rKF STUDios
ESTABLISHED 2021
THE RKF STUDIOS PARTNERSHIP
The Fort Wayne Summer Music Theatre (FWSMT) re-branded in 2019 as Indiana Musical Theatre Foundation (IMTF) under new leadership with a big vision! In a joint press release on May 9, 2021, Andrew Sherman (IMTF CEO) and Leslie Koehlinger Russ (Russ Koehlinger Foundation President) cut the ribbon on state-of-the-art administrative and mixed studio space that they co-designed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. At a time of public schools, entertainment venues, and business mandates to stay-at-home, IMTF announced its 22nd Season and raised the curtain on sold out performances of Les Miserable.
Reflecting on IMTF’s new home and partnership with the Russ Koehlinger Foundation, Sherman expressed that he is “thrilled to become Arts Anchors in this gorgeous, creative space. We can now focus on the future, positioning IMTF for innovative growth and sustainability in an industry that often struggles to remain financially viable.”
Home to two large theatre and dance studios that boast a stage door atmosphere for pre-production, rehearsals, performances and recitals, the facility presents an innovative hub for resilient arts organizations and gig-artists to collaborate and thrive. Amenities include full length wall-to-wall mirrors, floating LVT flooring, LED lighting, new mechanical systems and ADA compliant bathrooms, internet, audio, security, parking, and access to individual artists’ studios, hair and make-up room, costuming, set design, video/photography infinity wall, conference room, available administrative offices for rent or purchase, break room, and RKF’s Fishbowl, a multi-functional rehearsal and artists’ recording studio!
If you or your organization is interested in becoming an Artrium Anchor or Resident Artist/Educator, please complete the form link here or contact us at IMTFinc@gmail.com
STUDIO A ENTRANCE
STUDIO A
STUDIO B
THE FISHBOWL
ABOUT LESLIE KOEHLINGER RUSS, FOUNDER OF RKF STUDIOS, AND PRESIDENT OF THE RUSS KOEHLINGER FOUNDATION
The RKF mission is to help bring sustainable community transformation through arts-based impact investing. Through her philanthropy, Leslie brings an entrepreneurial triple threat advantage to projects by combining experience and skills as an entrepreneur, manager, and as a vocal and instrumental artist. With the Covid-19 pandemic brought unprecedented human isolation. Enabling innovative arts-based models that promote community-wide resilience is both timely and compelling. Leslie’s passion to serve Fort Wayne stems from a desire to give back to the community that gave her an enriched and grounded childhood experience. She has held executive level positions, served as a Director on numerous boards both in Texas and Indiana, and is currently working on her Doctorate in Global Leadership.
RKF is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization in the State of Indiana. Contributions are tax-deductible.
