An Ark Tickets
Sir Ian McKellen stars in this groundbreaking mixed-reality play, where live theatre meets immersive technology at The Shed.
An Ark in New York City
Get ready for a rem-ark-able theatrical experience, as An Ark comes to the Shed's Griffin Theatre, Off-Broadway, just a short walk from Hudson Yards. This groundbreaking performance pushes the boundaries of live theatre through mixed reality, and features huge stars including Sir Ian McKellen and Bridgerton’s Queen Charlotte, Golda Rosheuvel. A unique experience that blends visionary storytelling with technology designed to make audiences feel directly seen and spoken to, An Ark is an intimate, evocative journey into the human condition, unlike anything else currently on stage. Secure your tickets today.
What Is the Mixed-reality Play An Ark About?
An Ark is the world’s first play created entirely for mixed reality, inviting you to engage with performance in an astonishing new way. Rather than watching actors live on stage, you’ll wear mixed‑reality glasses that project lifelike performances right in front of your eyes — as if the actors are present with you in the room.
In this genre‑defying work, audiences don headsets that allow renowned actors to appear and speak directly to them. Though the performers aren’t physically present, the effect is startlingly intimate and immediate. An Ark traverses life’s broadest themes, from love and joy to loss and mortality, in a theatrical meditation on what it means to be human.
An Ark is the first play crafted specifically for mixed reality and performed in front of live audiences via digital performance. This groundbreaking format transforms the traditional stage, allowing actors to engage one‑to‑one with audience members, continuing The Shed’s commitment to presentations that challenge and expand the possibilities of live art, blurring lines between technology and presence.
The Cast of An Ark
The mixed-reality cast includes Sir Ian McKellen, whose extensive career spans stage and screen, including The Lord of the Rings, X‑Men, and King Lear. He is joined by Golda Rosheuvel, known for Bridgerton and her stage work in the UK, and Arinzé Kene, whose previous performances include Misty and Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical. Rosie Sheehy, who has appeared in productions such as Machinal at the Old Vic Theatre, completes the principal cast.
Please note that the actors will not be physically present - audiences will view the entirety of the play through mixed reality glasses.
The Creative Team of An Ark
An Ark is written by British-Irish Playwright Simon Stephens, the Olivier and Tony Award-winning writer of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night‑Time, Punk Rock, Fatherland and Vanya, which starred Andrew Scott.
Sarah Frankcom directs. Frankom is a UK Theatre Award-winning British director and former Artistic Director of the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, England. Frankcom's credits include Our Town, A Streetcar Named Desire, and West Side Story.
Todd Eckert serves as producer and is a key figure in the development of mixed-reality performance. His role includes overseeing the integration of digital technology and live audience engagement, which forms the foundation of An Ark’s format. Supporting creative contributions include production design by Rosanna Vize (Vanya, The Turn of the Screw) and innovative volumetric capture technology by 4DViews.
Book Your Tickets for An Ark at The Shed
Don’t miss your chance to be part of theatrical history with An Ark. This mixed-reality experience reshapes how we perceive performance and connection. Dive deep into an intimate, reflective world where storytelling and technology meet, and where every audience member feels acknowledged by legendary actors, including the legendary Sir Ian McKellen. Prepare for a journey you’ll remember long after the mixed‑reality glasses come off - book tickets for An Ark at The Shed today!
Please note that the actors will not be present - audiences view the entirety of the play through mixed reality glasses.
The production includes serious themes and strong language.
As part of the communal experience, and at the request of the artists, audiences will be asked to remove their shoes (socks are permitted) upon entry to the gallery.
If you use prescription eyewear, An Ark is best experienced with contact lenses. However, corrective lenses will be available if you wear glasses (subject to availability).
Due to the nature of the technology, please arrive early. There is neither late seating nor re-entry once the production begins.
Show Times
| Matinee | Evening | |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | - | - |
| Tuesday | - | - |
| Wednesday | - | - |
| Thursday | - | - |
| Friday | - | - |
| Saturday | - | - |
| Sunday | - | 6.00pm |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is An Ark playing in New York?
An Ark is playing at the The Shed, Bloomberg Building, 545 West 30th Street, New York, NY 10001.
What is the age recommendation for An Ark?
An Ark is best for age 14+.
How long is An Ark?
The running time for An Ark at The Shed is 47 minutes.
Is there an intermission during An Ark?
No, An Ark doesn't have an intermission.
Can I buy tickets for An Ark at the box office?
Yes you can buy from the The Shed box office where you will pay the face value ticket price, sometimes with a small booking fee. Search on SeatPlan to get the best prices and deals in one search.
What is the refund / cancellation policy?
Tickets for An Ark are generally non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
SeatPlan works with multiple suppliers to find the best deal for you. Each supplier has their own refund and cancellation policy, which you can review on the payment page before you complete your purchase.
