Circle in the Square Theatre: Broadway's Only Thrust Stage

The Circle in the Square Theatre is one of New York's premier venues for live entertainment. Located at 235 W 50th Street, New York, NY 10019, this broadway theater has a capacity of 682 and has been a fixture of the city's cultural landscape since 1972.

History of Circle in the Square Theatre

Circle in the Square Theatre opened on November 15, 1972, as part of the Uris Building complex on West 50th Street. Founded by Theodore Mann and Jose Quintero, Circle in the Square is one of Broadway's most distinctive venues, featuring a thrust stage surrounded by audience on three sides with only ten rows of seats.

The theater was built below street level on the site of the former Capitol Theatre movie palace. Designed by Allen Sayles, the space was created with a philosophy articulated by critic Brooks Atkinson: when you walk in the door, you should see the stage, not the audience. The intimate configuration means no patron is more than a few rows from the performers.

Circle in the Square has been home to many acclaimed productions. Fun Home, the groundbreaking musical based on Alison Bechdel's graphic memoir, won the Tony for Best Musical here in 2015. Hugh Jackman starred in The River at the venue, and Audra McDonald's Tony-winning performance in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill took place on this very stage.

What's On at Circle in the Square Theatre

Circle in the Square Theatre offers Broadway's most intimate experience, with audiences surrounding the performers on three sides.

• Melissa Etheridge: My Window (Stars On Stage)

• Just In Time (Musicals)

Browse all musicals in New York on tickadoo.

Seating and Accessibility

The theater seats 682 in a thrust configuration with seating on three sides. There are only ten rows, so every seat is remarkably close to the action. The semicircular arrangement means sightlines vary by section, but the proximity to performers more than compensates.

Wheelchair-accessible seating is available. The below-street-level theater is accessed via elevator. Assistive listening devices are available.