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Seattle, Washington / Theaters and music

Annex Theatre

A legendary Capitol Hill artist-run fringe theatre founded in 1986, dedicated to bold, experimental, and queer performances that push the boundaries of traditional stagecraft.

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Annex Theatre
www.annextheatre.org, og_image_www.annextheatre.org

What is Annex Theatre known for?

Annex Theatre is a long-running, artist-run fringe theatre and democratic collective known for producing bold, innovative, and unconventional new work. It serves as a Seattle home for avant-garde and experimental performances, including original storytelling and queer performance.

Where is it located?

It is located at 1122 East Pike Street #1440, at the corner of 11th and E. Pike in the heart of Seattle’s Capitol Hill Arts District.

How do I get there?

The venue is served by King County Metro bus lines 2, 9, 11, 12, 43, 49, and 60.

Is the venue accessible?

The entrance is on 11th Ave through a blue door and requires walking up two flights of stairs; the venue does not have an elevator.

What kind of shows does it produce?

The theatre annually produces five world-premiere plays by local directors and living playwrights.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

Annex Theatre is a cornerstone of the Capitol Hill Arts District, situated at the corner of 11th and E. Pike. Founded in 1986, this artist-run fringe theatre has served as a Seattle home for avant-garde and experimental performances for nearly 40 years. It operates as a democratic collective of theatre artists who prioritize resourcefulness, risk, and improbability in their creative process. The venue is specifically dedicated to creating bold new work, which includes the annual production of five world-premiere plays by living playwrights and local directors. This commitment to original storytelling is evident in recent productions, such as the 2026 world premiere of Next Exit by j. chavez. The theatre is widely recognized as a vibrant hub for queer performance and unconventional work that challenges traditional norms. Accessing the theatre is a unique experience in itself. The entrance is located on 11th Avenue, where visitors must enter through a blue door and climb two flights of stairs. Because the venue does not have an elevator, the journey up the stairs is a mandatory part of the arrival process for all guests.

Visitor tips

  • Look for the blue door on 11th Avenue to find the entrance.
  • Be prepared to climb two flights of stairs as there is no elevator available.
  • Check the theatre's official website for current world-premiere schedules.
  • Use King County Metro bus lines 2, 9, 11, 12, 43, 49, or 60 for easy access to the venue.

Nearby context

Located in the heart of the Capitol Hill Arts District, Annex Theatre is surrounded by the eclectic mix of shops, galleries, and nightlife that defines the neighborhood's creative spirit.

Sources

Evidence and links