August Wilson Theatre
Originally known as the Guild Theatre when it opened its doors in 1925, the theatre's inaugural performance featured George Bernard Shaw's “Caesar and Cleopatra.“ In 1943, the August Wilson Theater found a new purpose as the home of the WORD-Mutual Radio radio station. Subsequently, it was christened the ANTA Theatre in 1950, retaining this name until 1981 when Jujamcyn Theaters acquired it and rebranded it as the Virginia Theatre. In 2005, just a fortnight after the passing of playwright August Wilson, the theatre was renamed to honour his legacy, becoming the August Wilson Theater. Seating Capacity: 1,239 August Wilson Theatre Seating Chart will help you find the best seats in the theatre.
About August Wilson Theatre
- The mid-sized theater space seats 1239 patrons spread across two levels - 754 on the orchestra floor and 485 on the mezzanine.
- The larger orchestra floor is further divided into three sections - left, center, and right. Rows E-J in the center section have the best view in the house, situated at a favorable distance from the stage so you can take in the entire set and performance.
- Seats towards the rear of the orchestra are highly impacted due to the mezzanine overhang, but still offer a decent sightline at a lower price.
- Middle rows in the left and right of the orchestra and rear seats in the mezzanine are great options on a budget, where you can pay less for a good overview of the action.
- Seats in the mezzanine generally provide a good sightline owing to the decent rake between each row and an optimally angled position above the stage.
August Wilson Theatre seating chart >
The theater was conceived in 1923 when the Theatre Guild formed a building committee to find a fixed abode. Originally, the interior was decorated with elaborate designs including loggias and a frieze representing scenes from the Guild’s well-known productions. In its initial years, the productions only lasted a few weeks, pushing the Guild to begin leasing the venue to other producers from 1938. Within the next year, the Theatre Guild moved out and the space was eventually purchased by the American National Theatre and Academy (ANTA) in 1950. Since then, it has been known as the Guild Theatre, ATNA Playhouse, and Virginia Theatre. Interestingly, the theater’s namesake, August Wilson, only ever had one production - his non-musical play King Hedley II, hosted in the venue.
In 1954 and the late 1990s, the theater underwent two major renovations that completely transformed its interiors. However, the exterior still preserves the original design created by C. Howard Crane and Kenneth Franzheim, which was inspired by 15th-century Tuscan villas. The main auditorium was expanded in the late 1990s, and much of its interior was restored.
- Style: The exterior was designed in a pseudo-Italian style, recreating neo-classical elements like carved marble accents on windows with modern material such as concrete.
- The auditorium features loggias, tall arches, columns, and intricately painted details on the walls & ceiling. Classic Italian-renaissance style motifs in warm colors can be recognized throughout the interior, reminiscent of decorative, handpainted ceramic tiles.
- Interior: The auditorium has a flat ceiling, compared to the classic dome-like structure common in other musical houses, which greatly benefits the acoustics in the space.
- Notable Features: Unlike classic theater architecture, the auditorium is placed one level above the ground, at the back of the building. This allowed the venue to host a large entrance lounge, directly below the auditorium, eliminating the need to go outside between shows.
- The entrance lobby was initially designed to resemble the Tuscan exterior but was later redesigned in an art-deco style during a renovation project in the 1990s.
- Caesar and Cleopatra (1925)
- The Good Earth (1932)
- Mrs. McThing (1952)
- Othello (1970)
- Annie (1981)
- Carrie (1988)
- Jelly’s Last Jam (1992)
- Jersey Boys (2005)
- Mean Girls (2018)
- Slave Play (2021)
Know before you go
- Address: 245 West 52nd Street, New York, NY 10019, United States
- Bus: There are plenty of options for getting to the theater by bus, including M50, M7, and M20, with the nearest stop a 3-minute walk from the venue.
- Subway: The closest subway stations, all within a 5-minute walk from the theater, are 50th Street Station (1, C, E lines), 7th Avenue Station (B, D, E lines), and 49th Street Station (N, Q, R, W lines).
- Train: If you're traveling from outside NYC, drop off at Penn Station, then take the subway or a 15-20 minute walk to the venue at your convenience.
- Recommended route: The bus and subway are close by and offer the most convenient way to reach the venue.
- Washrooms: Restrooms are located at the mezzanine level and in the lower lobby, 1 flight up or down from the orchestra.
- Concession: Two bars at the mezzanine and lower lobby serve a range of beverages and snacks that you can carry inside or order to your seats.
- Coat check: The lower lobby has a coat check available at a 3$ charge per item. If you are unable to access the coat check due to mobility limitations, please contact the ushers for assistance.
- Souvenir store: Merchandise is available at both bars and can be purchased before the show, during intermission, or after the show.
- Wifi: Check with the staff to access free wifi for better connectivity on the premises.
- Parking: The venue does not have a dedicated parking space, but convenient options are available nearby. The closest garages include Icon Parking (2-minute walk), Central Parking (3-minute walk), and Meyers Parking (4-minute walk).
- Washrooms: A single-stalled unisex restroom is located at the orchestra level.
- Ramps & elevators: There are no elevators on the premises, but the front of the theater is connected to the orchestra level via a stair lift.
- Accessible seating: Seating at the orchestra level is wheelchair accessible. Vision/Hearing Accessible seating is available in the middle section of orchestra row D.
- Service animals: Persons with disabilities can be accompanied by their guide or service animals upon getting clearance from the theater management.
- Assisted listening devices: You can request D-Scriptive devices, I-Caption devices, audio induction neck loops, or infrared headsets from the headset booth in the main lobby.
- Stay: If you’re traveling from outside the city, plan to spend a night in the city’s famous ‘The Plaza’ hotel for a luxury New York experience. When looking for options on a budget, go for Ameritania in the heart of Times Square and stay close to the action.
- Ticketing: Plan to buy your tickets well in advance, most shows running at the theater are quite popular and may have longer wait times (sometimes as long as a few weeks!). Pick a weeknight, if you can, for a faster turnaround.
Take a screenshot of your tickets beforehand for a smooth entry. - Seating: Pick a seat near the aisle for better legroom or if you’re watching with children as some of the rows can get tight.
- Photography: The theater is often converted into elaborate sets for hosted productions. If you’d like to capture the beautiful artistry and architecture, use the time before the show begins to avoid disrupting performances.
- Arrive early: The theater district often sees a crowd of tourists and locals, especially during peak hours. To avoid congestion, plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the performance. You can grab a 99 Cent Fresh Pizza around the block or explore the city’s most famous destinations, including the Rockefeller Center, MOMA, and the Empire State Building.
Gallagher’s Steakhouse: Get the genuine taste of Manhattan at this high-end, authentic steakhouse serving premium quality meat with delicious cocktails.
-Directions to Gallagher's SteakhouseEllen’s Stardust Diner: The perfect place to pair with a Broadway show, this 1950s-themed diner features a lineup of singing servers and a classic American menu.
-Directions to Ellen's Stardust DinerRussian Samovar: Enjoy a wide selection of infused vodkas and traditional Russian dishes at this restaurant and Piano bar, well-known for its vibrant ambiance.
-Directions to Russian SamovarPick A Bagel: A popular local spot that serves freshly made bagels, spreads, and sandwiches, it’s a great place to enjoy a hearty meal at a pocket-friendly price.
-Directions to Pick A BagelBibble & Sip: If you’re in the mood for some expertly crafted coffee, matcha beverages, Asian-inspired pastries, and a cozy vibe - this is just the place to be!
-Directions to Bibble & Sip
Frequently asked questions about August Wilson Theatre, New York
The theater has been functional since 1925 and is close to 100 years old.
The August Wilson Theatre was constructed in 1925, as the permanent home to the Theatre Guild in New York.
The August Wilson Theatre is located in the Theatre District of New York, at 245 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019, United States.
The renovated auditorium can seat up to 1239 patrons, divided into two levels.
No, there is no dress code and formal dressing is not mandated. Semi-formal or smart-casual attire is generally preferred by theater-goers. Make sure to carry a jacket as the auditorium is often cold.
Photography and videography are not permitted during the performances. The staff may confiscate electronic devices found recording during the show. Please use the time before and after the show to capture the theater or set.
Children below 4 years of age are not permitted inside the theater. All adults and children above 4 must carry a valid ticket.
August Wilson is a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, well known for writing plays that explore life as a 20th Century African American. Some of his most popular works are Fences and The Piano Lesson.
Until 2005, the theater was called Virginia Theatre. It was renamed to honor award-winning playwright August Wilson, following his death in the same year.
