The August Wilson Theatre New York has a capacity of 1239 seats. Section capacities are 754 Orchestra and 485 Mezzanine. Use our interactive seating chart to view 552 seat reviews and 530 photos of views from seat.
Seating in August Wilson Theatre is spread across two levels. The Orchestra is larger than the Mezzanine, with seats split into Left, Center and Right sections. The Mezzanine overhang can have a pronounced impact on sightlines at the rear of the Orchestra and those sitting in the far corners will experience partial views. The Mezzanine offers good views, thanks to a decent rake between each row.
Since opening in 1925, the August Wilson Theatre has gone by various names including the Guild Theatre and the Virginia Theatre. After a varied history including time as a radio studio, it was renamed in 2005 in honor of a prolific American playwright; Wilson’s work included
Fences (1985), which was directed for film by Denzel Washington in 2016. The August Wilson is one of three Broadway theaters named after a Black artist; the other two are the
James Earl Jones Theatre and
Lena Horne Theatre.
Built in the Italian-inspired style of many Broadway venues, the August Wilson Theatre is characterized by arches and columns around the auditorium. Despite being a mid-sized venue, the theater feels cozy thanks to its mottled wall design and warm tones throughout, and remains a popular choice for drama buffs and tourists alike.
The August Wilson Theatre was originally built as the home of the Theatre Guild, whose work at the venue ranged from
Caesar and Cleopatra (1925) to
A Month in the Country (1930). Notable productions since then include the famously polarizing
Carrie (1988) which closed after just 16 previews. It’s had more successes than flops since, however, with hits including its longest-running show,
Jersey Boys (2005-2017), the popular
Mean Girls musical (2018-2021), and the record-breaking
Slave Play (2021).
Know Before You Go
• Coat check in the main lobby is $3 per item, for bags and large coats
• Programs and souvenirs can be purchased in the main lobby
• Bars are on two levels and drinks can be taken into the auditorium