Mission
The Indianapolis-based Phoenix Theatre entertains by presenting the best of professional, contemporary theatre in an intimate setting. Engaging our community, patrons and staff with issue-oriented plays, the Phoenix enlightens audiences about social concerns while challenging them to re-examine their roles in society.

History & Purpose
The Phoenix Theatre was founded in 1983 to fulfill the mission above. Of the 253 plays produced by the theatre during its first 24 seasons, 248 were Indianapolis premieres and 66 were world premieres. The Phoenix is guided in its play selection not just by what is new in theatre but by what is relevant to life in Central Indiana.

Chris Jones of the Chicago Tribune said, "The great state of Indiana is not exactly overburdened with professional theaters specializing in edgy, progressive fare, but the Phoenix Theatre is one of the major cultural attractions in the city of Indianapolis. Local alternative types, yuppies and hipsters all flock to a trendy little theater with a growing subscriber base and a hard-won national reputation for new works and savvy programming."

In 1987, Indianapolis philanthropist J. Scott Keller purchased an abandoned, turn-of-the-twentieth-century church in Indianapolis' historic Chatham Arch neighborhood and donated the building to the theatre. The renovated complex received an Adaptive Use Award from Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana. The facility houses a 135-seat Mainstage and the newly renovated cabaret-style 75-seat Frank & Katrina Basile Theatre, as well as administrative offices, a scene shop, and costume and prop storage. The Phoenix Theatre has played a leadership role in the revitalization of the Mass Ave Entertainment District.

In 1993, the Phoenix achieved professional status by signing an SPT (Small Professional Theatre) contract with Actors' Equity Association. The Phoenix is one of only four professional theatres in Indianapolis, and the only professional theatre in the state dedicating its programming to contemporary work. The theatre is a member of the National New Play Network and the League of Indianapolis Theatres, and participates in numerous collaborations through both service organizations.

Programs
The Phoenix's programs include a 10-12-show subscription series with year-round performances; acting classes for teens and adults and playwriting classes for adults; community outreach to encourage lifelong learning and make live theatre accessible to all Hoosiers through pay-what-you-can performances, CheapSeats opening weekends, discounted young adult tickets up to age 24, and free pre-show and post-curtain discussions and forums; and performances by independent companies and performance artists on the Mainstage and in the Basile.

Constituencies & Demographics
The Theatre's patrons and constituents represent a cross-section of the central Indiana community. The current constituency is approximately 71% Marion County based and 29% outside of Marion County. It is approximately 76% adults; 16% seniors; and 8% youths; it is about 51% male and 49% female. The constituency is approximately 57% Caucasian, 33% African American, 8% Hispanic/Latino, 1.60% Asian, and .40% American Indian.

Funding
The not-for-profit Phoenix Theatre derives roughly half of its $500,000 annual budget from contributions. Of the contributed income, 30% comes from individuals, 20% comes from government, 17% is in-kind, 17% comes from corporations, and 16% comes from foundations. Of the theatre's earned income, 85% derives from subscription and single ticket sales, the remainder from classes, program book advertisements, and special events. The theatre is supported by the Indiana Arts Commission, the Arts Council of Indianapolis, the Shubert Foundation, the Christel DeHaan Family Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as numerous generous corporate and individual donors. The theatre's endowment is managed by the Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF).

Governance
The Phoenix Theatre is governed by an active 30-member board of directors with three-year terms representing a cross section of the central Indiana community. At monthly board meetings and in committee meetings, the board shares the responsibility of governing the theatre's programs and projects.