Connelly Theater

The Connelly Theater is a historic playhouse located in the East Village of New York City. With its origins tracing back to the 1860s, the theater was initially established as the choir hall for an orphanage. Over the years, it has transformed into a cherished venue for independent theater productions, known for its unique gold proscenium, a raised stage with ample wing space, and an intimate seating arrangement that can be adapted to various configurations. Managed by Director & General Manager Josh Luxenberg, who is also a playwright, director, and photographer, the Connelly Theater is recognized for its curated selection of adventurous performances. Luxenberg, the co-artistic director of Sinking Ship Productions, has an extensive background in theater and has contributed significantly to the theater's reputation. His notable works include "Cassandra, an Agony," "The 7th Voyage of Egon Tichy," "A Hunger Artist," and "Powerhouse," among others. The Connelly Theater has hosted a range of celebrated productions. These include Talene Monahan’s "The Good John Proctor," Zuzanna Szadkowski and Deborah Knox’s "Fall River Fishing Bedlam," Kate Berlant and Bo Burnham’s "Kate," Sasha Velour’s "Nightgowns: The Musical," Will Arbery’s "Plano," and "The Lucky Ones" by The Bengsons, to name a few. The theater has also been a venue for the SheNYC Summer Theater Festival since 2017. In addition to live performances, the Connelly Theater serves as a prime location for film and television productions, having been featured in projects for major networks such as HBO, Netflix, Amazon, FX, ABC, MTV, and PBS. The theater's location at 220 East 4th Street, nestled between Avenues A and B, places it at the cultural heart of the East Village. The Connelly Theater is part of the Cornelia Connelly Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering under-resourced girls from middle school through college. Proceeds from theater rentals support the Connelly Middle School and the Graduate Support Program, underlining the theater's commitment to community and education. Time Out New York has recognized the Connelly Theater as one of the city's best venues, highlighting its significance in the Off-Off-Broadway scene. The theater's commitment to excellence and its role in nurturing talent and community engagement make it a vital institution in New York City's vibrant cultural landscape.