New York City is the number one destination for theater fans, and the reasons go well beyond Broadway (although, yeah, you should definitely see a while you're in town). Since the early 1900s, the City has served as a crucible for the nation's greatest playwrights; Eugene O'Neill, Arthur Miller and Tennessee Williams all lived in New York and created their greatest work here, as did some of the top songwriters of the 20th century, like Rodgers and Hammerstein. And all their creative work got the world's attention in the City's historic Broadway houses.For true theater nerds, we've put together a comprehensive guide that will give you a deeper dive into the City's rich scene. Whether you're an actor, a drama student or just a serious fan of all things theater, these are the experiences you won't want to miss.The Show's the ThingBroadway, of course, is where you can see the most famous and spectacular offerings of New York City's thriving theater scene. But just a couple subway stops north of Times Square, there's —which has three houses doing a mix of musicals, major dramas and more intimate shows. If you want to see next season's hits or check out bolder experimental fare, is the place to go. Midtown Manhattan has plenty of theaters showcasing up-and-coming talents (like those at ) alongside revivals of classic works (which you might see at ).In Chelsea, the is known as a breeding ground for groundbreaking new plays and musicals; 2018 Tony winner first launched at the company's Linda Gross Theater. In the East Village, the Public Theater has been a hub for the latest in avant-garde theater with its , new musicals like Fun Home and a little show called . There's also , named for Public founder Joseph Papp, which is a great place to see newer talent in a cozy cabaret space that serves cocktail, snacks and full meals.Across the East River, in Dumbo has a newish space on the Brooklyn waterfront. It showcases innovative productions like Taylor Mac's A 24-Decade History of American Pop Music and a deconstructed Oklahoma! with a country twang (coming to Broadway in March). In downtown Brooklyn, the (BAM) is known for its (which has showcased big names like Cate Blanchett in 2009's A Streetcar Named Desire) and for nontraditional stagings (Broadway director Ivo van Hove has been a regular).The City's outdoor summer scene is dominated by Shakespeare. Foremost among those productions is Shakespeare in the Park, at Central Park's . But don't miss out on more experimental programs, like , that keep the Bard accessible.What Is Theater…New York City's downtown stage scene is known for boundary-breaking pieces that expand audiences' conception of what theater can be. The East Village's , the name for 4th Street between Second Avenue and Bowery, hosts a number of venues that do just that. You'll find the home of the legendary , which started in the 1960s with radical productions that obliterated the fourth wall. There's also the , which has been operating for more than 30 years and made its name with a ragtag musical called Rent. Next door's highlights DIY productions, especially one-person shows. With a downtown feel but a Midtown location, , in Hell's Kitchen, is given over mostly to improv and sketch comedy. Another place you might catch future SNL or Netflix stars is , in Gramercy.The Story Behind the DramaIf you want to learn more about the history of theater and what happens behind the scenes, the is not to be missed. In addition to having an incredible collection of books and hosting occasional exhibits, it's home to the , where you can watch most Broadway—and other theatrical—shows from 1970 on. Though the library is open to the public, the archive is technically for research purposes only; if you're a student or a theater professional you should be good to go.Another fun stop is the , at Kaufman Astoria Studios in Queens. They have more than 80,000 items, all available for rent if you're putting on a show yourself. But you can just come to browse the outfits and see some costume sketches by well-known designers.Show ShoppingWhile you can pick up plenty of show posters, coffee mugs and other branded knick-knacks during your show's intermission, the true theater nerd will always want more. The number one destination is , where you can find a wide range of posters and paraphernalia from shows past and present. Its sister store, , has a little more space for scripts and sheet music. , NYC's most beloved stop for plays and songs, will close in January 2019 with plans to reopen in a new location later in the year thanks to new owners, a team of theater notables including Lin Manuel-Miranda. Dancers in the know will want to visit the flagship store for all kinds of leotards, dance accessories and even tap shoes.See the Theatrical SightsGiven NYC's rich theatrical history, there are plenty of places for a thespian pilgrimage. In the center of Times Square, there's a statue of George M. Cohan— famous for penning "" and many other classics. Also in the Theatre District, you can stop by to see the current stage stars alongside those from the past, with their iconic Al Hirschfeld caricatures hanging on the red walls. on Restaurant Row is probably the best boîte in Midtown for celebrity spotting. Don't miss its collection of posters from famous flops—, anyone?Head downtown to stroll the Playwrights' Sidewalk at the in the West Village, where the names of more than 50 legendary dramatists—including Edward Albee and Arthur Miller—are embedded in the pavement. Also in the Village is the famed , where Uta Hagen taught for decades and the likes of F. Murray Abraham and Debbie Allen got their start; you might stop by for a rehearsal or a reading of a work in progress. In Chelsea, the is still teaching the same Method that Marlon Brando learned in the 1940s. It's mainly a place for classes and auditions, but spring and fall student performances are open to the public. On Washington Square, you'll find the , where Eugene O'Neill had his first productions in early 20th century. The renovated space puts on NYU student shows.If you're interested in seeing some theatrical legends' final curtain call, you'll find Leonard Bernstein's grave at Brooklyn's and Irving Berlin, among , interred at the Bronx's .NYC Is a CabaretTo sing some show tunes yourself, consider a visit to in the West Village. It's a lively stand-up-piano bar where patrons are urged to "sing out, Louise!"—and where you may also spot Broadway stars like Darren Criss belting out their own favorites. Across Seventh Avenue is another Village classic, , with its downstairs sing-along lounge and upstairs cabaret space. In the East Village, actual Cabaret star Alan Cumming has his own hangout called . The venue hosts a show tune night on Mondays and other funky cabaret-style events throughout the week. In Midtown, is a classic for pre- or postshow drinks and songs, plus a full lineup of cabaret acts in the backroom. Offering a more luxe experience, is an upscale supper club that features an all-star roster of crooners.
