New York Theatre Workshop

Founded in 1979 by Stephen Graham, New York Theatre Workshop is one of the leading producing theatres of new work in the United States. The company’s first production was A Day in the Life of the Czar, written by Frank O’Hara and V.R. Lang and directed by Peter Sellars. In 1992, NYTW moved into its current home, a 199-seat capacity theatre in the East Village area of Manhattan.

NYTW's inaugural production at 79 East 4th St. was Leo Bassi’s C. Colombo Inc., which opened in October 1992. The company has produced a number of landmark shows over the years including new works from Caryl Churchill, Athol Fugard, Tony Kushner, Doug Wright, and more.

One of NYTW's most well-known productions is Jonathan Larson’s musical Rent, which the compaany developed over two years before a premiere in January 1996. Rent transferred to Broadway’s Nederlander Theatre and won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Musical.

In 2005, the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development granted NYTW a vacant building at 72 East 4th Street. After extensive renovations, the building officially opened in September 2011 as NYTW’s scenery, costume, and production shop.

How to get to New York Theatre Workshop off Broadway

New York Theatre Workshop is closest to the 2nd Ave. subway stop on the F line. The closest bus stop is 2 Av./East 3 St. on the M15 line and Bowery/E 3 St. on the M103 line.

Read a complete guide to New York Theatre Workshop's history, famous and upcoming productions, and nearby attractions and restaurants.