August Wilson Theatre New York
August Wilson Theatre Tickets
About the August Wilson Theatre
Since opening in 1925, the August Wilson Theatre has gone by various names including the Guild Theatre and the Virginia Theatre. After a varied history including time as a radio studio, it was renamed in 2005 in honor of a prolific American playwright; Wilson’s work included Fences (1985), which was directed for film by Denzel Washington in 2016. The August Wilson is one of three Broadway theaters named after a Black artist; the other two are the James Earl Jones Theatre and Lena Horne Theatre.
Built in the Italian-inspired style of many Broadway venues, the August Wilson Theatre is characterized by arches and columns around the auditorium. Despite being a mid-sized venue, the theater feels cozy thanks to its mottled wall design and warm tones throughout, and remains a popular choice for drama buffs and tourists alike.
The August Wilson Theatre was originally built as the home of the Theatre Guild, whose work at the venue ranged from Caesar and Cleopatra (1925) to A Month in the Country (1930). Notable productions since then include the famously polarizing Carrie (1988) which closed after just 16 previews. It’s had more successes than flops since, however, with hits including its longest-running show, Jersey Boys (2005-2017), the popular Mean Girls musical (2018-2021), and the record-breaking Slave Play (2021).
Know Before You Go
• Coat check in the main lobby is $3 per item, for bags and large coats
• Programs and souvenirs can be purchased in the main lobby
• Bars are on two levels and drinks can be taken into the auditorium
Map and Address
245 West 52nd Street, New York, NY 10019
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. Taxis are also an option for drop-off near the theater.
