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Provincetown Playhouse

An icon of American theater and a cradle of the Off-Off-Broadway movement, this historic venue transformed a former stable into a legendary stage for avant-garde drama in Greenwich Village.

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Provincetown Playhouse
steinhardt.nyu.edu, og_image_steinhardt.nyu.edu

Where is the Provincetown Playhouse located?

The Provincetown Playhouse is located at 133 MacDougal Street in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City, one block south of Washington Square Park.

What is the Provincetown Playhouse known for?

It is regarded as an icon of American theater and the origin point of the Off-Off-Broadway movement. The venue is known for premiering works by major playwrights such as Eugene O'Neill, Samuel Beckett, and Edward Albee, and was the site of Bette Davis's debut.

What is the history of the building?

The theater was created in 1918 when the Provincetown Players converted a former stable and wine-bottling plant into a theater. The building consists of four row houses from the 1840s.

Is it free to visit?

Events for the storytelling series listed by NYU Steinhardt are free.

What are the hours for shows?

For the storytelling series, shows are at 3:00 p.m., and the box office opens at 2:00 p.m.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

Located at 133 MacDougal Street, the Provincetown Playhouse stands as a cornerstone of New York City's theatrical history. The venue was established when the Provincetown Players converted a former stable and wine-bottling plant into a theater in 1918. This specific location consists of four row houses dating back to the 1840s, providing an intimate setting for experimental art. While the playhouse originally opened at 139 MacDougal Street in 1916, it moved to its current home on November 22, 1918. Regarded as an origin point of the Off-Off-Broadway movement, the theater became a sanctuary for major playwrights. Eugene O'Neill premiered most of his plays here, and the stage also hosted the early works of Samuel Beckett, Edward Albee, and David Mamet. The venue's influence extended to poetry and prose, featuring the works of Edna St. Vincent Millay and Sam Shepard. The Playhouse has also served as a launching pad for legendary performers. Bette Davis made her professional debut within these walls, and the renowned Paul Robeson performed here, notably starring in O'Neill's "The Emperor Jones." These contributions have cemented the theater's status as an icon of the American Theater. In more recent years, the site has been associated with New York University. A 2008 report indicated that NYU planned to demolish the 170-seat theater, as it was not landmarked at the time. Despite these challenges, the space continues to host cultural events, including storytelling series associated with NYU Steinhardt.

Visitor tips

  • Check for NYU Steinhardt storytelling events, which are listed as free to the public.
  • If attending a 3:00 p.m. show, arrive early as the box office opens at 2:00 p.m.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the theater is located in the heart of the pedestrian-heavy Greenwich Village neighborhood.

Nearby context

The Provincetown Playhouse is situated in the vibrant Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan. It is located one block south of Washington Square Park, placing it in a historic district known for its artistic heritage and bohemian spirit.

Sources

Evidence and links