Theater For the New City

This theatre is truly a pillar of the Lower East Side and of the wider theatre community. They always showcase such interesting and dynamic performances, and the space itself is super funky and full of amazing artwork. The main floor has a welcoming bar and a convenient box office, which makes the whole experience even better. I love seeing shows here and feel lucky to have watched friends perform and have their work produced on this stage. I’m especially a big fan of Melanie Maria Goodreaux-Fielder’s poetic Afro-futurist plays—can’t wait for her next one in November 2025!

I came to see Satre and Simone, and it was great! I hadn't been to this theater before, but I am very glad that my girlfriend found it and got us tickets. Everyone there was very kind and professional. Plus the actors were great! Will definitely have to come back and see another show sooner than later!

The theater for the new city is great neighborhood theater. Newly playing “An enemy of the people “ definitely Muş see.

We were in the johnson theater. There are actually five performing spaces in this place. The selections are varied and usually excellent. However, it is owned by new york city, and when the heating system broke, the city did not repair it. Sometimes they use barrel type blowers to circulate warm air, but they are not very efficient , and they are fairly noisy. The bathr.\nOoms are in the basement, but there is one handy capped.\nToilet on the main floor. The best thing about theater for the new city is that the prices are excellent, so\nIf you feel like seeing something and there is a piece that is of interest to you, head downtown. Also , there are great eateries in the area, tremendous variety.

BEST THEATER DEAL! Founded by Crystal Field! Whether you’re a tourist or NYer, Theater for the New City is your go-to theater hub! With four separate theaters and a gallery in their space, there is always something going on. Shows are usually Thursday.-Sat. at 7 or 8 pm with Sun. matinees at 3pm. Handicapped accessible. Tickets are usually $15-20 with some shows pay what you want.

Theater for the New City is wonderful! They have four separate theaters and an art gallery. I performed in and was Executive Producer of “Chagall In New York” and was Assistant Director of a staged reading of “Afterwards”, both with Austin Pendleton, there in 2025! I attended playwriting classes there with Mary Tierney. The theaters are clean, well maintained, and well managed. I love working with them. I’ve seen over 50 shows and events there. The talent is top notch. I’ve never had a bad experience. I rate them five stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Rat Cabaret” at Theatre for the New City is a bold, energetic, and memorable show. Great music, striking costumes, and a strong ensemble create a true cabaret atmosphere with sharp satire. Highly recommended.

Went to see this play which my niece not only choreographed , but acted and was assistant director as well. A must see laugh out loud play! Love the audience participation too. I don't want to give too much away, Check this out. Performance tonight at 8pm. Tell your friends

Very intimate location for off broadway shows and watched Diva Therapy. Really intimate show with rows of audience right near stage. Also three other shows being featured at same time and surprise was the bar featuring drinks to buy.

We came in to support the debut acting on stage of my friend's son. The play is showing on this place. I find it as a small production theater which houses two screening rooms. Our room sits less than 100 seats. I assume the other room has the same capacity. I read that the show 123 Manhunt is a non- profit show. I give credit to the theater for the support it is giving to the entire production. The playwright is neat, clean and straight forward. The actors are good. The place is a tad. It is able to keep a small bar and lounge to hang out while waiting for the showtime though. The wall has creative decorations hanged all over. The theater staff is nice, Roy to mention, helped me in straightening my ticket issue.

amazing theater in NYC. friendly ppl and it'll remind you adventures once you're inside! Retro.... there's a couches and tables. It's clean. bathroom is also setting up. I saw negative reviews but I didn't feel the same. I'd like to support such theater in NYC. they can perform inside and show the movies as well it's really awesome. Plus this is not a bar, it's a theater :) Few random customers might be rough or rude, so please don't pay attentions from them.... When my friend was about to go to the bathroom, another customer started to complain he had to use that bathroom. Although there's a bathroom downstairs. Plus he had a dog too. I didn't get this but it's NYC. All together, I enjoyed there a lot. Photo Booth is available by the entrance.

i went with a friend to check out the ports for memorial day yesterday. it was very nice. very talented group. but very long. it was 3 hours. i'm not huge with seeing poets live. i support them but i wouldn't go again. not for that long! at least give a break in between. its hard to sit for that long. the theater looks old and could use some repairs. the walls are cracking and the light in the theater is wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy too bright. the art work they had set up was nice too.

Avant-garde theater in a simple setting with great local art around! Nice spot for cool peeps and events. Check it out!!

3 to 3.5 Stars for the theater; 4 Stars for the show First, the show: "Still at Risk" I originally went to see Ryan Spahn (loved him in Daniel's Husband) but left loving the entire cast. What talented actors, writer and director! Outstanding production about a very serious subject matter: relationships during & after the aids epidemic. At times heart-wrenching and at times hilarious. What a balancing act; and done so well! Highly recommended! Second, the Theater: I've never been to this theater and had never even heard about it before this production of Still at Risk. The outside is nothing much to look at but you can tell there is a lot of history here. Inside: although it's a tad bit run down, there is such an interesting vibe going on! There's a large lounge area with a little bar, where you can relax and soak in the art work on display. And what interesting artwork! Each piece is interesting on it's own but even more intriguing in this venue. There seems to be two theaters; the one I went to was the smaller one. Comfy, stadium seating. I had a clear view of the smallish stage from the 4th row. Seating areas are pretty clean and well-maintained for an older theater. My one big gripe: no heat! I was freezing the entire time i was there and wore my coat for the entire show. Other than that, a cool (albeit aged) off-Broadway venue. Would i return to Theater for the New City? Sure! If there is a production I'm interested in, I would return. Great neighborhood with lots of good eats and...Veniero's is down the block!

Amazing talent and inspiring messages. Treat yourself to truly innovative street theater - this group is the real deal. My 19 year old daughter and I watched Teacher Teacher in Central Park and were utterly moved. Laughter, tears, and thoughtful dialogue as we walked away.

Off broadway house showcases emerging playwrights and bring the hearts and the love to all the people in nyc or the tourist from outside state or country the theater has launched some good talents in nyc. Very good theater dedicated to get the best program for new plays Seams little hippi , I love the Halloween party last year it was amazing. It's located right on first ave and east 9th street which makes it very convenient location. As soon as you walked out of the theater you find your self in a bunch of good restaurants and pizzerias that makes good food and the nice bars-wine bars that makes it even better Good indor show space. The blind truth was a good show

Great little Black Box theatre to watch a show! little and cozy and met some great actors! My first time visiting here to watch a family member perform. Had an "old fashion" kitschy quirky type vibe to the place..when I was there, the show was taking donations at the window...not sure if this is how they typically run the place...but overall, i would say you prolly would not visit this lil out of the way theater unless you had a family member performing there...

Watched a show for the first time here. The show title "Time Stands Still" was about a journalist couple from Brooklyn trying to move one from their jobs that puts them in dangerous situations. Story, acting and production were all well made. Very polished and professional. Time seemed to stand still watching these couple go through the uncertainty of moving forward. I am glad Theater For the New City exists in many ways. The people who run and maintain the place are dedicated and passionate in their crafts, willing to give time and labor to what they love in the benefit of us all. Come here and be enlightened.

Lower East Side Festival For the Arts was hosted at this multi-functional venue, who as a prolific poet myself, I recited two poems on a warm Memorial Day 2010 Saturday afternoon. After being badly damaged this ill-fated May 2010 month, I needed to release my sorrows from all the crying for pain, not crying for vain in extreme words: Damaged goods When the gargantuan storm is over Access the damage We are all damage in some form We are acceptors Damaged goods Bruises are sustain Yet repairable Rebuild able Not a total loss The spirit is now healed To make the deal The heart is ready, able, and willing To bend for your will Damaged goods The storm has not obstruct success of the future My spirit is alive To dive Awaiting Hoping Gushing for sincere love Damaged goods Lock the door to the past and disembark Where a new chapter is to embark So throw away the keys along with memories of the past Where a new deal is to be passed This theatre host events for all ages and is kid friendly as well. Theatre For the New City, a multi-venue to host open-mic poetry readings, live bands for emerging and established artists including film shown serves the Lower East Side community and beyond. N.B. Theatre patrons and visitors beware: dilapidated chairs are held up by massive layers of duct tape. Despite of the numerous events and activities held at this venue in one day, the reception lobby area is not very organized as it displays the previous day's schedule of events as the staff did not remove/replace to display the current day's schedule of events/activities.

Home of the quintessential "off off" East Village theater-going experience. I've been here a number of times to see shows in their various spaces, and it's always been an amusing experience. Take the time to explore, as there's quirky art all over (some permanent, some rotating.) The theaters themselves aren't particularly plush, but it would likely kill the vibe if they ever tried to make them so. This is also home to some of the cheapest in-theater drinks I've ever encountered. Too bad I've yet to see a show with an intermission there - so you have to arrive early to take advantage!

TNC is rich with artistic minds which comes as a community. Great shows and people to work with. Love to see them showcasing home grown talents/artist. Needs more organising but over all its a great place to find!

Came here to see "King Executioner," a puppet rendering of a Polish magical-realist novel performed by Czechoslovak-American Marionette Theater. The theater itself had that charming DIY, work-in-progress feeling. It was slightly less charming when the SO almost fell because of an unstable hand railing, and a minute later we spilled coffee (purchased in the lobby) all over my backpack because there was nowhere to put it. I would recommend not selling refreshments unless you can provide some minimal infrastructure for enjoying it inside the theater. Anyway, enough griping about indie theater--this is a labor of love. The show was imperfect (a compressed magical realist novel is not the best source material for a 70-minute puppet show IMO), but had some lovely directorial touches. Performers were enthusiastic. The best part was the 3-piece klezmer band, who were integrated into the show. I would definitely come back to check out other marionette performances, but I strongly recommend that they raise the stage for it--it was impossible to see them at regular level from the back rows.

Theatre for the New City has had several homes; the first was the ballroom of the Jane-West hotel (now the Hotel Riverview.) Crystal Field, the director, has done amazing things, and is truly a pillar of the community; the Theatre hosts the Lower East Side Festival of the Arts, the Village Halloween Costume Ball, and does lots of street theater productions when the weather is good. The theater was forced to leave its home at 166 Second avenue--once a Baptist tabernacle, as the stonework outside still proclaims, now an Urban Outfitters store--and found the former First Avenue Retail Market, which as a non-profit they were able to rent for a dollar a month. When a developer decided to build a condo atop the Market, there was much protest, but fortunately there hasn't been much clash between the theater's patrons and the upscale occupants of the condo tower. There have been plans to make the building a "green" building, and I'm not sure of the progress on that at this point. This is a true community theater with a lot of local talent. Because I live so close, I've been painfully aware when I've missed something I meant to catch (like "Nonviolent Executions" by Steve Ben-Israel ("my Christian name".) I've seen productions several of my friends have produced, directed, or acted in, and I love this place. Damn, I love my neighborhood.

NEVER EVER WORK AT Theater for the New City. This place is very disorganized and office people don't communicate with each other and ITS NOT SAFE. Three nights ago someone sneaked into our dressing room and stole my cast's backpack DURING OUR PERFORMANCE. The following day we heard our neighbor production's sound laptop in the booth was stolen. The staff here never alerted us about their ongoing theft problem. The detective of NYPD told us it's been an on going issue at this theater space. NEVER EVER WORK HERE AGAIN unless the theater does something!

We'd been there twice during the past few years to see a friend's photos exhibited in group shows and tonight we saw a play ("From Silence", which was powerful and well-acted). Ticket prices were a real bargain - and the people working there (who I assume are volunteers) were very friendly. We like the overall mission of this place - and they're currently trying to raise funds for an elevator chair lift, since they'd like to provide accessibility to the lower level.

Theater For The New City is an amazing place for Performers, writers, directors, theater goers, students and Artists alike. They have multiple spacious performing stages, numerous rehearsal spaces, changing areas for the Actors, a wide range of props and a huge selection of tool and equipment needed for building sets. The classes They offer are helpful for anyone looking to broaden Their acting skills and wifi is available as well. When I'm there, I feel right at Home.

I hate to have to write a negative review for the Theater For the New City, but one too many a crappy play has driven me over the edge. A few plays back I'd decided that I would only go to see a play here if there was video footage available of the actual work with current actors. That's not always possible and I've suffered as a result. Out of the 10 to 12 works I've seen here, 3 to 4 were great, another 2 or 3 were mediocre, and the rest were a complete waste of time and money. It's true, I'm sorry. Please follow my advice and only go here if you've been referred by someone who has discerning taste or if you have seen footage from the work. Sadly, it's the only way to know whether or not it will be good. There are certain venues in New York where, no matter what, the show's gonna be worth it. Unfortunately, this is not one of them. Do your homework first - then go see a play at Theater For the New City.

If you were looking for a venue that is more of the true spirit of NYC, this is the one for you. I saw a show here that was also more of the "underground NYC" variety that is so lacking unless you are very good at knowing where to look or have resources to take you there. Definitely check them out as small, local theaters need money & shouldn't be dying out.

So, please take my review with a grain of salt... I only saw one show here last night, and maybe I'll be back. The show, "My Boyfriend Is A Zombie" was great... good music, dancing and a cute story. My review, though is a heads-up for first timers (as we were) at this theatre. Please note that they have several theaters and shows going on at the same time. They do not put up signs or anything indicating which show is where. They also oversell some shows, so when you get there and get your tickets, don't wait for them to announce the opening of the house... go find your theatre right away or you will not get a seat or may be turned away, even if you have purchased tickets in advance. In our case, they just put a few more chairs in for us, but not after we kind of got mad.

I appreciate the mission of this theater, but I felt let down by the actual space. I went to see a friend in a piece for the Dream Up Festival and was very disappointed by the promotion of the festival. Maybe I didn't look hard enough, but I didn't see anything in the lobby telling me what the rest of the festival pieces were, there was no schedule posted on the wall, etc. Considering the low cost of tickets ($15 for the show I saw), I would have been willing to see something else, but I don't feel like I should have to bring up the website and sift through the listings when I'm already in the theater where the pieces are playing! Snare your customers while they are in your space! After reading through the reviews, it seems like the theater has moved homes several times. As someone who has moved a lot, I know you can sometimes get lazy about what things look like. However, when you are a place of business and you want your patrons to feel at home, having some signage on the walls indicating which theater is which, what is playing in said theaters, where the bar is, etc. would be extremely useful and nice. Finally, I know the theater is operating on a shoe-string budget, but holy cow was that lobby muggy. If you can't afford air-conditioning, I'm sure you can at least afford a few fans to move around the air! Thank goodness the show was in the basement black box (but ladies, beware, VERY STEEP stairs to get to said black box) - the basement coolness was far better than the swamp of a lobby. I'll be back if theater friends are in shows there, but otherwise... not so much.

Love Theater for the New City!!! The Halloween Ball rocks! Every year the best costumes turn out in our neighborhood! Visit Soleil NYC's FB page to watch a video of Theater for the New City's Halloween Ball! Enjoy! http://www.facebook.com/soleilnyc

If Yelpers can't appreciate Theater for the New City, then something's wrong with Yelpers, not TNC. Bad reviews here are not untrue but they are, perhaps, beside the point. This is a New York institution and people living here, especially those living close by, should visit. If you know someone in a production here - as I have several times over the years, most recently in Nicholas Nickelby - you should take the occasion to support them and check the place out. You may find the venue as inspiring as the play itself.

This is an off-off Broadway theater that puts on low-budget shows. I went to see a $9 play called Blind Angels. The theater is itself is reminiscent of a high school/college theater wing....very unimpressive entry with a smallish sitting area with some beat up furniture and artwork of locals hanging on the walls. The inside of the actual theater/stage that we were in was a small auditorium with elevated rows like a movie theater...there were about 12-15 rows of seating with 10 seats per row. The seats are not assigned, so we grabbed the third row, middle seats. Felt like we were right in the action of the play. Very intimate, but great for seeing the one room stage from every seat. I actually prefer this type of venue. The play itself was excellent. I would return to the venue at some point to see another show there. Also nice location in the East Village, close to a subway stop.

Good set up. Excellent staff. Saw a play called "Just Sex" here and everyone did a bang up job.

I wish I could like this place because I like the concept and the history but I have to say I have yet to see a play here that wasn't badly writtten, directed and acted. Can't they do better here?