New World Stages: Off-Broadway's Five-Theater Powerhouse

The New World Stages is one of New York's premier venues for live entertainment. Located at 340 W 50th Street, New York, NY 10019, this off-broadway complex has a capacity of Five theaters: two at 499 seats, two at 350 seats, one at 199 seats and has been a fixture of the city's cultural landscape since 2004.

History of New World Stages

New World Stages opened in 2004 as Dodger Stages, renamed New World Stages in 2006. The five-theater complex was converted from the Worldwide Cinemas multiplex by Beyer Blinder Belle Architects, with theater design by Sachs Morgan Studio. Located on West 50th Street between Eighth and Ninth Avenues, it is the largest off-Broadway theater complex in midtown Manhattan.

The complex features five independent theaters operating simultaneously: Stages 1 and 3 seat 499 each, Stages 2 and 4 seat 350 each, and Stage 5 seats 199. The dramatic lobby features a wall of light projecting on a metal-mesh scrim, creating a distinctive entrance experience.

New World Stages has been home to some of off-Broadway's longest-running and most beloved productions. Avenue Q transferred here from Broadway for an extended run. The Play That Goes Wrong, The 39 Steps, Million Dollar Quartet, and Peter and the Starcatcher all played here. The complex regularly hosts five different productions simultaneously, making it a one-stop destination for off-Broadway theater.

What's On at New World Stages

New World Stages hosts multiple off-Broadway productions simultaneously across its five theaters.

• The Play That Goes Wrong (Off-Broadway)

• Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors (Off-Broadway)

• Heathers: The Musical (Musicals)

• Jamie Allan's Amaze (Off-Broadway)

• The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Musicals)

Browse all off-Broadway shows in New York on tickadoo.

Seating and Accessibility

Seating varies by theater. The largest stages (1 and 3) hold 499, mid-size stages (2 and 4) hold 350, and the intimate Stage 5 holds 199. All theaters offer excellent proximity to the stage.

The complex is ADA accessible with elevator access to all theaters. Wheelchair-accessible seating is available in all theaters.