Circle in the Square Theatre

The Basics

The Circle in the Square Theatre is known for its thrust stage, excellent views, and nonprofit theater school, where future Broadway performers hone their craft. The best way to experience the theater is by attending a performance. Be sure to purchase tickets well in advance, especially for weekend shows. Walking tours and hop-on hop-off bus tours usually pass by Circle in the Square while in the Theater District.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Some sections of the Circle in the Square Theatre are accessible to wheelchairs.

• The theater offers audio description devices and handheld captioning devices, which are available at the audience services desk.

• Latecomers to a show are seated during breaks only.

How to Get There

The best way to reach Circle in the Square is by subway. Take the A, C, or E train to the 50th Street station, or the 1 or 2 train to the 50th Street Broadway station. The theater is just steps from either stop, on 50th Street, between Broadway and Eighth Avenue.

When to Get There

As with most Broadway theaters, the Circle in the Square has shows every day except Monday, with two performances each on Wednesday and Saturday. Tickets are generally easier to secure in late winter and early fall. Otherwise, try to get tickets to a weekday show, since weekend performances often sell out quickly.

Strolling Broadway to Central Park

From the Circle in the Square Theatre, stretch your legs on a self-paced walking tour up Broadway—where you’ll find some of New York’s most famous theaters and television studios—and end your stroll in Central Park. Visit the highlights on the south side of the park, including the Gapstow Bridge and scenic Hallett Nature Sanctuary. Or, hail a pedicab to see more of the urban green space in less time.

Ways to explore

The Circle in the Square Theatre is known for its thrust stage (with audience seating along three sides), excellent views, and nonprofit theater school where future Broadway performers hone their craft. The best way to experience the theater is by attending a performance—with 776 seats, no seat is a bad one, and performances run throughout the year.

Be sure to purchase tickets well in advance, especially for weekend shows. Walking tours and hop-on hop-off bus tours usually pass by Circle in the Square while in the Theater District.

Accessibility

Assistive listening devices, wheelchair-accessible seating, accessible entrance and restrooms available in adjacent building

Age limits

Children under age 4 aren’t permitted in Broadway theaters. Beyond that, parental discretion is advised.

What to pack

Tickets, small bag, light clothing layer for air-conditioning

What to wear

There is no strict dress code, but refrain from casual wear, such as shorts and flip-flops.

Not allowed

Large bags, backpacks, outside food and beverages, smoking, recording devices, flash photography

Amenities

Concessions, merchandise stands, air-conditioning, restrooms, elevator

Address

The Circle in the Square Theatre is located on 50th Street in Midtown Manhattan and is easily accessible via public transportation or taxi services.

Driving

Driving is technically possible, but it’s best avoided: Traffic is heavy, and parking is expensive in the area. Parking garages can cost US$40–50 for just a few hours. Consider alternative transportation methods, like public transit and taxis.

Public transportation

Several subway trains stop nearby, including the 1 (red line) and C and E (blue line) trains, which each exit at 50th Street, about a half-block from the theater.

Best times to visit

Arrive 30 minutes before curtain (earlier for mobility accommodations) to find your seat, grab a drink, use the facilities, and take in the intimate atmosphere.

Best days to visit

You can sometimes find deals on tickets for performances on Tuesdays through Thursdays. Typically, these days have smaller crowds and fewer tourists. No shows on Mondays.

Best months to visit

Visit during January through April to enjoy New York’s slow season, which usually means better ticket deals, better seating options, and smaller crowds.