by Keianna Rae Harrison

People make the world go ‘round… we all know that’s true. And it’s no different here in our own city. Indy’s got some super, superstars whose accolades and accomplishments earn them celebrity status in the limelight on a regular basis. Kudos for the great work!

This blog is dedicated to showcasing Indy’s “hidden” talented people, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make Indy a better place for you and me.  The next Indy Hubber “Beyond the Spotlight” is our own Jennifer Turner.

Jennifer Turner, 32, says Indy’s a cool place to be – as community and corporate relations manager for the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT), understanding “the coolness quotient” is the key to her gig. Turner is responsible for working with current corporate sponsors, communications efforts, and helping to build interest and awareness for the IRT.

A marketing internship with a theatre several years ago sparked her passion. “I worked very, very hard that summer, but the result was extremely rewarding. I thoroughly enjoy my career in the arts,” she reflected.

Originally from Illinois, Turner came to Indy to go to grad school at Butler University studying English. She spent her undergrad at Illinois State University. After college, she spent some time in retail management and seven years as a production coordinator in the newspaper business before returning to her passion. She’s been with the IRT more than two years.

A Hoosier for almost ten years, Turner said she’s adjusted to life in Indy. “Indianapolis is like the ‘big city’ with a small city feeling,” she explained.  “You can get big city commodities like the Colts and the theatre in the same place where people say ‘hello’ when you walk down the street.” A residence downtown near Fountain Square makes it easy to walk to some of her favorite places including the Canal, India Garden and Siam Square.

The fellow Indy-Hubber is also involved in WFYI 20.40, a group of young professionals who provide ideas for programming and special event support to WFYI radio in Indianapolis.

Between her active social life, volunteer activities and love for the theatre, Jennifer Turner is a busy gal. She’s currently preparing for the opening of IRT shows this October. In it’s 38th season, the curtains will again open on October 6, with the showing of “The Heavens are Hung in Black,” a play celebrating the bicentennial of President Lincoln.

Jennifer Turner deserves Indy Hub’s pat-on-the-back for helping to make Indy a more enjoyable place to live. Make friends with her on Facebook at facebook.com/jenniferturner or look for her really soon on Smaller Indiana.

Go. See. Do.

Say “hey” to Jennifer and check out the IRT at the upcoming performance of actor/comedian John Leguizamo on July 31 or Aug. 1. Special events and reduced ticket prices for “young professionals” will be available beginning with the IRT’s new season in October. For more information, go online to www.irtlive.com or call 317.635.5252.


Keianna Rae Harrison (KR), a self-described Buckeyed-Hoosier, migrated across state lines just five years ago from Dayton, OH, aka, "Sleepy Town USA." The thirty-something downtown Indy resident enjoys salsa dancing, museum-hopping, homestore shopping and discovering new activities in Indianapolis. A lover of all things marketing communications, she is a small business owner, and has adopted the phrase, "This is GREAT PR!" as her life's personal mission statement. Find her electronically on Facebook at facebook.com/keiannarae, on Twitter @keiannarae or on her enter-at-your-own-risk blog: thechaoticsoul.com.