Opened in 1925 as the Guild Theatre, the first performance at the theater was Caesar and Cleopatra, by George Bernard Shaw. After that August Wilson Theater served as a base for the WORD-Mutual Radio radio station in 1943, before becoming ANTA Theatre in 1950. The name stuck until it was purchased by Jujamcyn Theaters in 1981 and renamed the Virginia Theatre. It got its current name in honor of playwright August Wilson in 2005, a fortnight days after his death. Numerous popular shows have been seen treading its floors, including My Fair Lady and Smokey Joe's Cafe. Until recently, Jersey Boys had graced the theater for a very long time.
If you’re looking to catch the show, our August Wilson Theater guide is here to help you find the best seats.
Venue Details
Address: 245 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019, United States
Opened: 1925
Seating Capacity: 1239
Orchestra: 754
Mezzanine:485
Seating Chart
Check out the August Wilson Theatre Seating Chart here.
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Practical Information
Section Accessibility
Orchestra: There are usually four wheelchair spaces and four transfer seats on the far aisle of the Left Orchestra, between rows D and S. These seats are close to the stair lift and accessible restroom. Wheelchair designated spaces have up to three companion seats available, and transfer seats have one companion seat.
Mezzanine: The Mezzanine lobby is located up 16 steps from the Orchestra, and 41 steps from the main entrance to the August Wilson Theatre. From the lobby, it is six steps up to the Mezzanine entrance behind row E. There are an additional two steps up or down to each row.
Available Facilities
Restroom: Women's and Men's restrooms available; an accessible restroom is located at orchestra level near the stair lift.
Accessible Seating: Wheelchair seating is in the Orchestra only.
Water Fountain:The water fountain is located in the lower lobby, one flight down from the Orchestra.
Assistive Listening System:Assisted listening devices are available. An ID is required as a deposit.
Handy Tips
- The bathrooms for the theater are located on either side of the theater. Figure out which one are you sitting close to before the intermission.
- The bar sells products at an inflated rate. Get your eating and drinking done before you enter the theater.
- The mezzanine level has a few steps after every row, so be careful when booking tickets for that section if you have mobility restrictions.
- The first rows of the orchestra and mezzanine level or the corner seats offer extra legroom.
- Wear warm clothes as the theater tends to get chilly at times.
Getting To August Wilson Theatre
The August Wilson Theatre is located at 245 West 52nd Street, in the midst of the bustling Broadway district. New York tourist hotspots including the Hope Sculpture and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert studio are also just around the corner. Getting to the August Wilson Theatre is easy thanks to its central location and the range of public transport serving the area.
The August Wilson Theatre can be reached from various subway stations, including 50th Street (served by lines including A, C and E). From the station, the theater is a short three-minute walk away along 8th Avenue before turning right onto West 52nd Street.
It’s very easy to get to the August Wilson Theatre by bus. The M20 and M104 buses stop at West 52nd Street and 8th Avenue. From this stop, the theater is just one minute away if you walk south-east along West 52nd Street. Alternatively, the M7 stops at West 53rd Street and 7th Avenue, which is two minutes on foot along 7th Avenue.
Restaurants Near August Wilson Theatre
You can make your Broadway experience extra special with our hand-picked selection of the best restaurants near August Wilson Theatre. If you’re looking for an in-depth guide for food options in the Theatre District, we have got you covered. Looking for a quick bite before or after your Broadway show? Here our some of our favorite restaurants around the August Wilson Theatre:
- Chipotle Mexican Grill: Fast-food chain offering Mexican fare, including design-your-own burritos, tacos & bowls.
- John’s Pizzeria: Serving their trademark thin-crust pizzas since 1929, John’s Pizzeria in 260, West 44th Street, is a classic NYC eatery.
- Ippudo Westside: Japanese small plates, ramen & upmarket sake are dispatched in this simple but stylish outpost.
- The Lambs Club: A clubby, art-deco style restaurant in 132 West 44th Street, with cocktails and steaks to die for!
Frequently Asked Questions about August Wilson Theatre
The theatre is more than 98 years old, having been built in 1925.
Opened in 1925, the theater was designed by C. Howard Crane and Kenneth Franzheim and was built for the Theatre Guild. It is named for Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson (1945–2005).
245 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019, United States
August Wilson Theatre has a seating capacity of 1239.
