Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I park?

There are many different parking options near the Hilbert Circle Theatre, including parking garages and street parking. Parking downtown for a performance can range anywhere from $2 to $10. For more parking information, click here.

Is there accessible parking available?

Accessible parking is available in the Express Park Garage located at 20 North Pennsylvania Street. The garage is attached, via a covered alleyway, to the east entrance of the Hilbert Circle Theatre. For most performances, valet parking is also available allowing you to enter easily through the main entrance of the Hilbert Circle Theatre. For more information, call the ISO Box Office at 317-639-4300. For additional accessibility information click here.

Is there a dress code?

We recommend that you wear what is comfortable for you. When you visit, you may see a broad spectrum of attire for any given performance. A general rule of thumb is business casual for all other performances at the Hilbert Circle Theatre and casual, comfortable for Kroger Symphony on the Prairie.

I need special seating and access to the auditorium – how do I make these arrangements?

Wheelchair accessible seating is available at all price levels and when purchasing tickets online, seats are marked with an accessible symbol. All entrances and lobbies are accessible via ramps, elevators, or wheelchair lifts. For any special seating arrangements or more information, please contact the ISO Box Office at( 317) 639-4300. Please visit our Accessibility page for more information.

Is there an age restriction for concerts?

There is no age restriction for concerts, but we make a general recommendation for ISO concert attendees to be age 4 and up. No matter what age, everyone is required to have a ticket. The ISO offers a wide variety of concerts for many different ages. See the age recommendations below.

• IU Health Plans Classical Series: ages 10+
• Printing Partners Pops Series: 10+
• Coffee Classical Series: 10+
• Coffee Pops Series: 10+
• AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration: 4+
• Discovery Concerts: Daytime concerts for school groups specifically for students in grades 3-6
• Community Concerts: 4+

Are student tickets available?

Yes, student tickets are available for many concerts for $15. Student tickets are subject to a one ticket per student ID limit and may be emailed to you. Please have your current student ID available to show the ticket taker.

Where are the best seats in the house?

This is a matter of personal preference. Seats on the main floor will get you closer to the Orchestra. When there is a piano soloist, some people prefer to sit on the auditorium’s left side to watch the pianist’s hands. When sitting in the Mezzanine, there is a better view of the entire stage, and sound travels very well to this area. For those reasons, some people prefer to sit in Dress Circle or First Mezzanine.

Can I access/print my tickets at home?

Yes! Access your mobile tickets through your ISO Account on a smart device or printed beforehand when you enter.

I left my ticket at home/lost my ticket. What do I do?

You can access all your tickets digitally through your ISO Account on any internet-ready device. Paper tickets will be available only upon request or due to operational necessity.

Where should I eat beforehand?

With the Hilbert Circle Theatre conveniently located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, there are numerous options for dining before and after concerts.

When do the doors open for ISO performances?

The doors open one hour before each performance.

What happens if I arrive late?

If you arrive after the event has begun, you will be asked to wait in the lobby area until intermission or times/breaks in the performance, and may be seated in alternate seat locations. One of our ushers will assist you when there is an appropriate time to enter the theatre during the performance.

How long do ISO concerts usually last?

It really depends on the performance. Usually, an ISO concert will last about 2 hours, with one 20-minute intermission.

Can I use my cell phone during the performance?

No. Please keep cell phones off or in silent mode during performances in the auditorium.

Can I take pictures inside the hall?

Pictures inside the auditorium are permitted during pre-show, intermission, and post-show. However, photography and/or recording is strictly prohibited during any performance or event.

Do you have Will Call?

Will Call is not available, however you may receive your tickets via mail, email, or mobile. Contact the ISO Box Office at iso@IndianapolisSymphony.org or (317) 639.4300 if you have any questions.

Do you have a coat check available?

The ISO provides a coat check for many performances. It is located just off the Main Lobby near the Encore Lounge. For performances with high capacity, we will open an additional coat check located on the 2nd floor. The Coat Check is complimentary.

Where is lost and found?

Items are held at the coat check during performances. Following the performance, items will be held in a secure location and may be claimed by contacting the ISO Box Office at iso@IndianapolisSymphony.org or (317) 639.4300.

Will there be food and drink for sale?

Yes, a limited menu of food and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. These items may be consumed in the lobbies and auditorium. Mastercard and Visa (cashless payments only) accepted at all concession stands and bars within Hilbert Circle Theatre.

Can I take food or drinks into the auditorium?

Items purchased on-site may be consumed in the auditorium. Outside food and beverages are not allowed.

Who is the Concertmaster, and what do they do?

The Concertmaster will enter the stage just before the concert is to begin. They will walk to the center of the stage, and the audience applauds in recognition. The Concertmaster is the orchestra’s front person. They represent the group as a whole and sits in the first chair in the First Violin section. In January 2020, the ISO selected a new Concertmaster, Kevin Lin.

After the applause, the Concertmaster turns to the orchestra giving a signal to begin the tuning. The Concertmaster also receives acknowledgment from the conductor before the music begins. Symbolically, this acknowledges the orchestra.

About the tuning: The Concertmaster gives a signal to the principal oboe player to play an “A.”  The wind instruments (woodwind and brass) sound first and play the note to check the pitch of their instruments.  As a team, it’s important to have an orchestra in tune with each other.

When do I applaud? 

Applause is held until after a complete composition and not given between movements. When in doubt, refer to your program and watch for the conductor to indicate the appropriate movement or wait until others applaud.

The conductor usually leaves the stage between pieces and will return to the stage to acknowledge continuous applause. If there is a soloist, the soloist will also leave the stage and re-enter with applause.

Is there an ATM inside the theatre?

There is no ATM inside the theatre, but credit cards are accepted at all food, drink, and merchandise stations. If you do need an ATM, the closest available is the Chase ATM located on East Market Street. Please note that all concession stands and bar sales are cashless.

Does the ISO have a firearms policy?

Yes, the Hilbert Circle Theatre’s Firearms Policy can be viewed by visiting our Policies page.

Do I need to be vaccinated to attend a Hilbert Circle Theatre concert?

Proof of vaccination or proof of negative COVID-19 test will not be required to attend concerts at Hilbert Circle Theatre.

If you have questions regarding the ISO’s health and safety policy or concerns about accessing the venue, please email the ISO at iso@IndianapolisSymphony.org or call 317-639-4300 to speak with a member of the Customer Care Team. 

Will food and beverages be served?

A limited menu of food and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase (cashless payments only).

Does Hilbert Circle Theatre undergo regular cleaning?

The concert hall, lobbies, and restrooms of Hilbert Circle Theatre are cleaned after every performance.

Are you hiring?

For information on our open positions, please visit our employment page. If we are not currently hiring for administrative positions, feel free to check out our volunteer page.  We are always looking for hard-working volunteers at the ISO, and there are some great perks!

What is the ISO’s fee policy?

Beginning in January 2022, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra implemented a 7-percent service fee on all online transactions. This fee covers the expense of credit card fees as well as processing and handling costs. Reinstating this fee allows the Symphony to be responsible stewards of our mission to connect the community with live symphonic music.

What is the ISO’s exchange policy?

You can view the ISO exchange policy here.

Can I get tickets donated (free tickets) for my group?

The ISO donates tickets to over 100 non-profit organizations per year for various fundraisers and events. Visit our ticket donations page to find out how you can request a donation from the ISO.

How many tickets make a group order and what is the discount I receive?

The number of tickets that constitute a group sale depends on the series. You can visit the group sales page of our website to see these amounts. Groups receive 10% off if they meet the group minimum and also receive specific accommodations depending on the series they are attending.

What does my donation to the ISO support?

When you support the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, you’re not only making a sound investment in our music but also in education, the local economy, and Indiana’s quality of life. Find out what your donation supports by visiting the donors page of our site.

How do I donate online?

You can donate online by simply scrolling down to the bottom of any page of our website and specifying your amount on the bottom left-hand side under “Support Us,” or you can visit the Donate section of our website.

How do I sign up to volunteer?

You can find out more about our volunteer opportunities and sign up to volunteer here.

Can I rent the Hilbert Circle Theatre?

Yes, and we have many room options available in the theatre for rentals, whether it’s a corporate event, meetings, concerts, or weddings. See more info about renting the theatre here.

Do you offer a military discount?

Military personnel and their families who provide proof of active military status can receive a discount of 20% off tickets (limit 2) for select Classical, Pops, Film, and Symphony on the Prairie concerts. Call the ISO Box Office for more info at 317.639.4300.