What to Expect / FAQs | The Cabaret

Prepare for a full evening of refined revelry.

Now that you’ve decided to spend some time at the Midwest’s premier venue for cabaret entertainment, learn more about the world-class experience that awaits you – including dinner service, a well-stocked bar, and an intimate setting that gets you up close and personal with your favorite artists

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I park?

Patrons are encouraged to park for free in the designated Buckingham Companies lot (located at Meridian & St. Joseph). Download a parking map here.

In addition to our free parking lot, there are plenty of metered parking spaces around the Metzger Building.

Is valet parking available?

Yes, The Cabaret offers valet parking for just $15!

Just pull up to the marquee and one of our friendly valets will take it from there.

Do you offer coat check?

Yes! Our free coat check is available during our fall and winter seasons, typically October – March.

Is food available?

The Cabaret
Our menu, created by our friends at the Jazz Kitchen, includes small plates, full entrees and desserts, and includes accommodations for most dietary restrictions. The Cabaret also features our gorgeous Glick Bar with craft cocktails, curated wine lists, and more.

Patrons are welcome to preview our menu here.

The Alley at Library Square
Beer, wine, soft drinks, and snacks will be available for purchase.

There are no food & beverage minimums at The Cabaret and The Alley at Library Square .

What time do doors open?

The Cabaret

  • 2 PM performances: doors open at 12:30 PM
  • 5 PM performances: doors open at 3:30 PM
  • 7 PM performances: doors open at 5:30 PM (6 PM if it is a 2-show day)
  • 7:30 PM performances: doors open at 6 PM
  • 8 PM performances: doors open at 6:30 PM (7 PM if it is a 2-show day)

Due to the shorter timeframe on the evening performances during 2-show days, we recommend arriving early to enjoy The Arts Council of Indianpolis’ Gallery 924.

The Alley at Library Square

  • Seating begins at 6 PM
What time should I arrive for dinner?

We recommend arriving at least one hour before show time if you plan on dining with us (30 minutes prior for the evening performance of a 2-show day). However, if you find yourself in need of a cocktail or a nibble mid-show, food and beverage service will continue throughout the performance.

Is there an age requirement?

The Cabaret is an all-ages venue that can be enjoyed by any mature person. Some shows do contain adult (raunchy and/or political) content, which will be indicated in the description for the show.

What should I wear?

We’ll take you as you are, but attire at The Cabaret typically ranges from business casual to cocktail.

Coat Check

Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus pandemic, coat check facilities are not available.

What about weapons?

Don’t bring them. No guns, knives, or weapons are allowed on The Alley or The Cabaret premises.

When and where are Meet & Greets with artists?

Meet & Greets follow most performances in the beautiful Gallery 924 (also located in the Metzger Building).
Meet & Greets will not occur after the first show on a two-show night (e.g. after the 7 pm performance if there is a 9:30 performance).

Please note: due to the coronavirus pandemic, meet & greets have been canceled until further notice.

Do you distribute physical tickets?

The Cabaret doesn’t use physical tickets. When you arrive for the performance, you will check in with The Cabaret host using your last name. One of our friendly ushers will show you to your table.

Is seating determined by what time I arrive?

No, seating is pre-assigned by The Cabaret staff based on order of purchase. Current 3 and 6-show subscribers, as well as donors of $250+ receive priority preference regarding seating.

For more information regarding subscriptions, click here.
For more information on becoming a donor of $250+, please click here.

Could I be seated with my friends/family?

We will always do our best to accommodate any seating requests.

If you would like to request to be seated with another party you may do so by adding the request in the notes section during checkout. If you would like to speak one of our team members, please call us at 317-275-1169 or email info@thecabaret.org.

Is The Cabaret ADA accessible?

Yes, The Cabaret complies with all ADA requirements. Please contact us with any specific concerns at info@thecabaret.org or 317-275-1169, and we will be happy to accommodate you.

Are assisted listening devices (ALD) available?

Yes, The Cabaret has wireless listening system devices and headphones available for use during the performance.

We ask patrons make arrangements no less than 24-hours prior to their performance at (317) 275-1169 or info@thecabaret.org.

What are the differences between price levels?

This jaw-dropping performance center is truly worthy of the finest performances. Here, every seat is spectacular, and no seat is further than 20 feet from the Shannon Forsell Stage. The Cabaret has cabaret-style seating, which means you may be seated with other parties, so be prepared to make some new friends! We do our best to accommodate requests. Really. However, not all table preferences can be guaranteed.

 

Premium 2-top

These are the first two rows of the main floor, each table accommodating two guests.

Premium

This is the third row of the main floor, and are 4 and 6-top tables. If you would like to purchase less than 4 seats, please call our box office during normal hours. Availability is not guaranteed.

Banquette

These are the rows of cozy banquettes (booths) along either side of the room. This seating requires a step up and accommodates a maximum of two guests per banquette. If you would like to speak with a member of our staff about the possibility of adding another person to your banquette, please contact the box office at (317) 275-1169.

Main Floor

This is the fourth row of the main floor, and are 4 and 6-top tables. If you would like to purchase less than 4 seats, please call our box office during normal hours.

High Cocktail

This is the fifth and final row of the main floor, and are all 4-top tables. Tables are bar height with bar stools. All stools have a back & foot rest. If you would like to purchase less than 4 seats, please call our box office during normal hours.

Student Tickets

Students with a valid student ID can purchase $25 tickets in the High Cocktail section. Limit of one (1) ticket per show per student. Student tickets are still subject to a $5/ticket processing fee.

*These discounts are not applicable towards the Annual Fundraiser Gala, educational performances, or other special events

What's included in my ticket purchase?

Your tickets serve as your reservation and do not include food or beverage. Once you’re seated at your table, one of our friendly servers will take your order.

There are no food & beverage minimums at The Cabaret and The Alley .

Are there discounts available?
SophistiTIX

Young professionals 35 and under are eligible for ticket discounts and other VIP perks at The Cabaret.

Member benefits

  • Your SophistiTIX membership is totally free.
  • All tickets are 25% off*. You can purchase two (2) tickets to each performance with your SophistiTIX membership and your guest can be any age.
  • Exclusive members-only events throughout the season.
  • Access to insider information and ticket discounts before the general public.
  • Your membership will stay active until December 31st following your 36th birthday. No need to renew each year!
I purchased tickets to a show, and now I can't make it. What are my options?
Exchanges
  • Exchanges are available for current season subscribers and donors of $250+ up to 72 hours prior to their performance. A $5 exchange fee per ticket will be charged for all exchanges.
  • Exchanges must be completed within the same calendar year.
  • Any cancellation notifications received following the 72 hour time period may only be transferred to a friend or transferred to a tax deductible donation.  Please call the box office at (317) 275-1169 or email info@thecabaret.org for more information.
  • Patron is responsible for paying the price difference when switching into another performance or a seating section of higher value.Patrons do not receive a credit or reimbursement for the difference in price when moving to a seating section of a lower value.
Transfer your tickets to a friend

Tickets may be transferred to a friend or family member. Simply notify our box office of the name change no later than 24 hours prior to your scheduled performance at (317) 275-1169 or info@thecabaret.org.

Ticket Donations

If you cannot use your tickets or transfer them to a friend, you may also return them to The Cabaret as a ticket donation. Tickets must be returned at least 72 hours prior to the performance. Tickets donated must be tickets that the patron originally purchased from The Cabaret.

Donated tickets will be recognized as a tax-deductible donation and you will be sent a letter recognizing this gift.

For important updates regarding our health & safety policies, please visit the link below.

  • Melissa Hall, Stage Write Indy

    The beauty of the Cabaret lies in the spontaneous nature of each show. Unlike well-known musicals, with cabaret, audiences never know what to expect next. Artists can choose to sing old standards or an original number. They can share personal stories or make jokes with random people in the crowd.

    Melissa Hall, Stage Write Indy
  • “We looked at the many places where we could spend our money for entertainment and realized there was no venue that came close to The Cabaret. The venue and staff simply make this venue the best in Indianapolis.”

    Cabaret Guest
  • “Best in class. A truly delightful experience - over the top!”

    Cabaret Guest
  • “Awesome venue! I tell everyone I know about The Cabaret and encourage them to see a show.”

    Cabaret Guest
  • "This space is truly what a cabaret is meant to be... an intimate setting of hightops and enclosed booths help the audience feel special and a lone piano with small, personal stage complete the picture."

    Broadway World
  • “Indy's posh landing pad for Broadway stars on Pennsylvania Street.”

    Indy Star
  • “My favorite thing in the world is to connect with people, break the fourth wall, improvise, make people laugh, and talk directly to the audience. Cabaret is basically everything I like to do, all in one.”

    Tony Award-winner Laura Benanti
  • “The Circle City’s swanky new cabaret space is Broadway’s latest buzz.  Old Hollywood meets urban chic in a softly lit chandelier-filled room that holds 190 people—no seat in the house is more than five rows from the stage—it feels like Lea Salonga is giving her life story for you.  Stick around for a meet and greet after the spellbinding serenade."
    Indianapolis Monthly
  • "Attending a cabaret show can feel like you're part of a (very stylish) secret society. It's you, the audience, seated at tables, sipping wine or a cocktail, with the vocalist, perhaps fresh off of Broadway, just a few feet away on stage."

    Indianapolis Monthly
  • “One of the best environments for serious music fans in town!”

    Cabaret Guest

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