Here are answers to some frequently asked questions meant to give you a heads up so your IRT play-going experience is a great one.

Do I have to dress up?  No.  Be comfortable.  Be who you are.  Some patrons wear jeans.  Some wear slacks.  Some wear business attire....especially if they are coming right from work.

Will I enjoy the play if I don’t know anything about it?  Yes, absolutely.  Whether it’s a movie or a play we often only know the general idea of what we are about to see.  It unfolds before us in a completely understandable way as a result of the skill and talent of the director, designers and actors.  In addition, before every performance the IRT conducts an informal pre-show discussion called Prologue right in the theatre...a great place to find out more.

So is it like a movie?  No.  We have live actors.  It’s also social event where you interact with your surroundings.  When you laugh or applaud you have a direct effect on both the other audience members and the actors.  Your reactions to what the actors do and say are an integral part of the experience.

What’s expected of me by others in the audience?  Your response is all your own.  Some things will make you happy, others, sad.  You’ll be thrilled and want to applaud.  People near you may have similar reactions.  Some will have different feelings.  That’s as it should be.  The collective experience is yours to enjoy.

How do I know where to go?  Our House Staff (Ticket takers, supervisors, ushers, bartenders, etc) are there to help you.

I have tickets numbered G-2 and G-4.  How come we’re not sitting together?  Actually you are.  It’s a quirk of many theatres to put  odd numbered seats on one side of the auditorium and even numbered seats on the other.  It actually helps to prevent confusion when ushers seat people.

What if I need to leave to take an unexpected break?  Go for it.  We’ll help you get reseated when you are ready, so you won’t bother anyone.

What about phone calls?  Depends on the kind.  You need to turn off any cell phones or beepers, etc. when you enter the theatre.  They disturb both audience members and the actors.  We also have an emergency contact number (317) 916-4885. If someone has an emergency they can call us at that number and our house staff will come get you.

Can I bring my kids?  To some shows, yes.  Some of our work is meant for families and kids.  Some of it is better suited to older children.  Some is for adults.  We’ll help guide you.  In any case, each child must have a ticket.  All youth/student tickets are discounted.  And though we welcome kids, children 5 years of age and under are not admitted.

What about refreshments?  We sell mixed drinks, beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee and cookies for you to enjoy in the lobby before the show and at intermission. Unless specified only bottled water is allowed in the auditorium.