Theatre
Helen Hayes Theater
New York, NY, United States·Est. 1912·597 seats
theatremusical
240 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036
Broadway's smallest house carries an outsized legacy. Built in 1912 and renamed in 1983 for the first lady of American theater, the Helen Hayes seats just 597 — an intimacy that has made it a magnet for plays demanding close communion between actor and audience. Its compact auditorium has housed landmark productions and Tony-winning performances across more than a century. Few theaters on the Great White Way offer such an immediate, electric connection to the stage.
Around the Venue
Plan your visit — dining, transit, and performer resources nearby
Plan Your Visit
New York City
Pre-show dining, bars & more for Helen 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
Organization
Second Stage
Also Known As
Previous names and historical designations
Hayes Theater
Location
240 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036
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