Phoenix Theatre

I love art and I don't claim to be too artsy so a chance visit to a theater show left me spellbound. Both by the actors and the space itself. Phoenix Theater is in the heart of downtown and this being my first visit I was amazed by the contemporary building which wasn't too huge but just the right size where we enjoyed a 2 hours long show around some really impactful issues in the world. The space seems to be non profit driven and built going by the donations wall and it's kept really clean and spotless. The staff is very friendly and they maneuvered effortlessly through the show. I saw people from all parts of the world, and professions attend the show and had invigorating conversations in the end. Definitely check out the shows and plan some especially during the colder season.

Super cool spot. Indianapolis has a lot of gems. They have quilts on the walls that tell stories of people being incarcerated. Once the show started, it was very intimate. We were greeted upon arrival. Everyone was super nice and friendly. I would like to go back for another show.

This theatre is amazing a great representation of what our city is and can be!! I will be attending & supporting the ARTS more events, plays musicals and much much More!

Beautiful new location here...they've really done a stellar job with it. Love to support local live theater. Bring back the Brewhaha fundraiser!

I'm not sure it's possible to say you love live theatre in Indy and not absolutely adore one of our true gems- Phoenix Theatre. A not-for-profit theatre started 38 years ago by Bryan Fonseca, one of Indy's true theatre legends who passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic, Phoenix Theatre has always been at the cutting edge of Indy's contemporary theatre scene. Phoenix Theatre actually kicked off the year I graduated from high school (If you say anything about my age, I will hunt you down). It's original home was at 749 N. Park Avenue in a 1907 church where the not so legendary, but certainly infamous, Jim Jones once preached. In May 2018, the Phoenix Theatre moved into its new digs at 705 N. Illinois in what is accurately known as the Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre. The Phoenix Theatre champions what they call IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) for all. While they worked hard to make their old space accessible, the truth is a 1907 building would never be completely accessible and the new space is a major improvement. Phoenix is a member of the National New Play Network and League of Indianapolis Theatres. It produces around 10-12 plays/shows per year and now also offers its spaces for rental. Spaces include the Christel DeHaan Grand Lobby, Odyssey Room, Multi-Purpose Room, Basile Stage, Russell Theatre, and the outdoor Park at the Phoenix. While I wouldn't quite say rental fees are "affordable," they are quite reasonable. Phoenix really stressed accessibility with its new location. The building itself is described as completely ADA accessible. The third Sunday of each show offers an ASL interpreter and blind/low-vision services. The website even includes information on public transportation and IndyGo (Indy's accessible bus service that is fairly pathetic but better than nothing). While they do address accessibility on their website, I would encourage them to be more open about seating options for wheelchair users and those with mobility impairments (It's not bad, but being up front helps people plan better). Phoenix does have its own parking lot, somewhat of a rarity downtown, and there's also metered parking around it. Phoenix does lean toward contemporary and often progressive stage productions. There are gender-neutral bathrooms and it's not uncommon to see stage productions across a variety of topics. This ain't your Grandma's Sunday School stage performances - this is thought-provoking, challenging, and culturally aware live theatre that truly lives into the Phoenix's IDEA. I now drive by Phoenix every day on my way home from work. I smile each and every time. It's a marvelous theatre and a true icon that has survived on the Indy scene for nearly four decades. While others have come and gone, the Phoenix survives and thrives even through having to adapt during the pandemic. There are certain Indianapolis theatres that I consider "must see." The Phoenix is undeniably one of them.

I went to an open mic event Friday July 28th that evening for That Peace Open Mic's 8th Year Anniversary Show. The event initially was going to be held outside, but due to extreme heat the evening was moved inside of Phoenix Theater. It was my first time at the Theater, there a small parking lot across the street, and there are plenty of street parking in the Phoenix Theater area. The Theater does showcase a lot of dope plays that's locally. The restrooms(sign not pictured) is all gender very spacious, clean, and just beautiful. As, I was headed towards the Open Mic event I noticed a lot of unique, colorful paintings by local Artists. Now, when I went to the room where the open mic was held at I witnessed beautiful singing, poetry, freestyle a song, more poetry, and singing. All those acts I seen on Friday night July 28th were all local acts, and they all did a phenomenal job. I can't wait to explore a play at Phoenix Theater. Try something new if you never experience a play, or open mic night you won't regret it.

Oh, I missed live theater so much over the past 20 months!! The Phoenix is back up and running! The first show since the shut down is Alabaster, which I had the pleasure of seeing last Friday, and it was excellent! I won't give away plot details, but it involves a cast of 4 women, 2 of whom are goats, and two who are working through traumas in their lives via art. Yes, it has some heavy elements, but also some laughs...remember...two of the characters are goats...For those ready to return to the theater, they are keeping things as safe as possible. They are requiring proof of vaccination for everyone over 12; the Bindle app is their preferred method of providing this information, and I found it very easy to set up. They will also take copies of vaccination cards plus a photo ID. They are requiring masks at all times unless actively eating or drinking and have upgraded the air filtration system. The theater was maybe only a third full, which was good for spreading out, but I do worry that this won't pay the bills...another change is that they are now doing reserved seating with tiered pricing rather than open seating all at one price. Personally I'm a fan of the new system. If I'm going with a group, I like to be sure we can sit together. If you're feeling at all ready to head back to a theater, I'd recommend starting here; both theaters are fairly small so the crowds are never big even when full, and the vaccination and mask requirements make this as safe as possible. If you're not ready to be among a group in a theater yet, but you'd like to keep local theater around, and are able to do so, a donation would likely be very helpful!

Great addition to Indianapolis. I often forget about Phoenix Theatre and feel it's definitely a hidden gem. I've been before but went again recently for their one woman show of Wild Horses. Venue is bright and open and clean. Bathrooms are awesome-should be a model for all gender neutral bathrooms! I appreciate the time and talent that goes into promoting the arts and local theater and hope to return.

Beautiful theater. Very welcoming and oh so intimate. Really enjoyed the ease of getting to and from theater and free parking is just across the street. The play, Grandmothers, was mediocre at best!

What an amazing venue to enjoy a live performance! In addition to wonderfully creative shows performed by super talented actors, the staff members are friendly, the cocktail selection is nice, and the gender-neutral bathrooms are clean and well maintained.As a family, we have enjoyed their holiday show for the past two years and we hope to continue the tradition!