Circle In The Square Theatre: Seating Charts & Venue Info - Your Guide
Ever wondered what it's like to be completely immersed in a theatrical experience, where the boundaries between the performers and the audience blur into a shared moment of art? The Circle in the Square Theatre in New York City offers precisely that, a truly unique and intimate setting that sets it apart on Broadway.
The Circle in the Square Theatre's allure isn't merely about the performances it hosts; it's about the very essence of its design, its history, and the way it has evolved to meet the demands of modern audiences. Nestled in the heart of the Theater District, the venue has a unique legacy, with a seating arrangement that places the audience closer to the action than perhaps any other Broadway house. The theater's innovative design, a hallmark of its appeal, has fostered an intimate and engaging atmosphere that draws audiences in to the very heart of the dramatic experience.
Founded in 1951, the Circle in the Square Theatre, originally located in Greenwich Village, quickly distinguished itself as a hub for innovation. This move away from the conventional proscenium arch, typical of most Broadway theaters, was a deliberate effort to foster a more inclusive, interactive, and engaging form of theater. The founders, a collaborative of directors, actors, and producers, sought to create a space where the audience felt like an integral part of the performance, a goal that remains central to the theater's identity even today.
The layout, the performances, the entire ambiance of the theater are designed to invite the audience into a closer relationship with the art form. All this brings us to the heart of what makes this venue truly special: its distinctive design.
At the core of the Circle in the Square Theatre's appeal is its seating arrangement. Unlike many traditional theaters, it eschews the conventional proscenium stage. Instead, the space is often configured as a "thrust stage," or sometimes in-the-round, with seating that surrounds the performance area on multiple sides. This design creates an exceptional level of intimacy and engagement between the performers and the audience. The venue is designed more like a concert venue, with the stage in the center, surrounded by seats on all sides. This unique configuration ensures that every seat in the house offers a compelling view of the stage and that the audience feels enveloped by the performance.
Category | Details |
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Venue Name | Circle in the Square Theatre |
Address | 234 W 50th St, New York, NY 10019, United States |
Original Location | 5 Sheridan Square, Greenwich Village, New York City |
Founded | 1951 |
Total Seat Count | 776 seats |
Seating Arrangement | Orchestra Section, thrust stage (actors surrounded by audience on three sides) |
Key Features |
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Noteworthy Aspects |
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Reference | Circle in the Square Theatre Official Website |



