What is the history of Dixon Place?

Founded by Artistic Director Ellie Covan, the organization began as a salon in her Paris apartment in 1985 and was later developed in her New York City living room for 23 years. It has been operating as an artistic incubator since 1986 and opened its own space on Chrystie Street in 2009.

Dixon Place is located at 161A Chrystie Street, New York, NY 10002.

Is Dixon Place accessible for wheelchair users?

Yes, but wheelchair users and individuals with limited mobility are asked to call 212-219-0736 for access assistance to the theater.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Dixon Place in New York City

Q: What is Dixon Place known for?

Dixon Place is a Bessie and Obie Award-winning nonprofit artistic incubator and avant-garde theater. It is dedicated to supporting the creative process by presenting original works of theater, dance, music, puppetry, circus arts, literature, and visual art at all stages of development.

Dixon Place

A Bessie and Obie Award-winning nonprofit artistic incubator on Chrystie Street, dedicated to presenting original works of theater, dance, and music by diverse, risk-taking creators.

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What to know

Dixon Place is a renowned nonprofit institution and artistic incubator that has been operating since 1986. It is dedicated to supporting the creative process by presenting original works across a wide spectrum of disciplines, including theater, dance, music, puppetry, circus arts, literature, and visual art. The venue is a recipient of both Bessie and Obie Awards, marking its significance in the New York performing arts scene. The organization's origins are deeply personal, rooted in the vision of Artistic Director Ellie Covan. Covan first started the venture as a salon in her Paris apartment in 1985. Upon returning to New York City, she continued to pioneer the organization within her own living room for 23 years before the institution transitioned into a professional facility. In 2009, Dixon Place opened its current dedicated space at 161A Chrystie Street. This state-of-the-art facility was not the work of a single architect but rather the result of organic development and expansion. The venue serves as a local haven that hosts over 1,000 creators annually, encouraging diverse artists to take risks and develop new practices. Characterized as an avant-garde theater, the space focuses on works at all stages of development. Visitors entering the Chrystie Street location may first notice the atmospheric dim lighting at the entrance, which sets the stage for the experimental and original performances housed within.

Visitor tips

Wheelchair users and individuals with limited mobility should call 212-219-0736 for access assistance.
Check the current schedule online, as the venue hosts a rotating cast of over 1,000 creators per year.
Allow extra time to explore the nearby Lower East Side neighborhood after your performance.

Nearby context

Located at 161A Chrystie Street, Dixon Place is situated in the heart of a neighborhood known for its gritty artistic history and evolving cultural landscape, fitting perfectly into the area's reputation for avant-garde expression.

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