Claire Tow Theater (LCT)
About Claire Tow Theater
- Seating capacity: The Claire Tow Theater has a capacity of 112 seats.
- Single-section auditorium: A small Off-Broadway venue, this theater has one Orchestra section with seven straight and tiered rows.
- Best seats: Front-row seats offer the clearest views of the stage and the most immersive experience.
Claire Tow Theater seating chart >
The Claire Tow Theater was opened in 2012 as part of the Lincoln Center Theater's (LCT) initiative to showcase the work of the next generation of directors, playwrights, and designers and appeal to new audiences. Per this vision, the Lincoln Center was extended with a two-story section built above the existing Vivian Beaumont Theater.
Named for LCT board member Leonard Tow's wife in recognition of the Tow Foundation's support, Claire Tow was designed to be a less formal venue that stages modestly budgeted programs, offering the opportunity to up-and-coming artists to showcase their work. It opened with Anne Kauffman's Slowgirl and its upcoming lineup includes the play Six Characters.
- The vision: The Claire Tow Theater is part of the LCT3, a vision to create a performing arts space for low-budget, modest productions from upcoming artists.
- The visionary: The space was designed by architect Hugh Hardy of H3 Hardy Collaboration Architecture.
- Off-Broadway serenity: The LCT is outside the Theater District, housing various Off-Broadway venues including Claire Tow. The exterior of this venue includes large glass walls that face a modern plaza.
- Sleek design: The theater, a glass-walled black box atop the Vivian Beaumont, disappears from view the closer you get to the building, adding to its sense of quiet intimacy. Once you're within its space, however, you are treated to modern designs that cover the theater, dressing rooms, office spaces, and a lush green outdoor terrace space.
- Simplicity: The auditorium is built to house productions with smaller budgets. While equipped with modern technology, the space opts for simple colors and designs, with a small wooden stage up front and a few rows of tiered seating.
- History and art: The building houses a school and library with one of the largest performing arts collections, as well as several paintings and sculptures across the premises.
- Slowgirl (2012)
- Shabash! (2018)
- Power Strip (2019)
- The Nosebleed (2022)
- Daphne (2023)
- Six Characters (2025)
Know before you go
- Address: 150 W 65th St, New York, NY 10023, United States
- Bus: The M66 route stopsright at the theater's entrance on West 65 Street and Amsterdam Avenue.
- Bike: The Citibike sharing station is at Amsterdam Avenue and West 66 Street.
- Subway: The closest station is 66 Street-Lincoln Center servicing lines 1 and 2.
- Parking: Icon Parking on West 66th Street and SP+ Parking on West 62nd Street are both just a few minutes away.
- Recommended route: The bus and subway are the easiest ways to get around this area.
- Concessions and refreshments: The LCT lobby bar serves a limited menu of snacks and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Restrooms: The complex has restrooms across its premises but these sometimes prove to be limited. We recommend visiting them either before or after a show to avoid long queues during intermissions.
- Terrace garden: Enjoy a stunning view of the central plaza from the relaxing garden on the roof of this venue.
- Library: The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts is home to one of the largest performing arts collections and is worth a visit if you've got time to spare before or after your show.
- Shop: The lobby shop is a great pitstop to pick up souvenirs and keepsakes on your way out.
- Accessible seating: This theater has designated wheelchair, companion, and transfer seating with step-free access.
- Hearing and vision assistance: The auditorium is equipped with induction loops and headsets are available on a first-come first-served basis. Designated low-vision seating is available.
- Arrive early: We recommend arriving 10-15 minutes before your show to allow time to navigate through the complex, explore the venue, grab a bite or drink, and find your seats.
- Dress code: While there is no dress code, we recommend smart casuals.
- Food policy: Outside food and drink is not permitted at this venue.
- Photography: Recording of the show is prohibited.
- Age restrictions: The venue does not admit children under the age of five.
- The Ribbon: Retro eatery serving American fare alongside a raw bar and creative cocktails.
- Directions
to The Ribbon
- Friedman’s: Outdoor woodsy diner and deli serving easygoing dishes like tuna melts and classic American dishes like BBQ wings.
- Directions
to Friedman’s
- Thai 72: Chic venue serving traditional dishes like BBQ skewers, soups, a variety of meats, and more.
- Directions
to Thai 72
- Arte Cafe: Neighborhood favorite serving Italian fare in a chic yet cozy space, particularly beloved for its weekend brunch service.
- Directions
to Arte Cafe
- Mr.Liu Hot Pot: Chinese eatery serving traditional dishes like malatang and teriyaki seasoned to perfection in an old-school space.
- Directions to Mr.Liu Hot Pot
Frequently asked questions about Claire Tow Theater
The theater was opened in 2012 and is one of the newest additions to the Lincoln Center complex at just 12 years old.
The venue was named for the wife of Leonard Tow, a board member of the Lincoln Center Theater, and is sometimes called the Leonard and Claire Tow Theater. The choice to honor the couple stemmed from their esteemed leadership and support, provided through their Tow Foundation.
The theater is 150 W 65th St, New York, NY 10023, United States. It is easily reached via the bus or subway.
The theater has 112 seats in its single Orchestra section, split across seven tiered rows. The best seats are generally in the front row, from where you get the most immersive experience. Since this is such a small venue and owing to the LCT3 initiative of using this space to stage works from newer artists, tickets are generally evenly priced and cheaper than other venues in the complex.
Children under five are not allowed at this venue.
Tucked away from Broadway's Theater District, the Lincoln Center is worth exploring on its own. It houses the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts and offers reprieve at its terrace garden and central plaza. Just outside the complex is the American Folk Art Museum with Central Park not too far off.
