Theatre
Hayes Theater
New York, NY, United States·Est. 1912·597 seats
theatre
240 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036
The Hayes Theater, a jewel of Broadway's Theater District, originated in 1912 as The Little Theatre, founded by impresario Winthrop Ames to create an intimate, salon-like theatrical experience. This neo-Georgian landmark, designed by Ingalls & Hoffman with interior refinements by Herbert J. Krapp in the 1920s, remains one of Broadway's most charming and acoustically sophisticated venues at just 597 seats. Now operated by Second Stage Theater, a non-profit champion of living American playwrights with emphasis on women and minority voices, the theater seamlessly blends its historic architectural character—including its original facade and period details—with contemporary amenities following a 2018 renovation by Rockwell Group. Attending a performance here offers an unusually intimate Broadway experience, where no seat feels distant from the stage and the venue's storied past as a cultural incubator resonates throughout the auditorium.
The Experience
Acoustics, seating, and what to expect
Acoustics
4.5/ 5
Herbert J. Krapp's 1920s redesign prioritized acoustic excellence, and the theater's intimate 597-seat capacity ensures exceptional sound projection and clarity throughout the auditorium. The venue's neo-Georgian proportions and careful interior restoration maintain these acoustic virtues.
Best Seats
Orchestra seats in the center section offer the ideal balance of proximity and acoustic blend, with no seat feeling distant from the stage. The balcony provides excellent sightlines and acoustics despite the theater's modest size.
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Visitor Guide
Tickets, pricing, and getting there
Ticket Prices
$35—$120
Typical range · USD
Getting There
42nd Street-Port Authority Bus Terminal (A, C, E trains); Times Square-42nd Street (1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W trains); M42 crosstown bus
Parking
Street parking is limited in the Theater District; nearby parking garages include those on 45th and 46th Streets. Arriving by public transit is recommended.
Around the Venue
Plan your visit — dining, transit, and performer resources nearby
Plan Your Visit
New York City
Pre-show dining, bars & more for Hayes Theater visitors.
Green Room — New York City
Performer City Guide
5 practice spaces, 1 music stores, 1 vocal coaches
- Nola Studios
Book online. Rooms range from small vocal practice rooms ($15/hr) to large audition rooms. The bulletin board in the lobby has coaching, apartment, and gig listings.
- Juilliard SchoolWebsite
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
Attend free student concerts and recitals held regularly throughout the year; you'll witness extraordinary young talent in intimate settings.
Performance schedule varies; check website for free concert listings
Carnegie Hall
Book studios in advance, especially during audition season (fall); the staff knows what they're doing with artists' needs.
Open 8:00 AM–11:00 PM daily; hourly rental rates available
Carnegie Hall
Visit mid-morning on weekdays when you'll have unhurried access to the showroom; ask to play multiple instruments and speak with the knowledgeable staff about your needs.
Open Monday–Friday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, Saturday 11:00 AM–5:00 PM; closed Sundays
Open city guidePatron
Venue Details
Architect
Harry Creighton Ingalls (Ingalls & Hoffman); interior redesign by Herbert J. Krapp (1920s); 2018 renovation by David Rockwell (Rockwell Group)
Architecture
Neo-Georgian with neo-Federal and colonial revival elements
Heritage
New York City Landmark (designated November 17, 1987)
Accessibility
Wheelchair Accessible
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