Shelton Auditorium At Butler Arts Center

Shelton Auditorium is part of Butler Arts Center and sits on Butler University’s South Campus, on the former Christian Theological Seminary campus. The venue’s published description identifies it as a Greek-style theatre in a building designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes that opened in 1966. The same source also mentions stadium seating and on-site surface parking nearby.

For event planning, remember that Butler Arts box offices are cashless, and mobile tickets are the standard. The Box Office page also says all ticket sales are final, with no refunds or exchanges.

Shelton Auditorium is at 1000 W. 42nd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208. The venue instructions direct Shelton patrons to the two South Campus lots off West 42nd Street or Haughey Avenue rather than the main Sunset Avenue garage used for some other Butler venues.

If you park in the 42nd Street lot, you’ll walk down the path north of the building to the outdoor courtyard. If you use the Haughey Avenue lot, you can walk through South Campus indoors or cut through the outdoor courtyard. Butler says there is signage in both areas to help direct guests.

Accessible parking for Shelton is in the lot off 42nd Street. Butler also notes that the Haughey Avenue lot can be used, and that it is about 0.4 miles from the Haughey Avenue entrance to Shelton Auditorium.

Shelton Auditorium is a Greek-style theatre with stadium seating.

Shelton Auditorium patrons should use the two South Campus surface lots off West 42nd Street or Haughey Avenue. That is the specific parking guidance published for this venue.

For guests who need accessible parking, Butler directs you to the 42nd Street lot because it is the shorter walk to the auditorium. If weather is poor, Butler also notes that guests may park in the Haughey Avenue lot and walk through South Campus indoors.

Butler Arts venues may use security checks such as bag checks or metal detectors, and guests should expect to follow staff directions at entry. The venue also prohibits oversized bags larger than 12" x 12", including backpacks, briefcases, luggage, and duffle bags, along with outside food and beverages.

The campus is smoke-free, so tobacco, nicotine, and vaping devices are not allowed anywhere on Butler University property, including the arts venues. Trained service animals are permitted, but emotional support animals are not.

Every patron must have a ticket regardless of age, including babes in arms. For content questions, Butler directs guests to call the box office at 317-940-6444.

Unless a performance says otherwise, cameras and recording equipment are not allowed during shows. Butler also prohibits professional or flash photography, tripods, monopods, selfie-sticks, and audio or video recording devices.

Full bars and concessions are available at most performances at Shelton Auditorium, and the venue states that these purchases are card only.

Butler Arts accepts requests for ASL interpretation, audio description, Braille programs and large-print programs at least ten days before a performance. Call 317-940-9697 or email clowesboxoffice@butler.edu with the performance name and the assistance needed. For a reserved-seat event, identify access requirements before choosing seats. General-admission patrons can ask ushers for directions to the accessible seating area.

The South Campus location matters when arranging a ride. Use Shelton’s 42nd Street address and the specific entrance instructions rather than Clowes Memorial Hall’s address. The 42nd Street lot offers a shorter approach for visitors needing accessible parking, while the Haughey Avenue approach involves a longer walk. Allow time for the route from your chosen lot.