Chris Lingner hasn’t lived in Fishers for long, but he’s wasted no time immersing himself in the local community.
A Founding Company Member at the Indianapolis Ballet, Lingner moved into The Depot at Nickel Plate with his wife in 2018. Later that year, he became one of the first seven members of the new Fishers Arts & Culture Commission. Over the past year, he’s worked with the other Commissioners to accelerate arts and cultural initiatives around Fishers, including updating the Community Art Master Plan, originally developed in 2014.
“We’re working to use our resources responsibly and effectively to facilitate a higher quality of arts and culture in Fishers, and really take things to the next level,” said Lingner.
Lingner grew up on the westside of Indianapolis by Eagle Creek. As a child, he practiced tap, jazz, ballet, and contemporary dance. He began his ballet career in 2009 when he joined the National Tour of Twyla Tharp’s Movin’ Out, dancing the principal roles of Eddie and James and making him one of the youngest performers to ever perform these roles.
“That’s where it all changed for me,” said Lingner. “It was my moment of being touched by greatness and my standards changed forever. I really wanted to pursue ballet.”
Since that life-changing moment in 2009, Lingner has danced with Cincinnati Ballet and toured with the company to The Joyce Theatre in New York City and the Kennedy Center. His musical theatre credits include Hairspray (Oasis of the Seas), Guys and Dolls (Flatrock Play House), and Jerome Robbins Broadway (The MUNY). As a producer, Lingner was nominated for a Tony Award as a Co-Producer for Broadway’s On the Town and Best Show of 2016 for his production of the first Ballet Royalty Gala in Havana, Cuba.
After living in Fishers for a little over a year, Lingner is enjoying getting to know the community, right from his home in the heart of downtown Fishers.
“We’re at the epicenter of a lot of growth. I find that really inspiring and fun to be around, even if there is construction going on. It’s invigorating,” said Lingner. “We’re finding new things almost every weekend.”
Q&A
NEIGHBORHOOD: Nickel Plate District
FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT: “Thai Sushi House and Four Day Ray. I’m really excited The Yard at Fishers District.”
FAVORITE FISHERS PARKS: “We’ve only recently been exploring more of those. We just recently started walking over to Holland Park and really enjoy it.”
FAVORITE LOCAL BUSINESS: “My wife loves Gallery 116.”
FAVORITE WAY TO SPEND A SATURDAY: “Get up early and go to the Fishers Farmers’ Market. That has impressed me every time I’ve gone. Then hit up a park and walk around, and later grab lunch and dinner at one of my favorite restaurants.”