What a great performance space! The first time I was able to check out this theatre is at iNDYfRINGE festival 2012, and it definitely had some great shows there, including BOT, which was freakin' spectacular! Not to mention, this space has a refreshment booth, which is always a plus. You've gotta appreciate these smaller performance spaces because it keeps the show more intimate with the audience, as well as getting the community involved in local theatre. I cannot stress enought how important it is for us to support that which makes our city special - the arts especially. I'm a huge advocate of small businesses and local artists, so forgive me if I sound huffy-puffy when I say GO RIGHT NOW! See some indie show that will probably never be seen again because some guy wrote it in his car because he needed the money for gas. You won't regret it! And even if you do regret it, you'll still walk away with a different point of view. That's the beauty of theatre! read more

TOTS, or Theatre On the Square, is one of Indy's best bets when wanting to take in local theater. TOTS offers a varying selection of plays and other types of shows, and is one of the main theaters used during the Indyfringe Festival in the fall. The Main Stage offers auditorium style seating. Stage 2 is more of an intimate setting that is primarily made up of four top tables and higher bar top seating. In both cases, if you want to feel as if your on stage, the front row will but you extremely close to the action. There is a small concession stand that offers drinks, including beer and wine, and snacks for cash prior to entering. Tips to keep in mind: **Seating for both stages is first come first serve, so make sure to arrive early if you wish to have all of your party sitting together. ***The main restroom is down a flight of stairs. They do have a single restroom on the top level near the main stage; however, it may or may not have a "Cast" sign **If you don't have time to visit their box office, they do use Vendini online ticketing, which will charge you a small fee. ***Parking - It's Mass Ave, so parking can be hard to come by. Factor extra time in when planning to arrive in time for shows ***If you tend to go to a lot of their shows, they usually offer a flex pass at the start of the season that is a good option. read more

I have been going to shows at Theatre on the Square since the late 80's (at that time it was located in Fountain Square) and in all these years, I have never been disappointed. Now TOTS is located downtown on Mass Ave. Parking can be atrocious, but once you walk through the doors and are immediately greeted by the friendliest people in theatre, all is forgiven. General admission means you should get there early if you want a front and center seat, but I can assure you, there is not a bad seat in the place. On our most recent visit, we arrived just minutes before the show started; we sat in the very last row as far left as you can sit....and it was still a great seat. We love live theatre and this is a great place to experience it without spending a fortune to do so. read more

Theatre On the Square - Performing Arts Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Small intimate theater on Mass Ave. There isn't a bad seat in the house. You get in quickly, get to your seat quickly, watch the performance, and can get out quickly. The seats are comfortable and so close to the stage that Stevie Wonder can see the performance. Seriously - what's there not to like about this place? I looked at some of the bad reviews and they are all bitching about *shows* the reviewer didn't like. That's like rating a movie theater badly because you went to watch a crappy Transformers movie and realized that it was made for 10 year old boys and chimps high on crystal meth who like explosions. You are reviewing the *premises* and not the artistic content that was presented there. read more

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Support Local Community Theatre! & this one is one of thee BEST, always edgy, usually alternative (if there's protesters, it's going to be good LOL) special rates for students & military & seniors, they often have those "practice" first night specials too read more

Came back to TOTS last night for the sequel to Don We Now Our Gay Apparel - "Fall On Your Knees". I SO wanted to love the sequel. I just couldn't. My friends and I discussed it at length as to what made it fall flat. First the things we loved: * One of the original Queens (in white dress) from last year was in the cast - still fabulous! * Three new Queens were a great addition although we did miss the other original Queens from last year. Now on to what we didn't like: * The 'skits' were kind of dumb. While I realize sequels are hard to make fresh, there just didn't seem to be any 'glue' holding them together. Some audience members left during intermission. I really feel the writing was lacking. * The supporting cast members didn't WOW us. Some had trouble projecting their voices so it was hard to hear them from the back row. * The theatre itself looked more rundown. Several seats were taped off and the steps up and down to the seats in the back rows were dicey. Our recollection from last year was more singing by the Queens in between skits. Last year, their versions of classic Christmas songs was the most entertaining part of the evening. This time they only did this a couple of times (loved All I Want For Christmas is Shoes). I think this production would have been so much better had the director repeated last year's format rather than make it a sequel. Although what would a relevant drag show be without a reference to Lady Gaga :-) More singing Queens please!!! Loved that the cast is very willing to pose for pictures. I'm still giving them 4 stars because I love supporting local theatre. read more

Well, they really try hard to entertain here. The acting is superb and the location is perfect. We like to have dinner, drinks and then come here for a show. We saw Poe Caberet in October and it is worth seeing again. I can't remember how many years they have been performing it here, but well worth the visit. Depending what stage your at, you will want to arrive a good 20 minutes before curtain. Seats are first come first serve and the good ones get taken right away. They have concession stand type snacks, local beer and some decent wine options. read more

My wife and I have been two TOTS a few times now. It's a great place to watch intimate theater. We just saw Kitchen Witches and we were pleased. We will be back! Quick tip: The refreshments are very reasonably priced. read more

We attended the Going Going Gone show, which happens once a month, and had a great time. Improv comedy based on a auction of the theatre owner's stuff. We all get play money and a chance to win bids on some fine memorabilia. Audience participation is part of the show. Drinks and food available for purchase. Super friendly staff. Close to stage views. Great times. read more

Tired of bar hopping? Take a seat and get ready to laugh. Fives years we have lived here in Indy and this was the first trip to Theatre On The Square, it will not be our last. T We saw An Adult Evening Of Shel Silverstein. His stuff has always been dark and this was just as dak! This show was being done on Stage 2 which is a smaller room. For any show in Stage 2 - get there early if you want a table! We didn't arrive until 15 minues before show time and had to sit along the wall. Not the worst seats. The show was 8 different skits and lasted about 2 hours. The cast was good and no one tried to be over the top. You are able to buy beer/wine and little treats if you would like. The building is well kept and looks nice. Stop by and enjoy a show. read more

I went to Theatre On the Square tonight to watch my friend in IndyProv, and what a fantastic show and cute venue! Theatre On the Square is tucked away on Mass Ave, which is a great location to easily find parking or grab dinner before a show, or my favorite, after show drinks :) As a theatre nerd I love small spaces and supporting small venues. This venue provides an intimate space, and as soon as you enter you feel like you are apart of the show. The arrangement was more cabaret style, with the audience close to stage and huddled around tables making it easy to grab a drink and enjoy the performance. Do not expect typical aisle seating or a "normal" theatre/audience arrangement. That is the point! It is supposed to be an intimate space. This is definitely a place that theatre lovers would enjoy and appreciate being so close-knit amongst the performers and the audience. This made the space perfect for an improv show since improv is best when the audience and players are able to feed off of each other. I felt like I left the show with a venue full of friends! Looking at the shows that Theatre On the Square will be hosting in the future, it seems that they do a good job of showcasing a variety of things and that they know what shows will really work in their space. I look forward to coming back soon! read more

I love Theatre on the Square. They have opened their space for 3 years now to host a 12 hour charity fundraiser with IndyProv and Comedy Sportz Indianapolis. The space isn't huge, but it's nice. I love supporting local theatre and local business owners. read more

Looking for an intimate theater? A place to take the parents when they come into town? That is exactly why I went to TOT this past weekend to see Enter Love. The cast was wonderful and it's a great feeling to know I am supporting our local artists that work so hard to bring attractions like this one to our city. I enjoyed the before "show" where two of the actors went around to interact with the audience, all in the shows theme which was set in an airport. They handed out airport blankets and pretzels. I thought it was cute and a good way to spend the time before the show. Not only was the show good, but this location really couldn't get any better for a night out on Mass ave. You are right next to some good restaurants like Pizzology, Union 50, Ralstons so its very convenient to make a night out of this. My Mom really enjoyed herself and that was the end goal of the night. I would recommend getting there 20 minutes early to get a good seat and a glass of wine/beer. There really is no bad seat in the house though. I just like to be in the center as much as possible. read more

Here for going going gone. The show is the best it's held once a month. They have candy and beer for sale. Restrooms are downstairs. read more

This weekend, a friend and I saw "Rapture, Blister, Burn" on the main stage. The show was great - the show itself has been all over, but we thought the acting was excellent. The theatre was very intimate, which was awesome. Really enjoyed how close you could be to the stage. Loved the setting in general. Don't come into the theatre late: you will be basically on stage. read more

I always have a great time at theatre on the square, or tots... I just love the local theatre and don't know how to rate the couple of shows I have been fortunate enough to see. Sometimes the scenery or scenic design isn't beyond superb, but the acting is. The acting makes it so the scenery is running a very distant second to everything else going one. (As it should.). I always enjoy the opportunities I have to see a show here read more

The play Calender girls was great! nothing at all wrong with the play I love live theater. I love the intimate seating small but accommodating. The location is great grab a bite catch a show. Now the good stuff that place is a dump! needs a major overhaul and cleaning. Haven't been to a theater in years but when I have gone they were really nice it was worth the price of admission. No play at this place should be more than 20.00 bucks! and it looks like it could be bed bug riddled! read more

My wife and I have attended two shows here now and both have been a blast! If you want a fun date night this venue offers a unique taste of Indianapolis with original local performances. They offer a selection of wine and beer as well as other non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy with the show. There are also plenty of restaurants along mass Ave. to enjoy a bite to eat either before or after the show. I advise getting there early or buying your tickets online early as seating is limited and very intimate. You'll have a great time! read more

Theatre On the Square - Reminds me of St. Susan's elementary school! - Performing Arts Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

I came here to see the Randy Dandies burlesque show. The theater staff was exceedingly nice, the place was clean, and the seats put you basically right up on the stage. They serve beer and wine in the lobby - pricey, but not as pricey as I have seen at other small theaters. I think it was $3 for a beer and $4 for a glass of wine. Overall a lovely experience. read more

Very intimate setting, a real treat for community theatre fans (4.5 stars for setting). I've only been once -- we saw Blackpool & Parrish in April. I'll say that I'm not a huge theater-goer--I thought the performance was OK, some actors definitely better than others (3 stars for the show). I was surprised when all the actors stood by the exit in the lobby like a reception line after the performance- that was unexpected! I will probably be back for other performances since I live nearby. read more

I have volunteered here that last couple days for the Fringe Fest 2011 and have had a great time working with the volunteers and staff. The venue is ok, but could use some serious lobby decorative & furniture donations. I know their budget is very small. The stages are both professional and comfortable and cool even on a hot day. I have seen some great plays including "Soucepaw", "Fly Over", "Little Red Riding Hood", "I was a virgin nudist" (@ Phoenix Basile), "The Third Life of Eddie Mann", and I would recommend ALL of them (2011 shows)... but they are in order with my favorite first. Soucepaw was brilliant drama. Fly Over was the "Clerks" of the Fringe with a Hamlet edge. Little Red was good suspense drama dealing with schizophrenia. What a great theater experience at the Fringe Fest. read more

Last night was our first time attending a performance at this theatre and it was also our last. We spent $23 a piece for a show that was absolutely the worst performance I have ever seen. We sat through a performance of The Reindeer Monologues and struggled to stay awake. The first actor on stage actually forgot his lines and the second came out with his script in hand and used it during his performance. There were a few highlights in the performances of the three female characters and the guy who played Comet wasn't too bad but overall this was a terrible production. I teach high school and the performance was way below our standards! Save yourself and skip this show! read more

Another awesome small venue downtown! Defending the caveman was awesome and so was kevin Burke. All the staff were great and the prices were fair. Only 80 seats at the main stage so get there early! We will be back! read more

Theatre on the Square is a nice local theatre with a great location, right on Mass Ave. I generally prefer the plays at the Phoenix, but TOTS does have a lot of great offerings as well. The actors are generally not equity, they are amateurs. But you wouldn't often know that when watching a show. read more

Expecting comedy -- not dark comedy -- tonight's "Theatre on the Square" performance of "8 Reindeer Monologues" left the majority of our party of 8 stunned and uncomfortable. Be forewarned, it is not a true comedy. The subject matter is, well, disturbing. A few funny bits along the way.... but overall a shocker. read more

Attended New/Next/Now as part of Indy Fringe. Nice intimate setting and comfortable seating

Very happy to have community theater in my neighborhood, and I appreciate the diversity of shows that TOTS offers. The atmosphere is laid back and inviting and the shows almost have the homey feel of a school play, except much more outrageous and much less politically correct. read more

Just saw "One Slight Hitch" in the cabaret theater! Talk about intimate - we were right up front and could practically touch the performers. Being hearing impaired, that was a plus because I knew I'd be able to hear everything even if the actor wasn't speaking in my direction. The only drawback was that either the crew sprayed some sort of air freshener on the premises during the intermission, or else one of the performers doused themselves with perfume, because there was a strong perfumy smell during the second act that made my asthma begin to flare up a touch. I'd consider going to another show - there is always something quirky and interesting playing there - but hopefully I'll not have to breathe in that smell again. read more

Theater is great the play was the worst! I was expecting a funny/ or somewhat on the edge Christmas play with 8 Reindeers and all you ended up with is Santa being a sadistic child molester. How depressing and a horrible way to start the Holiday Season. Yeah Yeah I should have known. First time I've ever walked out of live theater. Great company of friends but really, how can you laugh at child perversion!!!! I'm all for and ... But sick, I don't think so! Child molester = Comedy, how do you make that funny? Only live play I can say, why? Did anyone actually enjoy it? read more

Awesome local theatre. We saw Bat Boy the Musical this past Sunday evening and had a great time. This cult hit is one of my all time favorites and the cast didn't disappoint. I can't wait to check out future productions. Added bonus, Sunking, wine, and snacks are for sale and super inexpensive. Support the local arts and check out a show soon! read more

My second show seen at the Theatre on the Square was Unwrap your Candy, a spooky little presentation, specifically shown for the Halloween season, The play is a collection of several one act plays with no real common thread. This was the last performance of the play so the review might be not too relevant except as to comment about the performance space and the overall quality of the work presented at the Theatre on the Square. The acting for the most part was very good, One of the actors had some line trouble, that was a bit distracting. Overall, I would say that the show was tired, and the actors were a bit tired of doing it. It was, after all, the last time it was scheduled. We will go to the next presentation a bit earlier in the run. We saw this play in the more intimate setting of the small theatre next to the main stage. The setting was nice with tables for drinks and chairs that were a little uncomfortable for a 2 hour show. You were right next to the actors. It was fun to see the gestures and the expressions as the play went on. All in all, Live theatre is almost always fun to see and this was no exception. I look forward to other presentations by this group. read more