LGBTQ+ Theater
From Broadway's brightest stages to intimate experimental spaces, experience the power of queer stories brought to life in NYC's vibrant theater scene
The Stages of Gay NYC
NYC's LGBTQ+ theater scene spans from historic Broadway houses to cutting-edge experimental spaces, each telling our stories with authenticity and pride
Historic LGBTQ+ Theater Venues
Helen Hayes Theater
Home to pioneering gay plays since the 1970s
Broadway Theater District Guide
Getting Tickets
Use TodayTix for same-day deals or visit TKTS in Times Square for discounted shows
Show Times
Evening shows at 8pm, matinees Wed & Sat at 2pm, Sun at 3pm
Pre-Theater Dining
Joe Allen, Chez Josephine, and Glass House Tavern offer pre-theater menus
La MaMa E.T.C.
Since 1961Pioneer of experimental theater
Founded by Ellen Stewart, La MaMa has been home to Harvey Fierstein, Sam Shepard, and countless LGBTQ+ artists pushing theatrical boundaries.
Cherry Lane Theatre
Since 1924NYC's oldest continuously running Off-Broadway
Historic West Village venue that has premiered numerous LGBTQ+ works in its intimate 179-seat space.
Dixon Place
Since 1986Laboratory for performance
A vital incubator for LGBTQ+ artists developing cutting-edge performance work across genres.
The Flea Theater
TribecaRadical downtown theater
Known for producing bold new work by emerging LGBTQ+ playwrights and hosting the annual Queerly Festival.
Performance Space NY
East VillageAvant-garde performance hub
Presenting innovative work by LGBTQ+ and gender-nonconforming artists pushing artistic boundaries.
UNDER St. Mark's
East VillageUnderground performance space
Home to the annual Queerly Festival celebrating LGBTQ+ joy and resistance through performance.
Joe's Pub at The Public
Premier cabaret & performance venue
Named for Public Theater founder Joe Papp, this intimate venue has hosted Amy Winehouse, Adele, and countless LGBTQ+ performers. A vital space for cabaret, drag, and musical performances.
Capacity
184 seated
Shows
800+ annually
Lincoln Center
World-class performing arts complex
Home to Metropolitan Opera, NYC Ballet, and Philharmonic, featuring LGBTQ+ themes across opera, ballet, and music, plus special Pride programming.
Multiple Venues
Met Opera House, David Geffen Hall, Vivian Beaumont Theater
Pride Programming
Annual Pride concerts and special LGBTQ+ performances
Cabaret & Drag Performance Venues
Don't Tell Mama
Historic piano bar & cabaret in the Theater District
343 W 46th StThe Duplex
Legendary cabaret venue in Greenwich Village
61 Christopher StClub Cumming
Alan Cumming's eclectic East Village venue
505 E 6th StNational Queer Theater
Celebrating LGBTQ+ artists across generations
Dedicated to celebrating the brilliance of LGBTQ+ artists and providing a home for unheard storytellers through theatrical productions and community programs.
Criminal Queerness Festival
Annual festival fighting criminalization through art
Community Programs
Serving LGBTQ+ youth, elders, and artists
TOSOS
NYC's oldest LGBTQIA+ theater company
The Other Side of Silence, founded in 1974, is NYC's oldest and longest producing LGBTQIA+ theater company, dedicated to presenting works across the LGBTQ+ theatrical timeline.
Doric Wilson Playwrights Project
Free readings celebrating LGBTQ+ playwrights
50+ Years of History
Pioneering queer theater since 1974
Milestones in LGBTQ+ Theater
La MaMa E.T.C. Founded
Ellen Stewart creates a home for experimental theater that would nurture countless LGBTQ+ artists
TOSOS Established
NYC's first professional gay theater company begins producing LGBTQ+ work
Torch Song Trilogy on Broadway
Harvey Fierstein's groundbreaking play brings gay stories to mainstream audiences
Rent Opens on Broadway
Jonathan Larson's revolutionary musical about LGBTQ+ lives during the AIDS crisis wins the Pulitzer Prize
Queer Theater Thrives
Multiple LGBTQ+ shows on Broadway and a vibrant experimental scene across NYC
Your Theater Guide
Tickets & Discounts
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TKTS: Same-day discounts up to 50% off
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TodayTix: Mobile app for last-minute deals
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Rush Tickets: $40-50 same-day at box office
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Student Discounts: With valid ID at most venues
Performance Times
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Evening Shows: Usually 7pm or 8pm
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Matinees: Wed/Sat 2pm, Sun 3pm
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Off-Broadway: More flexible schedules
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Dark Days: Most theaters closed Mondays
Theater Tips
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Arrive Early: 30 min for seating & drinks
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Dress Code: Smart casual is perfect
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Stage Door: Meet performers after shows
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Photos: Only during curtain call
Coming Soon to NYC Stages
Death Becomes Her
The campy film favorite comes to Broadway with "For the Gaze"
Smash
Behind-the-scenes drama about creating a Marilyn Monroe musical
Queerly Festival
Annual celebration of LGBTQ+ performance at UNDER St. Mark's
Experience the Magic of LGBTQ+ Theater
From groundbreaking Broadway shows to intimate experimental performances, NYC's stages are alive with queer stories