MAN OVERCOMES FEAR TO SKYDIVE FOR ARTS EDUCATION
On August 24th, Brent E. Marty came to Skydive Indianapolis to jump out of a plane at 13,000 feet and free fall at 120 mph.
He wasn’t exactly looking forward it.
You see, Brent is terrified of heights. More importantly, he’s the Director of Music and Education at Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre in Carmel, Indiana.
Last June, in preparing for a fundraiser for the Junior Civic Program, parent and board member Angela Wagner had a novel idea: she would buy a skydive gift certificate and it would be auctioned off as, “How Much Will You Pay to See Mr. Marty Skydive?”
“He is notoriously afraid of heights. We were in St. Louis for an event, and we did the arch…he was a wreck.” Wagner said.
Luckily, Mr. Marty is a good sport and completely dedicated to arts education. The starting bid for his skydive was $1,000, the final bid was $2,000. Even more funds were raised via Facebook in the days leading up to his jump.
“If I can raise money, and support something important like arts education, then I’ll do it. That’s what makes it worth it for me.”
After his skydive After his skydive, Marty described his experience:
“When I got on the plane, I was nervous, but it really got real when the plane leveled out, the door opened, and it was time to leave. But once you get over the fear, it’s incredible.” Being under canopy was stunningly beautiful, the skies were so blue and clear, I could see Indianapolis.”
Over a dozen Junior Civic students, friends and family members were on hand to support Marty.
“The kids love this. They know how hard this is for him, and they understand that he’s doing it for them.” commented Melisa Hook, Marketing & Events Manager for The Civic.
“I think I showed the kids that it’s important to take challenges, especially if it’s something that’s near and dear to your heart.”
As Skydive Indianapolis General Manager, Ted Freidline, stated, “We have people skydive for lots of reasons; but this is really a one-of-a-kind. All of our instructors are USPA-rated, have thousands of skydives and we have a great safety record. He knew he’d be in good hands!
Want To Know More about Booth Tarkington Civic Theater?
Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre is the largest of more than 70 Indiana community theatres and one of the top ten largest of over 70,000 active community theatres in the United States. They are also considered the nation’s longest continuously operating community theatre.
Arts Education and The Civic
The “Civic” provides a broad range (100+ class offerings) of performing arts workshops for students, ages 18 months and older, with formal written evaluations, advanced levels of study, ties to academic standards, and established professionals as instructors.
Our philosophy is to create a superior performer through proper technique and intensive study. This approach promotes meaningful and lasting change in the life of each student, whether or not they pursue a career in the performing arts.
Our mission is to foster a love of theatre through imagination, education, and participation.