In a city where every block seems steeped in theater history, Theater 555 has managed to carve out a distinctive identity while honoring the legacy of its past tenants. Nestled at 555 West 42nd Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues, this 160-seat Off-Broadway venue embodies both the experimental spirit of New York theater and the enduring appeal of intimate performance spaces. With a rich backstory, an adaptable interior, and a location in the beating heart of Hell’s Kitchen, Theater 555 has become a versatile cultural home for audiences and artists alike.
A Storied Past Reimagined
Though Theater 555 is relatively new by name, the building itself has long been a cornerstone for off-Broadway creativity. The venue once hosted the Signature Theatre and the Pearl Theatre Company, both known for championing playwrights and cultivating bold productions that drew dedicated followings. Later, it became the New York home of the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB), the famed improvisational comedy troupe that nurtured talents like Amy Poehler, Donald Glover, and Kate McKinnon. UCB’s residency brought an entirely different energy to the space, transforming it into a hotspot for late-night sketch shows and improv sets that pushed comedic boundaries.
In its current incarnation, the theater has been rechristened as Theater 555, a name that grounds it firmly in its West 42nd Street address. Ownership and stewardship now rest with Eric Krebs, a seasoned producer with decades of experience in both Broadway and Off-Broadway. Krebs’s résumé includes building and operating the John Houseman and Douglas Fairbanks Theaters on 42nd Street’s Theater Row for over twenty years, making him one of the neighborhood’s most enduring figures in live performance. Under his leadership, Theater 555 is positioned to bridge tradition and innovation, giving both emerging artists and established companies a venue that feels like home.
How to Get There
Convenience is one of Theater 555’s strongest assets. Located just west of Times Square and the Theater District, the venue sits on the quieter side of 42nd Street, offering a respite from the neon bustle while still being accessible to all.
- By Subway: The A, C, and E lines stop at 42nd Street – Port Authority Bus Terminal, a short walk east of the theater. The 1, 2, 3, N, Q, R, W, S, 7, and Shuttle trains all converge at Times Square – 42nd Street, placing visitors within a ten-minute walk.
- By Bus: Numerous MTA bus routes run along 42nd Street, while crosstown buses make commuting from the East Side simple.
- By Car: For those driving, several parking garages are available nearby, though audiences are encouraged to arrive early to avoid congestion.
- By Foot: Theater 555 is ideally situated for pre- or post-show strolls through Hell’s Kitchen, an area brimming with restaurants, cocktail lounges, and late-night eateries.
Its location makes Theater 555 a perfect choice for both locals and out-of-towners looking to expand their Broadway experience with an Off-Broadway production that’s both accessible and intimate.
Inside Theater 555
With a seating capacity of 160, Theater 555 is intimate without feeling cramped, making it an excellent match for Off-Broadway’s emphasis on innovation and connection. The modest size allows every audience member to feel close to the stage, creating a sense of immediacy and intensity rarely found in Broadway’s larger houses.
The theater is versatile and available for short- and long-term rentals, offering producers flexibility for runs ranging from workshop productions to extended engagements. Its interior is designed with clean sightlines and a ground plan that accommodates a wide range of staging possibilities. Whether a play demands a proscenium setup, immersive staging, or minimalist scenery, Theater 555 adapts with ease.
Though modest compared to Broadway’s palatial venues, Theater 555 has a charm rooted in its simplicity. Its understated décor keeps the focus where it belongs—on the performers and the story unfolding on stage. Yet, behind the scenes, the facility is modernized to support today’s productions, with updated technical capabilities, comfortable seating, and accessible features that make it welcoming to all audiences.
Accessibility and Audience Comfort
Theater 555 emphasizes accessibility and inclusive policies. The space is wheelchair accessible, ensuring mobility for all visitors, and its layout is navigable without the overwhelming complexity of larger houses. Audiences can expect a straightforward, welcoming experience from arrival to curtain call, a feature that enhances repeat visits and helps cultivate community.
Notable Features and Atmosphere
What sets Theater 555 apart is its role as a cultural chameleon. Over the years, it has hosted avant-garde drama, classic revivals, and cutting-edge comedy, each leaving its mark on the space. Its ability to shapeshift to the needs of productions makes it one of New York’s most versatile smaller theaters.
Theater 555 also benefits from being intimately tied to Hell’s Kitchen, one of Manhattan’s most culturally diverse neighborhoods. This location gives it access to adventurous audiences who seek out new voices and boundary-pushing works. Just steps away from the tourist-heavy Broadway theaters, it offers something more personal and less predictable, appealing to theatergoers who want to discover the next great playwright or performer before they hit the big time.
For producers, the theater’s size strikes a balance: large enough to sustain a healthy run, but small enough to keep costs manageable. This sweet spot makes it an incubator for bold ideas and unconventional works that might not find a home elsewhere.
Theater 555 Today and Beyond
Under Eric Krebs’s stewardship, Theater 555 is reclaiming its identity as a hub for creativity and innovation. While its past tenants—Signature, Pearl, and UCB—each left an indelible mark, the venue’s rebirth offers new opportunities for companies looking for a flexible yet professional space in the heart of New York City.
As audiences return to live performance in the post-pandemic era, Theater 555 stands as a reminder of what Off-Broadway does best: intimate, daring, and unforgettable theater. It may not have the grandeur of a Broadway palace, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in soul. At Theater 555, the magic lies in the closeness—between performer and audience, between history and innovation, between New York’s past and its ever-evolving present.
