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. read more

Phoenix Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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. read more

Phoenix Theatre - Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre entrance. - Performing Arts Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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. read more

See all

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! read more

See all

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

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. read more

See all

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! read more

Phoenix Theatre - Cocktails ... yes, please! - Performing Arts Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

See all

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. read more

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! read more

We rented out the Phoenix Theatre for a video shoot last week. It's a great space with awesome employees. We really appreciated the opportunity to utilize the theatre and learn about its history. read more

Phoenix Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

See all

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! read more

Wow what a wonderful place! This theatre will leave you feeling great and in the best mood. With a wonderful modern ambiance and great full service bar, you can't go wrong. The performances are always original and off the charts. See comedy and a musical in the same place! read more

Phoenix Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

We attended the Big Gay 4th event at The Park at The Phoenix on July 4th and it was a BLAST! They put on a great drag show with amazing, show-stopping, drop-dead-gorgeous, and surprisingly limber performers. We had such a fun time and there was plenty of food and great beer and a full bar. The owner said they planned and put on the show in only 13 days and I was shocked! I've been to events that have been running annually for many years that didn't go as smoothly as this. You could really see all the hard work and thought their staff puts in. From the owner/MC, the DJ, and the incredible performers, all the way to the wait staff and vendors, you could tell everyone was working their asses off to make sure it was a fun time. My only complaint would be the heat (obviously nothing they can do about it being sweltering on the 4th of July but fans, more shade, and maybe free water would have been immensely appreciated), and the smaller tables (there were 2 tiers of table tickets available, we had the lower tier) were somewhat smaller than expected. Ultimately though it didn't matter, it was a great show, a good time, and a great place to watch the down-town fireworks from. Overall very very impressed and would absolutely attend this every year! read more

See all

"You're telling me... she heard what I said over the sound of hot meat?" That's just one line from Neil Labute's Reasons to be Pretty that you can see at the Phoenix through August 1st. After August 1st... more historic lines and performances and experiences will be had in the 2010-11 season, and beyond! Sure, we have other local theatres in town... but The Phoenix feels really local, like your neighborhood playhouse: tucked into Chatham Arch, in an old church? Where you feel like people are just walking down the street to see the performances.... Affordable theatre ticket prices too... also consider it's going right back into supporting/sustaining the theatre. Like when they offer you a beer at their concession stand (and allow you to take it into the theatre!) that beer is going for a good cause. Oph! Whats that!? Champagne-in-a-can siting! Holla! Seeing the theatre company hold down the lambasting, whip smart, tough-as-nails dialogue is a solid test of what kind of talent they have; and, well, they have it! Stadium seating by the way... in the intimate setting... is a delicious combination. Cheers to The Phoenix for being a beacon of theatre. read more

Phoenix Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

See all

Specializing in new works that push the envelope and question social norms, you never know what you're going to get at the Phoenix Theatre, but it'll always be well-done and entertaining. I've laughed at a Jewish Christmas Tree skit in "O Come Let Us Adore Us" and watched three linked, but separate stories unfold through the lyrics of well known punk rock band Green Day in "American Idiot". Most recently, I saw "Pulp", a detective show set in the 30s. The lead, a drunken detective, is surrounded by four colorful authors, each perfectly embodying their genres: romance, science fiction, superhero and horror. The show is hilarious, without being over the top - which, in my opinion, is a tall task. I was also BLOWN AWAY by the revolving set, which allows for quick changes between 6 scenes throughout the show. I definitely recommend the Phoenix! read more

Phoenix Theatre - Guys. Go see this show. It's funny (without trying too hard), suspenseful (without being scary), and the revolving set will blow your mind. - Performing Arts Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

See all

Had a good time at "A Very Phoenix X-Mas 8: Angels We Have Heard While High". This is the second Christmas show I've seen at Phoenix, and both of them did not disappoint. Most of the sketches were light-hearted w/ some very funny moments. Not necessarily for kids due to language. In general, the Phoenix produces shows that are offbeat and a little different. They usually do first-run shows that have never been done in Indy before, and put their own unique twists to them. The atmosphere feels more laid-back and intimate than traditional theater. In other shows I have been to, they even invited audience participation or had patrons sitting on the stage. Expect the unexpected when you go to a show at Phoenix. read more

Oh, where to begin? The Phoenix tackles some hardcore topics and situations with its alternative show selection. Let's put it this way: Are you in the mood for something more challenging? Good ol' fashioned vulgar humor? Controversial relationships? Then snag your cheeky-self some tickets to a Phoenix production! Located in a renovated 1907 church in historic Chatham Arch neighborhood, part of the Mass Ave Arts & Theatre District, the theatre has two stages - a 130-seat main stage and a 65-seat cabaret style stage. Founder and Artistic Director Bryan Fonseca started the edgy theatre in 1983, and he continues to bring off-Broadway and undiscovered work to the community. He not only brings contemporary theatre to downtown Indy, but also teaches a number of classes for directing and acting to local students. Get your hands on those cheap seats opening week, and bring your gaggle for some wine and a feast of the sensibilities. The humble, dark theatre on the corner transports you into a world beyond your own. Every show I've seen bleeds for its audience! There's so much raw, gut-busting, in-yo-face, teeth-clenching talent passing through those walls. It feels like Indy's little Broadway away from Broadway. Be prepared for top-notch acting that catches that hidden spark within you and makes you feel like you're the only person in the audience. They are truly making magic at the Phoenix, so add this to your bucket list sooner than later. read more

The Phoenix Theater, a renovated 1907 church, is a local quaint theater that is off of the beaten path from the other Mass Ave Theaters. The Phoenix is actually made up of two theaters, the Livia & Steve Russell Stage and the Frank & Katrina Basil Stage. The larger theater, the Russell Stage, is located on the main level and offers stadium seating. It is first come first serve, so if you wish to sit front row, I would recommend arriving early. If you don't, your seats still won't be bad, and you will have an excellent view for whatever seat you get. The smaller of the two theaters is the Basil Stage, which is located in the lower level of the theater. The cabaret style seating offers a inmate setting between you and the performer on stage. One of the best things about the Phoenix is the works that they bring to the stage. They are current, edgy, thought provoking, and not the typical cookie-cutter ones you would expect to see. Somethings to consider when seeing a play here: -Parking- The theater is located in the middle of a neighborhood and there is no designated lot, only street parking . That is if you actually able to find it near the theater. Save yourself the trouble and park on Mass Ave and walk to the theater. -Handicap accessible- If you are unable to walk up and downstairs, I would plan for additional time in order to get into the theater itself. The elevator is a bit slow and be forewarned it is on the smaller side. - Cramped waiting space for Russell- The small hallway to this theater is used for the selling of drinks/snacks and can get a bit tight when everyone is waiting to enter -Online ticket ordering- there is a $3 fee when ordering online read more

The Phoenix has provided edgy theater in Indy for decades. Brian F has been the driving force in Indy for avante garde productions with his passion and creative vision. Tonight's 'Hand to God' production was hilarious, poignant and incredibly well acted. I mean, the puppets were real people. The play is both simplistic and complex reflecting old school humor, the angst of the human condition, the role of religion (and separately, the church), and our resourcefulness in deflecting responsibility/placing blame. The old church building has served well - and needs to be replaced. I'm hopeful that the donor community makes this happen. I look forward to continuing theatrical excellence for many years to come. The grassroots effort to address touchy and current subject matter has been inspired. read more

If someone were to look at me they wouldn't think, "he's a fan of live theater", but the handful of times I've been I really enjoy it. The Phoenix theatre is in its new building which isn't as interesting from the outside but way better inside. The stages are still intimate and the production is top notch. There is free parking across the street, a reasonably priced bar, and clean unisex bathrooms. read more

Phoenix Theatre - View from the back row. - Performing Arts Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Support Local Community Theatre! great playhouse in an old church, usually drinks or snacks are offered before the curtain goes up, NEVER miss their XMas shows!! read more

Phoenix Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

I just love this little theatre! Every seat in the house I a great seat. I was able to score a seat in the second row for The Cripple of the Inishmaan and I was thoroughly impressed with the actors! I will definitely be back! The best part? They sell $5 wine glasses ad they are a great pour! They also have deserts and nonalcoholic beverages and excellent prices. You can get cheap seats to shows the opening weekends and I believe they are about $13 a piece. It truly is a great place! Can't wait to see another play here! read more

Half price seats on Thursdays. You can buy beer, wine, and sodas in the lobby and bring them into the theater with you. I feel like this should be called the "Phoenix Playhouse" because it's just really intimate and has a great community vibe. "Theatre" sounds so fancy! We'll definitely be seeing more shows here in the future. Heads-up: you'll be parking in the streets around the theater and walking there. Bring an umbrella if it looks rainy. Lots of the streets are one-way so bring your GPS or smartphone if you're directionally impaired. I used Google map's "walking" directions once I parked to get to the venue. We went to see Avenue Q and had a great time. What a fun show! The audience was cracking up...except for that couple who was probably on a first date during the puppet sex scene. They just look uncomfortable. read more

This place is one of Indianapolis' best theatre venues. Hands down. The Phoenix Theatre isn't afraid to embrace edgy or theatre that is off the beaten path. You won't see this place producing "Our Town" or "Oklahoma." You'll find straight plays and musicals that cover touchier subjects: aids, homosexual relationships, politics, and anything else that pushes an audience's buttons. If you're looking to see more contemporary theatre as well, this is also the place. Lots of their season includes shows that have been on Broadway within the last five years or so. And, the best part, it won't break your bank. Tickets are usually in the $20-$30 range and for us young people, that's a huge plus. read more

I drive by this theater almost daily on my way home and yet it took IndyHub Passport to the Arts to finally get me in the door. This space is incredibly charming, as are the director, actors, and staff. It's a very intimate setting and all of the seats are great (because there are so few of them). So even though there aren't assigned seats, it doesn't matter! The building is deceivingly large on the inside but there are only a very few restrooms so be quick at intermission if you need to go! read more

There is one last production at this location and it ends this weekend! Go now if you've bookmarked it or if you just want to experience it. I love this Indy contemporary theater and it was one of my first experiences of theater as an adult. It's small, intimate and full of charm. I'm happy they're growing and updating but I will miss the quaint intimacy and history of this location. Sad face. read more

I absolute adore this theater. The nostalgia of my acting days, small theater, and great productions make it such a wonderful experience every time. (Ok- I've been there twice, but I am a newer Indy resident still)- and that number has immediate plans to increase. Recently, we went and say A Very Phoenix Xmas, as part of the Passport to the Arts series. I highly recommend the production. It was relevant, funny, entertaining, and was a great way to forget some of that holiday stress. There are 2 theaters in the Phoenix. The main, larger stage is upstairs and there is a smaller stage with more intimate seating downstairs. At least with Passport, they have always allowed food and drink inside the theater. Seating is first come, first serve, so you can choose your preferred area to sit (I go for front row, center myself). The Phoenix theater is a great way to support local theater, while watching new, modern, and relevant plays. Just be aware- not all productions are 'family friendly' but I love a little raunchiness in my theaters! read more

"Angels We Have Heard While High" was performed by a talented ensemble cast. Funny, adult, yet still sweet. Phoenix theater's intimate setting doesn't have a bad seat. Admission is just few dollars more than a Hollywood movie at the megaplex, but at Phoenix, you can take your picture during intermission in the sleigh prop. read more

Phoenix Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

By far, one of my favorite Theatres in the city. I have seen 5-10 shows there and I love that they always are outside of the box and pushing social limits. Differing from the classic shows you can see just about anywhere, the Phoenix will host local playwright's artworks; they'll do stuff fresh off of Broadway; and they'll always make you laugh or cry or laugh and cry! You always leave the affordable theatre with a message from the play to think about and ponder on. Great venue! read more

Godspell should have been a beautiful show but instead politics bled into it and detracted from the performance. We don't pay money for a show to hear your politic beliefs. We do not really care what your beliefs are but we also do not care to hear them. You ruined a beautiful show. Our family, along with many others around us, left at intermission. We only waited until intermission just to be respectful to the performers and others around us. read more

Quality plays are put on here. Right now they are located in an old church and have 2 theaters. One is regular theater seating and the other is more casual with tables and chairs. The expected little things about being in an old building are there but that makes it somewhat endearing; however, they are building a new theatre and will be moving there soon. Last night I saw Halftime with Don. It only has one weekend left and then one more play after that in this building and I recommend going before they move and then of course again after. read more

And it was fascinating, funny and full of life... The Hotel Nepenthe , go now before it's over .

My father used to participate in community theater productions. I haven't been to one since he passed. When my husband suggested attending a performance at the Phoenix I thought maybe it was about time to get back on the horse. I bought the tickets and we planned a day out around the show. I was up early the day of, really excited. I started getting ready way too early, talked Husband's ear off about where we were going to eat before, what we could do after, and - of course - how much fun I thought the show would be. We didn't end up attending the performance, sadly. We went to pick up the tickets per the instructions on the ticketweb receipt - "at the venue's box-office or point of entry up to one hour prior to the event or after the doors open". When I inquired, I was advised I would need to wait another 30 minutes for entry. I was confused and thought he may have misunderstood my question, so I tried to re-explain that I was just trying to pick up our tickets, not gain admittance. It was very important to this man to prove me wrong. It was very important for him to insinuate that I was less than intelligent. As a patron, I felt belittled and definitely not welcome at this venue. I'm certainly sure, at this point, I misunderstood something. I'm also sure that this could have been relayed to me with kindness, rather than the way it was handled. We immediately threw away our voucher for the tickets and left. We won't be returning. I gave a second star because it looked from the outside like a fun venue. read more

I've been here to see 2 shows (The Lyons; Love, Loss and What I Wore). I should really attend more shows here. Not only is it 2 blocks away from my house, but this little local theater always has a very interesting line up with a cozy local-art house feel. Staff is very friendly ( they waited to start the preshow info talk until my group arrived and took a picture of us after the show!). Cabaret seating with a little "bar"--serving drinks, including Sun King beer and wine, and little homemade pastries. Chatham arch location is private and quiet, but just a block off Mass Ave. Highly recommended. Sorry I missed Avenue Q recently. read more

See all

A great place to see a play. I now have seen about 6 or seven plays there. I think it used to be an old church not sure on that? For snacks and drinks you can get beer and wine and nibbles. It is a great venue so instead of going for drinks go for a play. read more

I'm flying high on love for local theater. Just got home from Avenue Q at the Phoenix Theater which was FANTASTIC. I've seen it before, in a bigger city on a larger stage, and let me tell you this neighborhood theater version was at least as good and may have been even better. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. read more

If you want edgy, contemporary theatre this is the place for you. The upcomimg 2016-17 season offers something for everyone.

As soon as I entered the place I knew I was in for a treat! The building had spirit and soul, the patrons had that lived in feeling that a house gets when you're happy and comfy. I went to see American Idiot and from the moment the show opened I was electrified in an orgasmic way. The director did such an intense job in focusing more on the story line than on the WOW visuals and that is a sign of a good director. The actors?? What can I say except that NOT ONE was bad or mediocre, they were ALL magically talented. I grew up in Miami and NYC, and I'm a playwright so I know all about theater, actually, like a good wine connoisseur, all I know is what I like and I fucking LOVED my experience at the Phoenix Theater. I hope to return to Indy one day and have the honor of sitting among such talent again! Thanks! read more

I have seen several amazing plays here and I am always impressed with how much they can do in such a small place. The plays are always fantastic and there is never a bad seat in the house. I'm a huge fan of small theater experiences and this venue takes the cake for Indianapolis! read more

This was a nice, quaint theater. It's not very big so there isn't a bad seat in the house. It is first come-first served seating so make sure to get there early. When I saw a performance here, I actually ended up sitting on stage. Yes, they have a small group of seats on stage, right next to the cast. The seats are hidden away from the audience so you're not on display. It was a very different experience than the typical one you get when going to a larger theater. The musical I saw was very good and the cast well rehearsed. The prices were cheap and this would make an excellent choice for your next date night. I would highly recommend coming here and seeing a show. Just get there early to make sure you get a seat. read more