Theatre Row in New York – History, Seating Chart & Tickets

Address, opening, capacity of Theatre Row

Basic Information about the Theatre Row in NYC

Seating Chart of Theatre Row

The Theatre Row has six theaters.

Theatre One

Theatre Two

Theatre Three

Theatre Four

Theatre Five

Directions to Theatre Row

Access to Theatre Row are most commonly by taking the New York City Subway (MTA).

The area around the theatre becomes very crowded close to showtime, so whether you are arriving by subway or taxi, please allow extra time to reach the venue.

Map, location of Theatre Row

Here is the map of the Theatre Row.

Best hotels near the Theatre Row

Discover the best hotels near the Theatre Row. Stay within walking distance of Broadway and enjoy easy access to shows, restaurants, and attractions.

History of Theatre Row

Efforts to improve safety around 42nd Street

The organization “New 42nd Street,” which manages the Theatre Row Building and operates its six theaters, was founded in 1976 by Fred Papert to improve safety in Times Square’s 42nd Street, which had become the center of the adult entertainment industry at the time.

Fred Papert was also involved in the development of the Theater District, as well as the construction of Grand Central Terminal and Madison Square Garden.

In the 1970s, New York City faced one of the highest crime rates in the world. 42nd Street, now known for Broadway and Times Square with nearly 40 million visitors annually, was once considered one of the most dangerous areas, filled with crime, adult shops, and prostitution.

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Launch of the Off-Broadway theater project

In 1977, Fred Papert began transforming the south side of 42nd Street between 9th Avenue and Dyer Avenue by replacing adult businesses with Broadway theaters, rehearsal spaces, and offices.

One of the first venues, the “42nd Street Playhouse,” tried to attract both former adult entertainment patrons and theatergoers by advertising itself with a sign that read “All Live Burlesk.”

That same year, the Manhattan Plaza apartment towers were built on the north side of 42nd Street, drawing new residents to the area. This marked the beginning of what would become known as Theatre Row, an Off-Broadway theater district.

By the 1980s, about six Off-Broadway theaters had opened, but they faced criticism for lacking seats, restrooms, and proper air conditioning. To address these issues, the Theatre Row Building was opened in 2002. The five-story former apartment building was renovated to house six Off-Broadway theaters, studios, and office space, providing venues for Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway productions as well as rehearsal studios.

List of Off-Broadway theaters inside the Theatre Row Building

Six Off-Broadway theaters under one roof

Theatre Row, also called the Theatre Row Building, opened in 2002 as part of the revitalization of 42nd Street by the nonprofit New 42nd Street. The building houses six Off-Broadway theaters:

① Theatre One
② Theatre Two
③ Theatre Three
④ Theatre Four
⑤ Theatre Five

• Read more about New 42nd Street >>

Details of the six theaters inside Theatre Row

Theatre One

Seats: 199
The Theatre One is the largest of the six theaters inside Theatre Row, located on the third floor. Its design ensures excellent sightlines, making it one of the most popular spaces in the building.

Theatre Two

Seats: 99
The Theatre Two, located on the ground floor, offers 99 seats in an intimate black-box setting. Even the farthest row is only seven rows back from the stage, providing an experience comparable to premium seating in larger Broadway houses.

Theatre Three

Seats: 99
Also located on the ground floor, the Theatre Three offers 99 seats. Similar in style to the Beckett, it has a black-box atmosphere, though the close proximity to the walls can feel slightly confined. Despite its smaller size, it features well-maintained backstage areas.

Theatre Four

Seats: 99
Located on the second floor, the Theatre Four is a rectangular space with limited stage width and 15 rows of seating. The first seven rows are considered the best for viewing. It has hosted productions such as the Off-Broadway musical Naked Boys Singing.

Theatre Five

Seats: 88
The Theatre Five, located on the first floor, is a small 88-seat space with a rectangular layout divided into three seating blocks. The front blocks offer the best views. Its exposed brick walls were repurposed from the former Theatre Three.

Theatre Row as an Off-Broadway district

Theatre Row refers to a collection of 12 small theaters along 42nd Street. The name “Row” reflects the fact that these theaters are all located in a straight line between 9th and 11th Avenue. The district emerged from a redevelopment project launched in 1977 to transform what was then an adult entertainment area into a safe and thriving theater community. Today, Theatre Row is home to the following venues:

The theaters of Theatre Row, from 9th to 11th Avenue:

① Laurie Beechman Theatre
② The six theaters inside the Theatre Row Building: Theatre One, Theatre Two, Theatre Three, Theatre Four, and Theatre Five
⑧ Playwrights Horizons
⑨ Stage 42 (formerly the Little Shubert Theatre)
⑩ Pershing Square Signature Center
⑪ Castillo Theatre
⑫ Pearl Theatre

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