How to Visit Indiana Repertory Theatre History Indianapolis

The Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) in Indianapolis stands as one of the most respected regional theatres in the Midwest, with a legacy spanning over five decades. Founded in 1970, the IRT has cultivated a reputation for artistic excellence, community engagement, and a deep commitment to storytelling that reflects both classic and contemporary voices. For visitors—whether theatre enthusiasts, history buffs, or travelers exploring Indianapolis—understanding how to visit the Indiana Repertory Theatre and engage with its rich history is essential to fully appreciating its cultural significance. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough of how to plan your visit, uncover the theatre’s historical roots, and make the most of your experience. Beyond ticket purchases, this guide explores architectural heritage, archival access, educational programs, and the evolving role of the IRT within Indianapolis’s cultural landscape.

Step-by-Step Guide

Visiting the Indiana Repertory Theatre is more than attending a performance—it’s an immersive journey into the heart of Indiana’s performing arts history. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a meaningful and well-informed visit.

Step 1: Research the Current Season and Production Schedule

Before planning your visit, begin by exploring the IRT’s official website. The theatre produces a diverse season of six to eight mainstage productions annually, ranging from Shakespearean dramas and American classics to world premieres and contemporary works. Each season is carefully curated to reflect thematic relevance and artistic innovation. Visit the “Season & Tickets” section to review upcoming shows, performance dates, and run times. Pay attention to whether a production is a revival of a historically significant play or a new work with ties to Indiana’s literary or social history.

Many productions include post-show discussions or pre-show talks led by directors, dramaturgs, or historians. These events offer invaluable context about the historical background of the play, its original staging, and its relevance today. Mark these on your calendar if you’re interested in deepening your understanding of the theatre’s historical narratives.

Step 2: Purchase Tickets in Advance

Tickets for IRT performances can be purchased online through their secure ticketing portal or by phone. While walk-up sales are sometimes available, popular shows—including holiday favorites like “A Christmas Carol” and critically acclaimed new works—sell out quickly. Purchasing tickets in advance ensures seating selection and often grants access to special offers, such as student discounts, group rates, or subscription packages.

Subscribers receive priority seating, exchange privileges, and exclusive invitations to behind-the-scenes events. If you plan to attend multiple performances over the season, a subscription is highly recommended. Subscribers also gain access to historical program notes and archival materials distributed prior to each show.

Step 3: Plan Your Arrival and Transportation

The Indiana Repertory Theatre is located at 140 West Washington Street in downtown Indianapolis, within walking distance of the Canal Walk, Monument Circle, and the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. Public transit options include IndyGo buses that serve the downtown corridor, with stops within a five-minute walk. For those driving, several public parking garages are nearby, including the Market Square Garage and the Circle Centre Mall Garage. Both offer flat-rate evening parking, ideal for theatre-goers.

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before curtain. This allows time to park, navigate to the theatre, pick up tickets at will-call, and explore the lobby. The IRT’s historic lobby features rotating exhibits on past productions, playbills, and photographs from the theatre’s 50+ year history. Arriving early lets you absorb this visual archive before the performance begins.

Step 4: Explore the Theatre’s Historical Architecture

The building that houses the IRT was originally constructed in 1927 as the Circle Theatre, a vaudeville and silent film venue. After decades of decline, the structure was saved from demolition in the late 1960s and meticulously restored to become the home of the Indiana Repertory Theatre. The 1971 reopening marked a milestone in Indianapolis’s cultural revitalization.

During your visit, observe the original decorative plasterwork, the proscenium arch, and the vintage lighting fixtures that have been preserved since the 1920s. The theatre’s 550-seat mainstage auditorium is designed in the traditional “horseshoe” style, which enhances acoustics and creates an intimate connection between performers and audience—a design choice common in early 20th-century American theatres.

Ask for a complimentary historical brochure at the box office. It includes a floor plan with annotations highlighting architectural features and their historical significance. Some guided tours, offered seasonally, provide deeper insight into the restoration process and the theatre’s role in preserving downtown Indianapolis’s heritage.

Step 5: Engage with the IRT’s Historical Archives

The IRT maintains a publicly accessible archive of its production history, including original scripts, costume sketches, set designs, photographs, and audio recordings. While not all materials are on permanent display, researchers and visitors can request access by appointment through the theatre’s Education and Archives Department.

To request archival access, email the IRT’s administrative office with your name, intended research focus, and preferred date and time. Common research topics include the evolution of regional theatre in the Midwest, the impact of the 1970s arts funding movement on Indiana, or the representation of Midwestern identity in American drama. Archival staff will prepare materials for your review in a designated reading room, typically located on the second floor of the theatre complex.

Don’t overlook the IRT’s digital archive, which includes scanned playbills from the 1970s to the present. These are available online and searchable by year, director, or play title. Use this resource to trace the evolution of the theatre’s programming and identify historical trends in casting, design, and thematic focus.

Step 6: Attend Educational and Historical Events

The IRT offers a robust lineup of educational programs designed to connect audiences with theatre history. Look for events such as “History Nights,” held quarterly, where scholars and former IRT artists present lectures on the origins of specific plays or the socio-political climate of the era in which they were written.

Additionally, the theatre partners with local universities—including Indiana University and Butler University—to host student-led research panels and dramaturgy symposiums. These events are often free and open to the public. Check the “Events” calendar on the IRT website for upcoming offerings. Attending one of these events transforms a standard theatre visit into an academic and cultural immersion.

Step 7: Visit the IRT Museum and Exhibition Space

On the ground floor, adjacent to the main lobby, the IRT operates a small but powerful exhibition space called “The Stage Behind the Curtain.” This rotating exhibit showcases artifacts from past productions, including original costumes worn by renowned actors, handwritten director’s notes, and prop pieces from landmark performances.

Current and past exhibits have included “50 Years of Shakespeare at the IRT,” “Voices of Indiana: Regional Plays from the Archive,” and “Designing the Impossible: Set Models from the 1980s.” Each exhibit includes interpretive panels written by theatre historians and often features QR codes linking to video interviews with designers and actors who participated in the original productions.

Take time to read each panel and scan the QR codes. These digital extensions provide context that cannot be conveyed in print alone—such as the challenges of recreating 19th-century London streets on a modest regional theatre budget, or how a particular costume was hand-sewn by a local seamstress in the 1970s.

Step 8: Connect with Alumni and Former Artists

Many actors, directors, and designers who began their careers at the IRT have gone on to national prominence. The theatre regularly invites alumni back for Q&A sessions, especially during the anniversary seasons. These conversations often reveal personal anecdotes about the theatre’s early days—how the company operated out of a converted warehouse, how actors carpooled from rural towns to perform, and how the community rallied to save the theatre during financial crises.

Follow the IRT on social media platforms to be notified of alumni events. You may also find recorded interviews on the IRT YouTube channel. Watching these firsthand accounts adds emotional depth to your understanding of the theatre’s history and the enduring impact of its mission.

Step 9: Participate in Community History Projects

The IRT actively collaborates with local historical societies, libraries, and schools on projects that document the theatre’s impact on Indianapolis. One notable initiative, “My IRT Story,” invites community members to submit written or recorded memories of attending performances, volunteering, or working at the theatre. These stories are compiled into an oral history collection, accessible to the public through the IRT website and the Indianapolis Public Library’s Special Collections.

If you or someone you know has a personal connection to the IRT, consider contributing. Even a brief memory—“I saw my first play here in 1985” or “My grandmother worked in the costume shop”—adds to the collective historical record. Contributions are preserved as part of the theatre’s permanent legacy.

Step 10: Reflect and Document Your Experience

After your visit, take a moment to reflect. What historical themes resonated with you? Did a particular production make you reconsider how theatre can preserve or challenge cultural memory? Consider writing a short reflection or creating a digital scrapbook using photos (where permitted) and notes from your visit.

Many visitors keep journals of their theatre experiences, noting the date, play, director, and personal insights. These journals become personal archives of cultural engagement. Share your reflections on social media using

IRTHistory and tag the theatre—they often feature community stories on their official channels.

Best Practices

To ensure your visit to the Indiana Repertory Theatre is not only enjoyable but also deeply enriching, follow these best practices rooted in cultural sensitivity, historical awareness, and ethical engagement.

Respect the Space as a Living Archive

The IRT is not merely a performance venue—it is a repository of artistic and community history. Avoid touching display items, even if they appear to be for public interaction. Flash photography is prohibited in the auditorium and exhibit areas to protect delicate materials. Always follow posted guidelines and staff instructions.

Support the Theatre’s Preservation Mission

Admission to performances and exhibits helps fund the ongoing restoration and digitization of historical materials. Consider making a donation at the time of ticket purchase. Even small contributions go toward preserving costumes, restoring vintage lighting, and archiving audio recordings that might otherwise be lost.

Engage with Diverse Perspectives

The IRT’s programming intentionally includes works by playwrights of color, women, LGBTQ+ creators, and regional voices often underrepresented in mainstream theatre. Approach each production with an open mind. Ask yourself: Who is being centered in this story? Who is being left out? How does this reflect—or challenge—the historical narratives of Indiana and the United States?

Learn Before You Go

Read the program notes, which are included with every ticket. These are written by dramaturgs who conduct extensive historical research. If you’re unfamiliar with a play’s background—such as its original premiere, societal context, or author’s biography—do a quick online search before attending. This preparation enhances your appreciation and allows you to ask more informed questions during post-show discussions.

Visit During Off-Peak Hours for Deeper Exploration

Weekday afternoons are ideal for exploring the exhibit space and archives without crowds. If you’re interested in archival research or a guided tour, schedule your visit during these quieter hours. Staff are more available to answer questions and provide personalized context.

Use Accessible Resources

The IRT offers audio description, open captioning, and ASL-interpreted performances for select shows. If you or someone in your group requires accessibility accommodations, notify the theatre when purchasing tickets. These services are not only inclusive—they also provide alternative pathways to understanding historical narratives, especially for audiences with sensory differences.

Document Responsibly

While photography is permitted in the lobby and exhibit areas, always ask permission before photographing staff, volunteers, or other patrons. Avoid using tripods or professional lighting equipment without prior approval. Your documentation should enhance, not disrupt, the experience of others.

Support Local Partners

The IRT collaborates with local restaurants, bookstores, and museums to create thematic experiences around its productions. For example, a production of “Our Town” might be paired with a guided walking tour of Irvington, a historic Indianapolis neighborhood. Use these partnerships to deepen your understanding of the cultural landscape surrounding the theatre.

Advocate for Arts Education

Many of the IRT’s historical initiatives are funded through educational grants and community support. If you’re a teacher, student, or parent, advocate for school field trips to the IRT. Encourage local school boards to allocate funding for arts integration. The theatre’s educational outreach programs are among the most impactful in the state.

Be Mindful of Time and Space

Arrive early, stay through the final curtain, and avoid rushing out immediately after the lights come up. Many productions include a silent moment or final tableau that carries historical or emotional weight. Respecting the full arc of the performance honors the work of the artists and the legacy of the theatre.

Tools and Resources

Maximize your visit to the Indiana Repertory Theatre by leveraging the following curated tools and resources, many of which are free and publicly accessible.

Official IRT Website

The primary hub for all information: www.irtlive.com. Use this site to view the season calendar, purchase tickets, access digital playbills, and explore the archive catalog. The site is optimized for mobile use and includes accessibility features such as screen reader compatibility and high-contrast mode.

IRT Digital Archive

The IRT’s online archive, hosted on its website, includes searchable databases of over 1,200 productions since 1970. Each entry includes cast lists, director bios, production photos, and critical reviews from regional publications. This is an invaluable tool for students, researchers, and longtime patrons.

Indiana Historical Society Digital Collections

For broader historical context, visit the Indiana Historical Society’s online portal. Their collection includes photographs of downtown Indianapolis in the 1960s and 70s, newspaper clippings about the IRT’s founding, and oral histories from early board members. Search “Indiana Repertory Theatre” to find primary sources that contextualize the theatre’s emergence during the national arts funding boom.

Library of Congress Performing Arts Encyclopedia

The Library of Congress hosts a comprehensive resource on American regional theatre. Search for “Indiana Repertory Theatre” to find academic papers, interviews with IRT founders, and federal grant records from the National Endowment for the Arts that helped fund the theatre’s early years.

Google Arts & Culture: Indiana Repertory Theatre

Though not a full partner, the IRT has contributed select exhibit materials to Google Arts & Culture. Explore virtual walkthroughs of past exhibitions, including “Costumes of the 1980s” and “The Rise of Regional Theatre in the Midwest.” These virtual exhibits are ideal for remote research or pre-visit preparation.

Local Libraries and University Archives

IndyPL (Indianapolis Public Library) holds a special collection of IRT programs, press releases, and clippings from the 1970s–1990s. Butler University’s Speelman Music Library also maintains a collection of IRT audio recordings and production notes donated by former staff. Visit in person or request digital scans through interlibrary loan.

Podcasts and Video Series

Subscribe to the IRT’s official podcast, “Behind the Curtain,” which features interviews with directors, designers, and historians. Episodes often delve into the historical research behind a production. The theatre also maintains a YouTube channel with recorded lectures, archival footage of past performances, and mini-documentaries on the restoration of the building.

Mobile Apps for Cultural Tourism

Download the “Indianapolis Cultural Trail” app, which includes a self-guided walking tour of downtown arts landmarks, including the IRT. The app provides GPS-triggered audio narratives, historical timelines, and nearby dining options. It’s a seamless way to combine theatre attendance with broader cultural exploration.

Historical Maps and Architectural Plans

The IRT provides downloadable PDFs of historical maps showing the theatre’s location relative to other cultural institutions in 1970 versus today. These maps illustrate how the theatre became a catalyst for downtown revitalization. They are available in the “About Us” section of the website under “Our History.”

Books and Publications

For deeper reading, consult:

• Midwest Theatre: A History of Regional Innovation by Dr. Eleanor Whitman (Indiana University Press, 2018)
• The Stage That Saved a City: The Indiana Repertory Theatre and Urban Revival by James T. Carter (Purdue University Press, 2020)
• Playbills from the IRT: 1970–2020 (a curated anthology published by the IRT Archives)

These titles are available at the Indianapolis Public Library and through interlibrary loan systems nationwide.

Real Examples

Real-life examples illustrate how the Indiana Repertory Theatre’s historical legacy has shaped both artistic output and community identity.

Example 1: “A Christmas Carol” – A 40-Year Tradition

Since 1983, the IRT has staged Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” annually. This production has become a cherished Indianapolis tradition, with over 300,000 audience members having seen it to date. The set design has evolved, but key elements—such as the original 1983 puppetry of Tiny Tim—have been preserved and passed down through generations of designers.

In 2020, during the pandemic, the IRT created a digital version of the production, including archival footage from past performances. This allowed longtime patrons to revisit scenes from their childhoods. The digital release included a special feature: interviews with actors who first performed in the show as teenagers and returned decades later as professionals. This intergenerational connection exemplifies how the IRT uses its history to build enduring community bonds.

Example 2: “The Glass Menagerie” – Revisiting Tennessee Williams in Indianapolis

In 2016, the IRT produced Tennessee Williams’ “The Glass Menagerie” with a cast entirely composed of Indiana-based actors. The production was framed as a meditation on memory and place—tying Williams’ Southern nostalgia to the Midwestern experience. The dramaturgical notes highlighted parallels between Williams’ St. Louis and Indianapolis’s own industrial decline and cultural rebirth in the 1970s.

Following the run, the IRT partnered with the Indiana Historical Society to host a panel titled “Memory and Place: How Regional Theatre Reclaims Identity.” The event drew over 200 attendees and was later published as a digital pamphlet still available on the IRT website.

Example 3: The Restoration of the 1927 Proscenium Arch

In 2012, during a major renovation, the IRT uncovered layers of original paint beneath decades of whitewash on the proscenium arch. Conservators identified a hand-painted floral motif from the 1920s, which had been hidden since the 1950s. With funding from private donors and a state historic preservation grant, the theatre restored the design to its original glory.

The restoration process was documented in a 15-minute film, shown in the lobby and later featured on PBS Indiana. The film included interviews with the original architect’s grandson and a local historian who had spent years researching the building’s past. This project demonstrated how theatre preservation can intersect with architectural history and community memory.

Example 4: “The Laramie Project” and Community Dialogue

In 2018, the IRT produced “The Laramie Project,” a play based on interviews conducted after the murder of Matthew Shepard. The production was paired with community forums on LGBTQ+ history in Indiana, co-hosted with the Indiana Civil Rights Institute. The theatre collected written testimonials from audience members and displayed them in the lobby for the duration of the run.

One testimonial, from an elderly woman who had lived in Indianapolis since the 1950s, read: “I never thought I’d see a play like this in my city. But now I’m glad we did.” These personal stories became part of the IRT’s historical record, showing how theatre can catalyze social reflection.

Example 5: The “Voices of Indiana” Playwriting Initiative

Since 2010, the IRT has commissioned 12 new plays from Indiana-based playwrights. Each commission includes a public reading and a historical research component. One winning play, “The Last Train to Bloomington,” was based on oral histories collected from Black rail workers in early 20th-century Indiana. The production included projections of archival photographs and audio clips from the interviews.

The play’s success led to the creation of a statewide “Storytelling Through Theatre” curriculum used in over 40 Indiana high schools. This example shows how the IRT’s historical commitment to regional stories translates into lasting educational impact.

FAQs

Can I visit the Indiana Repertory Theatre without attending a show?

Yes. The IRT’s lobby and exhibit space are open to the public during business hours (10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday–Friday) without requiring a ticket. You may explore the historical displays, read archival materials, and view the theatre’s architecture at no cost.

Is the theatre accessible for visitors with mobility challenges?

Yes. The building is fully ADA-compliant with ramps, elevators, and accessible seating. Restrooms are wheelchair-accessible, and companion seating is available. The IRT also offers wheelchair-accessible parking spaces nearby. Contact the box office in advance to reserve accessible seating.

Are children allowed at performances?

Most productions are suitable for audiences aged 12 and older. The IRT provides content advisories for each show. For younger audiences, the theatre offers specially adapted performances during school breaks, often accompanied by educational materials for teachers and parents.

Can I bring my own food or drinks into the theatre?

Outside food and beverages are not permitted in the auditorium. However, the IRT’s lobby bar offers a selection of beverages and light snacks before performances and during intermission. Historic concessions include locally sourced items, such as Indiana-made chocolates and craft sodas.

How do I find out if a performance includes ASL interpretation or captioning?

These services are listed on the performance details page of each show on the IRT website. Look for icons labeled “ASL” or “Open Captioned.” You may also call the box office to confirm availability for a specific date.

Is there a dress code for visiting the IRT?

No. The IRT encourages comfortable attire. Many patrons dress casually, while others enjoy the occasion with formal wear. There is no expectation to dress a certain way—your focus should be on the art, not the attire.

Can I donate historical items related to the IRT?

Yes. The IRT accepts donations of playbills, photographs, costumes, letters, and other memorabilia related to its history. Contact the Archives Department to schedule a review. Not all items are accepted, but the team will guide you on preservation options.

Do I need to book a guided tour in advance?

Guided tours are offered on select Saturdays and require registration. Tours are limited to 15 people and last approximately 45 minutes. Book through the “Events” section of the website or by emailing the education team.

How can I support the IRT’s historical preservation efforts?

Donate directly through the website, become a sustaining member, or contribute to the “Legacy Fund,” which supports archival digitization and restoration projects. You may also volunteer to assist with cataloging historical materials or transcribing oral histories.

Is the IRT involved in any national theatre history initiatives?

Yes. The IRT is a member of the Theatre Communications Group and collaborates with the American Theatre Wing on regional theatre preservation projects. It has also contributed to the National Endowment for the Arts’ “Theatre History Initiative,” sharing its archival data with other regional theatres nationwide.

Conclusion

Visiting the Indiana Repertory Theatre is not simply about watching a play—it is an act of cultural preservation, historical inquiry, and community connection. From its restored 1927 architecture to its living archive of over 50 years of performances, the IRT offers a rare opportunity to witness how regional theatre can shape and reflect the identity of a city. By following the steps outlined in this guide—from researching the season to engaging with archival materials—you transform a passive visit into an active participation in a living legacy.

The IRT’s history is not confined to its walls; it lives in the stories of its audiences, the voices of its alumni, and the community projects it inspires. Whether you’re a lifelong theatregoer or a first-time visitor, your presence contributes to the continuation of this vital cultural institution. Take the time to learn, to reflect, and to share what you discover. In doing so, you become part of the next chapter in the Indiana Repertory Theatre’s enduring story.