.

This is Jason.

A few things....

I actually toured in a band for 4 years, and head up one of the local music festivals in Indy as well. Local artists are my favorite.

No I didnt prance around in a leotard at Disneyland....it was Disneyworld.

You dont have to worry about the angel wings....they are about as old as my myspace page.

I think opinions are like assholes....everyone has one. Im not afraid to speak my mind.

You can either stand as a whole or make some action. Talk is cheap to me, it always has been. But this is what Im doing. Im open for suggestions....as always.


Jason Newkirk.

Anonymous
Posts: 19

Re: Crump Art Director
Reply #10 on : Wed February 03, 2010, 22:46:32

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BEADED NECKLACES!!!

Jenny Erb
Posts: 19

Re: Crump Art Director
Reply #9 on : Wed February 03, 2010, 10:43:53

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A Columbus feature as prominent as the Crump could use some fresh eyes! Jason's variety of experiences will be something Columbus has never seen before. It can be challenging to predict what type of experiences are in demand in a small town, but the only way you're going to get closer to meeting those demands is to try new things.

I'm happy to see that this hot topic is bringing some people out to share their opinions, because whether it's positive or negative, it's bringing a creative crowd together. Now, Jason's challenge is to build this group of people by finding more common ground.

Jason, my requests are to bring in some smaller but powerful artists (David McMillin...Mike Doughty...) and put the money behind marketing and promoting the event to ensure a packed house. Locally, I'd also love to utilize the enchanting lobby for a small creative fair for handmade/artistic vendors. I only represent one voice out of many, but that's one voice closer to knowing your target audience! Best of luck!

PMW
Posts: 19

Though
Reply #8 on : Tue February 02, 2010, 22:09:02

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maybe I am wrong to be outraged, cause the only people commenting either are part of this site or from out of town. I mean I live in Austin, Tx and am from Edinburgh, and If this is the Jordon I think it might be...he lives in Taiwan...

PMW
Posts: 19

Well
Reply #7 on : Tue February 02, 2010, 22:07:17

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Rovene was always the biggest problem with the crump. Deciding all by her ever so cultured self, what was music and what was "Noise". I recall some of the most interesting shows at the crump being interrupted by her ignorance. Storming on stage demanding that bands stop playing. The jackass sound guy that charged 200 bucks a show to simply let his equipment sit around the stage...Did this asshole even once do a soundcheck?...Plus the never had anybody checkin the doors, checkin braslets, stampin hands or doin a damn thing to makesure anyone actually payed. I'm not much for rules, but how about banning loitering outside while the show is going on? That might have kept crump shows about the music? Eh? Maybe people wouldn't have snuck in had it not been 8 bux to go so your friends from class' shitty band. I'm all for given shitty bands a chance, but 8 bux to see the laspis play for 3 weeks in a row is kinda weak...Instead lets blame all the kids who came out and tried to express themselves, instead of he incompetent management. So who gives a shit really...I can't wait the next time in town to pay 10 dollars to see 10 years of college! Thats HIGH END ENTERTAINMENT!

Jordan
Posts: 19

Re: Crump Art Director
Reply #6 on : Tue February 02, 2010, 04:45:27

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Yeah, I frankly didn't think anyone would even read this so my comment was totally knee-jerk based on the guy's sort of like 'oh this town is so QUAINT!' comments and his myspace, which still, honestly, should probably be given a 'people I might work with someday are going to see this' makeover or just be left off altogether.

Everyone who has posted on here so far has played shows at the Crump, and I'm sure we'll always hold a place in our tar-stained hearts for it. There is some give and take for sure but it's always been the buck stops with Rovene. I know exactly what Casey is referring to, and that period in time was definitely the high point in the Crump's history for me. When Murder by Death, Zolof, Folly, and a bunch of other really fun bands I can't remember right away came through. I'm extremely cynical but I wish the dude the best of luck, just being pragmatic about it this seems like a blow to the local community.

He lives out of town, doesn't seem particularly interested or knowledgable about music in general or regional music in particular. I agree with PMW below, I don't really see much in it for him to even please the local kids, just I hope he delegates to some more knowledgeable people.

Casey
Posts: 19

Re: Crump Art Director
Reply #5 on : Mon February 01, 2010, 22:59:15

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it sounds like jason is getting ready to do what i once did.

there was a time when i spent a lot of effort trying to bring a number of larger bands through this town. when rovene made the rent for shows too high for the bands to make any money coming through, i had to stop.

after i quit putting on shows, there was a number of people that started setting up events where local bands only got a chance to play. i heard the stories that jon speaks of, where kids snuck in and vandalism was prevalent.

i wish jason the best of luck and hope that he succeeds in his efforts in bringing decent entertainment to a worthy town.

jon
Posts: 19

Re: Crump Art Director
Reply #4 on : Mon February 01, 2010, 22:53:46

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i've played at the crump multiple times and have tons of friends who have played as well without any issues. from what i understand, there were issues with kids breaking windows, getting into shows without paying, setting off stink or smoke bombs, and all kinds of other crazy stuff.

i'm not going to remove any comments, because frankly, i'm just glad to see feedback at all. although, i've sort of come to expect that there are always going to be super pissed off people no matter what.

i think it's pretty crazy that you can be so hostile towards someone you've never even met. i'm sure if you just talk to him and explain the issues with local talent being screwed, he'd listen.

Last Edit: February 02, 2010, 00:02:08 by admin  

Brooke
Posts: 19

Re: Crump Art Director
Reply #3 on : Mon February 01, 2010, 17:38:57

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Exciting news for Columbus! This could be the big change that The Crump needs. I wish Jason the best in his new endeavor.

PMW
Posts: 19

Well Shit a brick
Reply #2 on : Mon February 01, 2010, 13:30:24

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It sounds like "High End Entertainment"= fuck local talent. It seems that at the crump the kids bands are out on their asses forever. 10 years or so ago when the crump reopened what was great about it was that you didn't just have to sit in the audience watching the bands, you could go home from a show and start your own band and play a show at the crump next fricken week! It looks like John Mellencamp but the nail in the coffin. Because now people see the "potential" of the crump. It can't be "wasted" on the kids anymore. Thats right kids do what I did move to Austin Tx, because your hometown doesn't give a shit, anymore. Jason Newkirk, don't finish what mellencamp started, don't kill this for the kids. You need to be talking to people in the local scene, whats left of it. You need to concentrate on people Like John Early and Adam Cooley. That is if you want to make art, not money. I appeal to you as an artist, give the kids a chance.

Jordan
Posts: 19

Why is this not terrible news?
Reply #1 on : Mon February 01, 2010, 12:26:49

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What a tool. I'm sure you'll delete this comment, but this guy is now the art director of a theater he's barely heard of in a town he's only lived in for one month? And because this guy put on a f*cking leotard and pranced around at Disneyland this is a godsend for Columbus? You're out of your minds. Rovena is crazy, this guy is no better. Look at his myspace! I like the gays and all, but dude is such a stereotype it's crazy. Might as well be wearing an open shirt with angel wings and white lipsti... oh never mind he is.

Ahh! No gigs have been posted!