About
Dreiser Hall, named after Terre Haute native and novelist Theodore Dreiser, is a historic academic building on the Indiana State University campus that originally opened in 1950. It serves as the home for Department of Theater and Student Media. Dreiser Hall features two performance venues: a renovated 150-seat proscenium theater and a Black Box theater. Following an $18 million state-funded renovation completed in 2023, Dreiser Hall was transformed into a modern teaching facility with upgraded infrastructure, improved accessibility, and state-of-the-art technology for hands-on learning experiences.
Accessibility
The Dreiser Hall Theater is designed with accessibility in mind. The approach to the building is flat, with asphalt and concrete surfaces, and there are two ADA parking spaces directly in front of the theater that allow for side loading, along with a convenient drop-off area for patrons. The parking lot is approximately a 4-minute walk across flat paved and concrete surfaces.
The theater, Box Office, and restrooms are located on the main floor, which has no stairs, and restrooms on this level include wheelchair-accessible stalls.
Inside the theater, the entire front row is ADA accessible as it is on the ground level, and the venue offers wheelchair seating with companion seats. Patrons should reserve ADA or ADA Wheelchair seats when purchasing tickets.
For patrons needing audio assistance, Dreiser Theater provides portable audio amplifiers that are compatible with hearing aids. These devices are worn over the ears, with a transmitter that hangs around the neck or can be clipped to clothing. The amplifier is connected to the speaker system, allowing patrons to adjust the volume for optimal sound. Patrons who wish to request amplifiers should inquire at the Box Office.
All performances have content warnings posted on the ticket site and posted outside the theater doors. Contact the Department of Theater for more information about content warnings for each show.
Box Office
Tickets may be purchased with credit/debit online at www.universe.com/isutheater. Tickets may be purchased with cash or check in person at the Department of Theater office (Room 108) on the first floor of Dreiser Hall during operating hours, or at the Box Office.
The Box Office is open one-hour prior to curtain on show days.
Directions
Dreiser Hall is north of Gillum Hall, east of the ISU Police Station/Ericson Hall, west of the quad, and south of the Fountain/Career Center.
Parking
Campus
The closest parking lots to Dreiser Theater are Lot 10 (Cherry Street and 5th Street) and Lot 5 (Cherry Street and 6th). Parking is free after 5:30 PM during the week and on weekends. There are two ADA parking spots and a drop off area in front of Dreiser Hall.
Please be advised: Half of Parking Lot 5 (Cherry Street and 6th Street) is currently closed due to construction. Cars may not be parked in spaces across from the construction fence as this is the traffic throughway to access the ADA spaces in front of Dreiser Hall.
These lots are marked with ORANGE RECTANGLES (D4, E4, & F3) on the map below.
For more information about campus parking, please visit Indiana State University Parking Services.
Downtown
When the nearby campus parking lots are full, street parking in the downtown area is available, which is free in the evenings and during the weekends.
Nearby Parking Garages
ISU Parking Garage
750 Cherry Street
Terre Haute, IN 47807
This parking garage is 0.3 miles from Dreiser Hall and is approximately a 7-minute walk. The normal parking rate is $1.00 per hour with a daily rate of $6.00.
Sky Garden Parking Garage
403 Wabash Avenue
Terre Haute, IN 47807
The Sky Garden Parking Garage is 0.4 miles from Dreiser Hall and is approximately an 8-minute walk. The rate is only $1.50 per hour with a daily rate of $8.00.