The Bouwerie Lane Theater in New York, NY

The Bouwerie Lane Theater in New York, NY has been a small but powerful institution, housing the Jean Cocteau Repertory for over thirty years. This repertory is an off-Broadway company which is a leader of its kind and present excellent productions at just a fraction of the price of a Broadway ticket.

The building which houses the Bouwerie Lane Theater is in the Second Empire Baroque style designed by architect Henry Englebert and built in 1874. Not always a theater, this cast iron façade building is a historical landmark. It was once home to the German Exchange Bank. Next, it housed the Bond Street Savings Bank. It was not until 1963 that the bank space was renovated into a theater.

Holding only 140 seats with a single aisle, the Bouwerie Lane Theater is an intimate place where you are up close and personal with the production. Because of the intimate setting, you almost feel as if you were in the play itself. Many people love the almost participatory feel of the theater. With many award-winning productions of dramatic classical literature, you can watch your favorite characters come alive.

Another interesting aspect about the place is that the old vault of the bank is still on the premises, down in the basement area. The original bank teller window is now the box office window for the theater. All in all, the history of the building plays into the whole ambience of the Bouwerie Land Theater and makes any performance you attend there a delightful, memorable time.