April/May 2025
Photography // Courtesy of the Center
The Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel is more than just a venue for professional artists — it’s also a home for transformative programs like The Prism Project, a creative arts experience for young people with disabilities. Now entering its third year at the Center, the program is growing in purpose and popularity under the enthusiastic leadership of champion Kelly Fischer, a passionate educator, Carmel High School alumna and the program’s current director.
Bringing a Vision to Life
Fischer’s journey with The Prism Project began years ago in Muncie, where her son, Noah, who is blind, has autism, and is cognitively impaired, participated in the very first program.
When Fischer relocated to New Orleans, she realized the model didn’t yet exist in her new city. “I reached out to my friends at Ball State and said, ‘Would you guys be willing to teach me how to structure and run this program?’ And they were 100 percent for it.”
With their guidance, she launched a community-based version that still operates in New Orleans today.
After moving back to Indiana, Fischer initially considered commuting to Muncie for the original program but quickly realized that a local version could have a real impact.
“This could be a good thing for this community,” she recalled hearing from multiple people. Among the supporters was Cecilia Coble, President of the Fishers City Council, who helped connect Fischer with essential resources. Eventually, Fischer ran the program in Fishers for several years, but funding remained a constant hurdle.
Then came a chance conversation at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts.
“I was taking my son to an event, and I was like, ‘This place is so beautiful. Wouldn’t it be amazing if the performers had a place like this?’” Fischer recalled. “I ran into Julia [Shildmyer-Heighway at the Center], and she was just like, ‘You know, this really sounds like something the Center would be interested in.’”
That partnership has made all the difference.
“The Center is very generous in helping me make this program happen,” Fischer said. “We get to rehearse every day in the theater. So, by the time they perform, the stage feels like home.”
An Arts Camp Like No Other
Each summer, The Prism Project runs a multi-week camp focused on music, theater and dance. But this is not your typical arts camp.
“It is for children and young adults with disabilities,” Fischer said, “but everybody involved leaves with such a powerfully positive, moving experience — whether it be the actual performers, the staff or the volunteers.”
Room to Grow
This year, the camp filled up faster than ever, with a waiting list Fischer wishes she could accommodate.
“We can’t absorb more performers without certain resources in place,” Fischer said. “We always need more buddies — community members who are willing to spend 40 hours in June making a difference.”
The impact ripples far beyond the theater.
“When I surveyed buddies before and after the program, their comfort in interacting with people with disabilities increased dramatically,” Fischer shared. “That kind of shift reverberates throughout the community.”
Creativity Without Limits
In true Prism fashion, the final show is not a pre-scripted production.
“The performers create the show,” Fischer said. “One year, we had a boy who loved Tigger from Winnie the Pooh, so we made sure Tigger was in the show. Another year, a performer who didn’t want to be on stage learned to run the soundboard — and we moved it right onto the stage.”
Through innovation, compassion and community support, The Prism Project continues to affirm that everyone has a place in the spotlight.
For more information on The Prism Project or to become a volunteer buddy, visit thecenterpresents.org.
A Commitment to Arts Education and Outreach
Julia Shildmyer, Director of Education and Community Engagement at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, is passionate about creating cross-curricular experiences that make the arts accessible and meaningful for all ages.
Shildmyer shared, “So it didn’t take much to convince our administration that this is where it needed to be,” referring to the expansion and strategic direction of the Center’s educational programming.
One flagship program that continues to grow in popularity is Palladium PALS (Performing Arts Literary Season), a reading initiative that ties books to performances in the Center’s season.
“I started it probably eight or nine years ago,” Shildmyer explained. “I read all the books, and I write the questions. Kids submit their answers and then get to choose a show to attend. It’s exactly like those library summer reading programs we grew up with. I wanted that nostalgic, exciting feeling — earning a prize for reading, only now it’s a ticket to a live performance.”
The PALS program includes curated book lists for three different age groups, and it connects literature with shows like “Black Violin,” “Relevations” and more.
“It’s about integrating language arts with the performing arts,” Shildmyer said. “Not everyone can be on stage, but there are so many ways to engage.”
Among the most beloved offerings is the “Peanut Butter & Jam” series, designed for children ages one to seven.
“It’s only ten dollars for the child’s ticket, and two adults get in free,” Shildmyer noted. “Our final session this season features ‘Relevations’ in May, but we’ve got a great lineup for next year as well. It’s casual, it’s fun, but it’s still a theatrical experience.”
In July, the Center presents Jungle Jams, a rhythm-forward summer camp for ages five to seven in partnership with Bongo Boy Music School. Campers create musical instruments to take home, and the week culminates in a community drum circle celebration for families.
“It’s percussion-focused, but we introduce different instruments daily — violin, piano and more,” Shildmyer said. “There’s dancing, crafts and movement. It’s such a joyful, hands-on way for kids to experience music and teamwork.”
The Child and Adult Music Classes, taught by Michelle Marti, have become a local favorite.
“We’ve been offering these for about nine years now,” Shildmyer said. “They started with one Friday morning session, then we added another, and now we’ve expanded to Tuesdays. Classes fill quickly — we keep them small, only about nine or ten kids — and they’re interactive for both kids and their caregivers. We’ve got nannies, parents and even grandparents who attend.”
Teens and adults looking to deepen their vocal skills can enroll in Group Vocal Coaching, led by a seasoned musical theater professor with New York- and university-level experience.
“We’ve had participants ranging from 13 to 91,” Shildmyer said. “It ends with a performance on World Voice Day. It’s really about giving people confidence and community.”
Another impactful program is FrontRow, which allows music students to attend soundchecks and Q&A sessions with professional artists. “It’s one of my favorite things we do,” Shildmyer shared. “We’ve hosted students for artists like Chris Botti, Wynonna Judd, Pat Metheny — you name it.”
For aspiring musicians and comedians, there are several innovative adult classes this year. “Musician: From Hobby to Career,” taught by Brett Wiscons, guides participants through branding, touring, licensing and more.
“It’s a real-world roadmap from someone who’s doing it,” Shildmyer said.
Comedy lovers can also sign up for “Intro to Stand-Up” or the Stand-Up Practicum, which ends with a live showcase at the Studio Theater.
Meanwhile, ukulele classes remain a charming and popular option for teens and adults, with three levels of instruction ranging from beginner to advanced. Though some sessions are currently full, interested learners can join a waitlist.
With so many enriching options at the Center, Shildmyer sums up her mission simply: “Whether it’s reading, dancing, drumming or singing, there’s a place for everyone in the performing arts. Our goal is to meet people where they are, and then open a door.”
As participation in the Center’s arts education programs continues to rise, so too does the support from the community—proof that the mission of expanding access to the arts is one shared by many.
Engineering consulting firm American Structurepoint is now in its second year sponsoring the Prism Project. The support received from Westfield Veterinary Care has allowed the Child & Adult Music Class to add another session to its schedule. The programs for school groups have grown significantly with help from sponsors, including the revitalization of the free Science of Light & Sound presentation series, supported by Business Furniture and the Scientech Foundation, as well as a first-time investment from Performance Services to support the Student Matinee program.
For a complete list of programs and upcoming performances, visit thecenterpresents.org.
Kelly Lyons: “I am 22 and live in Carmel, Indiana. I love the Prism Project because it is my summer camp. I really love [to] dance. I like to do theater makeup. I really like to learn guitar. I have made friends there. This is my third year! I can’t wait!”
