Next?

It’s an amicable separation sparked by the company’s decision to eliminate the position of Arts & Entertainment Editor—along with my Lou’s Views and Dining columns—in order to focus on its core business and political coverage.

My final columns as well as my 40 Under 40 profiles appeared in the Feb. 9 issue, although you will see some of my additional writing for the paper and online between now and my departure date. And beyond.

Local, serious journalism by outstanding, dedicated journalists matters and should never be taken for granted. Central Indiana is lucky to have IBJ and its owners should be praised for their commitment to news and thoughtful opinion.

Thanks to all who helped make it a great run.

As for me, I’m exploring many options for what’s next. As I cast the net wide for where I can be of service, I welcome your ideas, connections, and leads.

It’s been, as you can imagine, a very busy couple of weeks. I can’t get into specifics here about which puzzle pieces might fit together.

But I am excited to report that journalist Rick Pender and I have organized a conference for members of the American Theatre Critics Association in Cincinnati that’s happening the weekend of March 10. It will include four plays, panel discussions, an interactive theater and journalism ethics session that I’m running, and much more. It’s a format that we hope to replicate in cities around the country.

I’ll also be participating as an ATCA board member at the Intersections Summit this month at Milwaukee Repertory Theatre.

And leading a pub trivia battle at Who’s Yer Con in Indianapolis

And presenting the Steinberg and Osborn Awards at the Humana Festival in April.

And heading to St. Louis to represent ATCA at the annual TCG conference.

You can message me here with specific questions and to keep me in your loop. And please follow me on Twitter @louharry

“I’m still here” –Sondheim