Join us at
Wagon Wheel for an experience like no other
Join us at
Wagon Wheel
The Wagon Wheel is no ordinary theatre.
When you enter the Wagon Wheel for the first time, you immediately notice the circular stage with seating 360 degrees around it.
Theatre-in-the-round creates a more immersive and interesting theatre and concert experience. And, when you are no more than 10 rows from center stage, you feel a part of the emotions and action no matter where you sit in the theatre!
The Wagon Wheel welcomes everyone to experience theatre-in-the-round. Learn more about visiting the Wagon Wheel!
Quick Links
Parking | Seating | Accessibility | Safety | Groups | FAQs | Local Amenities
Getting Here & Parking
Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts is located just off US-30 along Center Street in Warsaw, IN. If coming from the north or south, it is easiest to travel along IN-15. If coming from the east or west, it is best to take US-30.
Free and general parking is located directly behind the theatre and can be accessed through the front entrance or the Wyndham Garden Hotel parking lot.
Accessible and handicap parking can be found in the parking lot located next to Center Street and along the side of the theatre building facing the Wyndham parking lot.
If a patron needs to be dropped off at the entrance, they can be dropped off by entering the Wagon Wheel’s parking entrance, not the Wyndham Garden entrance.
For ease of exiting after the show, patrons parked in the upper lot or patrons wishing to turn right onto Center Street are encouraged to use the Wagon Wheel’s entrance and patrons wishing to turn left onto Center Street are encouraged to exit through the Wyndham Garden lower entrance.
Seating
The Wagon Wheel seating is divided into four sections, surrounding the circular stage. If theatre-in-the-round staging is a new experience then let us assure you that no matter where you sit you will have a full view of the stage and the action! Actors move continuously during performances, they are performing to all sections at all times. We call it “playing to the round” and our professional directing team collectively has more than 60 years of experience working in-the-round.
While there truly is no bad seat in the house, patrons have favorite locations to sit in based on their personal preferences. Here is some helpful information about each section to help guide you in finding your favorite seat!
Sections 1 & 2 are located by the lobby. Section 1 is closest to our lobby’s bar and main exit. Section 2 is closest to the concession stand and bathrooms.
Sections 3 & 4 are located closer to the backstage and further from the lobby and bathrooms. Section 3 is also in front of the entrance to the theatre’s orchestra pit.
The pit is located directly under the stage and the musicians enter through the floor by section 3.
Also, take note of our seating map, where you find a box with an X in it that indicates that there is no aisle edit next to that seat, otherwise, all seats along the aisles are open.
Accessibility
At every performance, we offer SuperEar listening devices free of charge. These personal headsets are available at the Box Office. Patrons may request a device through the Box Office where they will be asked to leave an ID in place of the device. Patrons can return the device after the performance to the Box Office and retrieve their ID.
Both the men’s & women’s restrooms include one handicap-accessible stall.
Wheelchair-accessible seating, and their companion seats, are found in Section 1, Row G. Wheelchair seating is only available to purchase over the phone or in person with the Box Office.
The Wagon Wheel has several convenient seating options for patrons who use walkers, scooters, wheelchairs, or other mobility devices. Usher service begins an hour before the show starts and continues until the show starts. Ushers will assist with removing walkers, wheelchairs, and other large mobility devices that a patron does not need during the performance and will communicate where the device is being stored to the patron and/or their companion.
Courtesy of AWS Foundation, the Wagon Wheel has sensory bags and items available for patrons with light, hearing, or other sensory sensitivities. Please check with the Box Office for more information when you arrive.
For patrons who need more legroom, we recommend sitting on the aisle in row G, H, or I. These rows all require some small steps to access.
For patrons who are shorter (especially children), we recommend Section 3 & 4 Row G or Section 1 & 2 Row H in the seats near the end of each of those rows. For children, we also offer a limited number of booster seats that can be found just inside the theatre next to the main doors. Patrons are also welcome to bring in their own car booster seats.
We welcome service animals at the Wagon Wheel, please have your service animal in a clearly marked vest. If you are seated next to an aisle, be sure your service animal is not in the aisle at any time or on the stage for the safety of our actors and your service animal. If you have a large service animal that cannot fit in your lap or on the floor by your feet, please reach out to the box office for assistance in purchasing your tickets.
For nursing mothers. We do not offer a private nursing room at the theatre (meaning, a room with live video feed to the performance).
Safety & Security Measures
Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts is committed to the health and safety of our community and staff. The following policies are in place to make our facility as safe as possible for everyone to enjoy live entertainment. Wagon Wheel has the right to change these policies at any time for the safety and well-being of our community and staff.
By purchasing your ticket(s), you are acknowledging the risk of exposure to COVID-19 or other contractual illnesses inherent in participating in any public gathering, are voluntarily assuming all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 or other contractual illnesses, and are agreeing to comply with any and all safety measures that Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts may require of its guests as of the date of the event. Please check back here before attending a performance for the most up-to-date policies.
Theatre Etiquette and Rules
The Wagon Wheel maintains the following house rules and policies for best theatre etiquette as well as the safety and care of our patrons and actors.
- Smoking is prohibited in the building, including vaping.
- Per state law, no guest is permitted to bring alcoholic beverages into the facility. Outside food and beverages also are not allowed.
- Photography and videography, while a performance is in progress, is strictly prohibited and against copyright law.
- Please silence or turn off cell phones and any other electronic devices during a performance.
- Fire exits in case of any kind of emergency are located behind Sections 3 and 4 and at the main lobby entrance.
- Please refrain from talking or whispering during the performance so as not to disturb your neighbors.
- Please stay off the stage at all times and do not place anything on the stage, set pieces, or in the aisle for any reason.
- If you need to exit your seat in the middle of the show, wait to do so when the lights are up on stage. Do not try to exit your seat during a blackout as you are likely to block the path of actors and set pieces being moved.
Weather Related Incidents
Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts reserves the right to determine the cancellation of an event due to weather-related incidents or other emergency situations.
In the event of a cancellation for which there is no rescheduled date, a refund for this ticket may be issued at the option of the management. If a new date is scheduled, no refunds will be given.
Group Discounts
Host your next office party, networking event, club outing, alumni gathering, or family reunion with the Wagon Wheel!
Groups of 20 or more enjoy discounted ticket prices!
Group Benefits
- Personalized Service: Work exclusively with our Group Sales Box Office staff members to ensure that all your needs are met.
- Convenient Parking and Day of Services: If you bring a bus or multiple buses, no problem! Our staff will work with you to provide a convenient arrival and departure on the day of your visit.
Adults/Senior $30; Student (13-college) $15.00, Child (12 and under) $10
No, group rates are for attending the same show and the same performance time.
Contact the box office. Additional seats may be purchased by the person who placed the original order, however, we cannot guarantee the extra seating will be with the original tickets purhcased to availability. If the group is invoiced, changes in numbers may be made up until time of payment is due, however, we cannot guarantee any extra seating will be with the original group due to seating availability. Once payment is received, we would not be able to refund any seats.
If you have not completed payment, contact the box office immediately to discuss your options. Once payment is received, we would not be able to refund any seats.
For every 30 tickets purchased, 1 complimentary ticket is given.
If you are a business or family then you must pay in full at the time of booking with either cash, check, or credit card).
If you are a tour/travel company, your payment is due in full 30 days prior to the performance date in the form of cash, check, or credit card.
Buses are welcome to drop patrons off at the door and then can park in the lower lot and the far end. On days when we have multiple buses and groups, staff will be in the parking lot to help direct drivers where to park.
Gift Certificates
Wagon Wheel gift certificates make an excellent gift for anyone on your list and for any occasion! You can purchase gift certificates amounting of $5 or more online or through the box office.
Give a gift certificate to a loved one to experience the power of live theatre. Or stock up and use them toward your next subscription purchase. Gift certificates do not expire and can be used to purchase tickets to any Wagon Wheel production, concert, or performance. Gift certificates can also be used to pay for program fees, classes, and workshops.
Gift certificates are not redeemable for merchandise, concessions, or hotel packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Wagon Wheel is a nonprofit organization that offers programs and services in the performing arts. The Wagon Wheel was founded in 1956 as a summer stock, professional theatre, and was one of the first theatre-in-the-rounds in the nation. Learn more here.
Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts is located in Warsaw, IN at:
2515 E. Center Street
Warsaw, IN 46580
Our facilities are not available for rent. Select stage materials including props, set pieces, and costumes are available for rent. Please contact us for more information about renting any of our stage materials.
Our facility offers handicap-accessible restrooms, handicap seating and companion seating (must be purchased through the box office), handicap parking, and SuperEar hearing enhancement devices. We also offer sensory bags with different tools and toys for individuals with sensory processing needs. Learn more here.
The Wagon Wheel offers free parking to all of our guests including handicap parking. Learn more here.
Lobby doors will open approximately one hour before the show starts. We encourage guests to arrive at least 30 minutes before the show starts if you wish to get concessions, drinks or use the restroom before the show starts. If the show is general admission, you will choose your seat on arrival and it will be based on first come.
We will have a Housestaff team member at the main entrance for approximately 15 minutes past the start of the show who will assist you to find seating. If you arrive late, your seating will be at the discretion of our Housestaff. You may not be able to access your purchased seat until after intermission if you arrive late.
Most shows have assigned seating that you will select when you order your tickets. If it is a general admission, then seating is based on a first come basis. Learn more here.
Seating is a matter of personal preference. You are never more than 10 rows from the stage at the Wagon Wheel. Some prefer to be closer to the stage while others prefer to sit towards the back. Aisle seating is popular and are usually the first seats to sell out. Sections 1 and 2 are the closets to the lobby, concessions, bathrooms, and exit. Learn more here.
Our box office is happy to assist if you are having trouble purchasing online. Feel free to contact them here.
No worries! Contact the box office and they can either email you a new copy or print the tickets for you to pick up at WILL CALL. Contact the box office here.
If you requested your tickets at check out to be left at WILL CALL then they will be printed and available to pick up at the WILL CALL WINDOW on your performance date. The WILL CALL WINDOW is located inside the lobby doors and straight back towards the women’s restroom. An usher will be at the entrance and can point it out to you when you arrive. You do not need an ID or credit card to pick up your tickets but must provide the name used at the purchase of the tickets.
WILL CALL is a ‘window’ where we hold previously purchased tickets that patrons are picking up to use for that performance date.
We have a very low processing fee that is applied to each ticket purchase. We advertise all ticket prices to include the processing fee. The processing fee is the same charge whether you purchase online or at the box office.
You may exchange your tickets for a different performance of the same show. We ask that you exchange at least 24 hours in advance of the original show time. You may exchange over the phone or in person. You are not guaranteed the same seats when you exchange. Tickets cannot be exchanged for a different show title.
Parents should use their best judgment when deciding to bring teens or younger children to performances at the Wagon Wheel. The Wagon Wheel produces a variety of programs and not all are best suited for young children due to the content of the show or the length of the performance. We encourage parents to bring children 6 and under to a Wagon Wheel Junior performance before bringing them to a Professional Theatre show. You can find more information about each show’s content here.
Smoking is prohibited inside all of our buildings including vaping. When smoking takes place on stage, it is done with props to imitate smoking. As a patron, you may smoke outside at least 8 feet away from any building.
No outside food or drink is allowed in the theatre. We recommend you bring a jacket or sweater as the theatre can be chilly.
You do not need to dress up to attend the theatre or any other event hosted by the Wagon Wheel, though some patrons may choose too. We recommend you bring a jacket or sweater though as the theatre can be chilly.
Each show may have different theatrical elements as well as different dialogue/script. Please see our show pages for guides on some of the content in each show.
Video and photos are prohibited for any musical or play performance due to copyright laws. Please feel free to take as many pictures as you wish in the lobby or outside before performances. Remember, part of the purpose of live performances is to escape the day-to-day and that includes the daily pull of technology! Video and photos are allowed for Concert Series events.
We encourage you to look up the shows and learn a little about them to determine if they are something you would be interested in! You can also find recordings of the music for most of the musicals we perform. We also include a brief description or show guide for each of the shows we produce. You can find those on our ticket page here.
You can purchase gift certificates of $5 or more online or through the box office. Gift certificates do not expire and can be used to purchase tickets to any Wagon Wheel production, concert, or performance. Gift certificates can also be used to pay for program fees, classes, and workshops.
Gift certificates are not redeemable for merchandise, concessions, or hotel packages.
Yes, our concession stand includes popcorn, Igloo Ice Cream, a variety of candies, and Coca-Cola drink products. Our bar includes a variety of wines, beers, and a show-special cocktail. The concession stand and bar are open one hour before the show starts and during intermission.
There are several restaurants near the Wagon Wheel to choose from! The restaurants are often very crowded on summer evenings with many other patrons getting dinner before the show. We recommend you give yourself plenty of time between dinner and the show and let your wait staff know you are headed to the Wagon Wheel show too! View some of our local restaurants here.
At this time we will not have actors exit to the lobby after the show to be received by the audience for our Wagon Wheel Jr. or Wagon Wheel Professional Theatre performances.
The Wagon Wheel offers a variety of programs for the community to enjoy and take part in. The most central programs include:
- Wagon Wheel Professional Theatre
- Wagon Wheel Conservatory & Junior
- Wagon Wheel Community Theatre
- Symphony of the Lakes
Learn more about auditions or sign up to receive audition announcements here.
Learn more about Symphony of the Lakes auditions or sign up to receive audition announcements for musicians here.
Visit our website to see the latest youth audition announcements and class sign-ups. You can also sign up to receive youth opportunity announcements here.
The Wagon Wheel relies on the dedicated volunteer work of more than 100 ushers and other volunteer opportunities. You can learn more by completing our volunteer inquiry form.
Employment opportunities for full-time, part-time, and contractual positions can be found here.
The Wagon Wheel values offering educational opportunities through internships on both the administrative and artistic side of our operations. To learn more about our internship opportunities visit here.
Yes! Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and your donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Click here to donate.
You can see the most recent copy of Wagon Wheel’s IRS Form 990 and our annual report by contacting our Development Director, Elisa, at elisa@wagonwheelcenter.org.
It costs approximately $250,000 to produce just one professional theatre show.
Wagon Wheel operates a $2.3 million dollar budget with only 60% of our income coming from ticket sales. Approximately 60 to 80% of the Wagon Wheel’s income directly supports program expenses. The profit from ticket sales only covers a fraction of the overall operating expenses of the theatre and does not produce enough income to support growth, endowment, or program expansion.
The Wagon Wheel was founded as a theatre-in-the-round and it is a part of our artistic excellence that we desire to continue.
