As a self-proclaimed theater geek, I am fortunate to have access to the many theaters in Brooklyn. With highlights like the notable BAM Harvey Theater and St. Ann’s Warehouse, the district’s thriving theater scene is also home to theater companies, festivals, immersive theater experiences, and smaller theater venues.
From the Royal Shakespeare Company at BAM to cutting edge performances at the Bushwick Starr, this is your guide to Brooklyn theater.
Third railway projects
Celebrities have been traveling to a fake 1970s tropical tiki bar in Bushwick for The Grand Paradise, an immersive theatrical experience. The Grand Paradise is the work of the Third Rails Project, which also created the long-running show, Then She Fell, another popular immersive theatrical show based on the writings of Lewis Carrol, held in Williamsurg. The Grand Paradise invites theatergoers to a bar where they will immerse themselves in a 1970s period piece. Like most immersive theater experiences, it’s best if you don’t know much before heading to the theater.
Get tickets for this unique experience in Brooklyn.
Bushwick Starr
This award-winning non-profit Obie Theater in the heart of Bushwick has a full season of plays and also hosts a popular reading series, as well as a festival of puppets and poetry. Since 2007, Bushwick Starr has been home to emerging artists. If you want to see authentic Brooklyn theater, visit Bushwick Starr.
Brick theater
I recently saw a production at this black box theater in Williamsburg and was very impressed with the talent in this 70 seat theater. The Brick Theater has a stellar line of shows. Upcoming shows include the Trans Theater Festival and Shakespeare in the Theater. Then have a drink or bite at one of the many restaurants in this lively section of Brooklyn.
Irondale
More than five years have passed and I still talk about the incredible play by Sarah Ruhl that I saw in this restored church-turned-theater in Fort Greene. Although I will admit that the seats are fairly basic and not overly comfortable, you will be distracted by the incredible variety of theatrical production that takes place at Irondale. If you live in Brooklyn, they also offer acting classes for kids.
Santa Ana Warehouse
If you want to be a part of the avant-garde theater scene, you must get a ticket to whatever is being put on at St. Ann’s Warehouse. The theater is loved by the Brooklyn community and “For 34 years, St. Ann’s Warehouse has commissioned, produced and presented a unique and eclectic body of innovative theater and concert performances that lie at the intersection of theater and rock and roll. ». Warning: buy tickets in advance, as many of their productions are sold out for the entire race. Yes, it is that good.
BAM
BAM Harvey Theater is a Brooklyn institution and is a must see. The theater hosts numerous productions including visits by the Royal Shakespeare Company to other classics such as Ibsen and Wilde. The theater has a great history, originally built in 1904 as The Majestic Theater, it was transformed into a movie theater in the early 1940s, which closed in the 1960s. After nearly two decades of being closed, the theater It was restored and reopened in 1987, and is now the BAM Harvey Theater.
Gallery players
In a neighborhood full of avant-garde theater, it’s nice to see some classics. Gallery Players at Park Slope has a season of old-school plays and musicals. However, every June they host The Black Box New Play Festival, where you can see various works by emerging playwrights.
Puppet works
Puppet fans should head to this marionette puppet theater in Park Slope. When my children were younger, we never missed a production. Marvel at the art and enjoy classic tales like Alice in Wonderland at this beloved Park Slope puppet theater. An added bonus, tickets are only $ 9 for kids and $ 10 for adults.
