Named for Shakespearean actor Edwin Booth, this intimate New York City theater opened in 1913 with the Arnold Bennett play, The Great Adventure. A fitting name for a theater that would go on to become a fixture on the Broadway scene, hosting such iconic productions as You Can’t Take It With You, Swan Song, Sunday In The Park With George, Once On This Island, The Elephant Man, and Hand To God, among others.

The Booth Theatre sits in the most concentrated part block of Broadway, bookended by several larger theaters. Alongside the Shubert, it is the oldest theater on the block. The Booth, in particular, was part of the Little Theatre Movement, an initiative designed to keep the experimental arts alive during the dawn of cinema. With a stunning Italian Renaissance-style facade and charming, classic interiors, the Booth has more than served its intended purpose of staging acclaimed productions and putting on a good show.

766 Seats

Wheelchair Accessible

Accessible Toilets

Assistive Listening System

Washrooms

Air Conditioning

Level Access

Security Check

Hearing Assistance

Water Fountain

Souvenir Shop

About Booth Theatre

Seating chart
History
Architecture
Popular productions
  • The Booth Theatre has an approximate capacity of 766 seats, split across the Orchestra and Mezzanine levels and boxes along the sides. The capacity does not account for 22 standing-only spots and 30 removable seats in the Orchestra.
  • Both levels are raked, sloping downward toward the Orchestra pit, which allows for decent views and clear sight lines across the venue.
  • The wheelchair-accessible and companion seats are in the rear of the Orchestra. The Mezzanine is a balcony level that does not offer the same level of accessibility in seats. It can only be reached via stairs, which are equipped with handrails. Transfer seats are available on both levels.
  • The theater has no escalators or elevators.
  • Accessible step-free and street-level access is available to the lobby and Orchestra level from Shubert Alley. While both levels have entrances and promenades in the rear, the Mezzanine is not accessible to patrons with varying levels of mobility.
  • The best seats in the house are in the Center Orchestra, closer to the front of the auditorium. For decent views at affordable rates, try the Middle Orchestra or the Middle Mezzanine.
  • The cheapest seats are at the rear of both levels, though patrons might find these to offer less immersive experiences for some shows.
  • The theater's smaller size and age lens itself to limited legroom, particularly in the Mezzanine section.
  • Restrooms and water fountains are in the basement and on the Orchestra level. A wheelchair-accessible all-gender restroom is located on the Orchestra level.
  • Concessions may be purchased on both levels.
Seatmap
Legend Image

Know before you go

Getting there
Facilities
Accessibility
Tips & guidelines
Nearby restaurants
  • Address: 222 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036, United States
  • Bus: The nearest bus stop to the theater is on 8th Avenue and West 46th Street. The next closest stop is on 8th Avenue and West and 43rd Street. Both bus stops service lines M20 and M104.
  • Subway: The closest subway stations to the Booth Theatre are along 42nd Street and service the A, C, E, 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, and S lines.
  • Cars and cabs: Patrons may drive or take a taxi to the theater. The Broadway district gets quite crowded, particularly during peak seasons. Patrons may find themselves stuck in traffic or struggling to locate street-side parking during these times.
  • Parking: There are multiple parking garages near Booth Theatre. These include Icon Parking, Icon Advance Parking, Times Square Parking, 1531 Broadway Garage, Meyers Parking, and more. Patrons may book themselves a spot via ParkWhix, SpotHero, or similar online services to avoid delays in finding a spot.
  • Recommended mode of transport: We recommend using the subway for a quick, cost-efficient way to reach the Booth Theatre.

Frequently asked questions about Booth Theatre

How old is the Booth Theatre in New York?

The venue is over 100 years old.

When was the Booth Theatre built?

The theater was constructed in 1913.

Who is the Booth named after?

The theater is named for the Shakespearean actor Edwin Booth. His notable performances included Hamlet, Richard III, and Iago. Sadly, his illustrious career is often overshadowed by his brother, John Wilkes Booth, whose claim to fame was his assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. But Edwin remains one of the most important and genre-defining figures in Shakespearean works, having set new standards for how these plays are acted, having played Hamlet more times than any other actor.

What is the address of the Booth Theatre?

222 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036, United States.

How do I reach the Booth Theatre?

The theater is accessible via car, taxi, subway, and bus. The nearest stops and stations are located within walking distance of the theater.

Who owns Booth Theatre?

The theater is jointly owned by the Shubert Organization and Booth Theatre, LLC.

How many seats are in the Booth Theatre?

The theater has a capacity of 766 seats.

Are children allowed at the Booth Theatre?

Patrons over the age of 4 are permitted at the theater. Each show also has its own age restriction and maturity rating. Patrons are advised to check in advance before booking their tickets.

Is the Booth Theatre accessible to people with special needs?

The theater has wheelchair-accessible and companion seats, transfer seats, stairs equipped with handrails, an accessible restroom, and visual and hearing accommodations. A street-level step-free entrance leads to the Orchestra, where most of the accessible seating is located. Not all parts of the theater are accessible to patrons with mobility issues, particularly wheelchair users.

What shows have played at the Booth Theatre?

The theater stages smaller, more intimate productions due to its size. While it has had an illustrious run staging classic works, such as Shakespeare, it is also notable for putting on more niche productions such as Luv, Butterflies Are Free, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf, and The Elephant Man. Currently, it is playing Kimberly Akimbo.

Has Kimberly Akimbo always been at the Booth Theatre?

Kimberly Akimbo opened off-Broadway at the Linda Gross Theater in 2021. The production, along with its cast, then moved to the Booth Theatre in 2022 where it has continued to run since. The show is set to close in April 2024.

What are the best seats in the Booth Theatre?

The best views in the theater are the front rows of the Center Orchestra. The middle of the Center Orchestra and Center Mezzanine offers decent views at affordable rates. The rear of both sections tend to have the cheapest seats, though these may not always offer the best views.

What should I wear to Booth Theatre?

There is no dress code for Broadway theaters but patrons are encouraged to dress comfortably and appropriately.

How much do Booth Theatre tickets cost?

Ticket prices vary based on the show date and timing, season, seating preferences, and more. Tickets for Kimberly Akimbo currently start at $78.40.

Does Booth Theatre have food?

The theater sells a limited menu at concession stands located on both floors. No outside food or drink is permitted inside the theater.

Are there any dining options available near the Booth Theatre?

Patrons may have their pick from a variety of nearby eateries. For pub grub, steaks, quick meals, and more, try Playwright's Celtic Pub or The Palm West Side. For cuisine-based dining, try Asian meals at RA Sushi Bar Restaurant or Blue Fin or Italian food at Carmine's.

What are some attractions or things to do near the Booth Theatre?

There is plenty to do around the Booth Theatre. If you've got time to spare, you could try experiences like escape rooms, bowling, jazz clubs, and much more. For a quintessential NYC experience, try Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum and Times Square. For theater aficionados, try the Museum of Broadway. Don't forget to visit the Booth Theatre shop on your way out.

Past Shows

Kimberly Akimbo
Musicals
4.4(6)