The Helen Hayes theatre, located in 240 West 44th Street, is officially the smallest Broadway theatre. With only 597 seats that are spread across two sections, orchestra and mezzanine, the theatre is typically used for small, intimate plays as opposed to big splashy musicals. Originally named the Little theatre, the venue was designed by the architect Harry Creighton Ingalls of the firm Ingalls & Hoffman, and built by Winthrop Ames.
If you’re looking to catch the show, our Helen Hayes guide has all the information you could possibly need.
Venue Details
Address: The Helen Hayes Theatre, 240 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036, USA
Opened: 1912
Seating Capacity: 597
Orchestra: 379
Mezzanine: 218
Seating Chart
Check out the Helen Hayes Theatre Seating Chart here.
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A Brief History of Helen Hayes Theatre
Since 1979, the Helen Hayes theatre has been privately owned and managed by Martin Markinson and Donald Tick. In 1983, the theatre was renamed in honor of acclaimed theatre actress Helen Hayes. Presently, when the theatre is not being used for theatrical productions, CBS uses the venue for radio recordings. Some of the acclaimed productions in the theatre include The Subject Was Roses, Charlie and Algernon, Prelude to a Kiss, Shakespeare For My Father, The Last Night of Ballyhoo, Say Goodnight, Gracie, and Rock of Ages.
Practical Information
Section Accessibility
There are steps into the theatre from the sidewalk, but a wheelchair ramp is provided. Please note that where there are steps either into or within the theatre, and the theatre staff will be unable to provide assistance.
Available Facilities
Accessibility: There are no steps into the theatre from the sidewalk.
Restroom: There is one ladies room which is wheelchair accessible, located on the orchestra level with no steps. This restroom is also available for men in wheelchairs. The men’s restroom is located in the lower lounge, down 2 flights of steps.
Concessions: Concessions are on the main level.
Assisted Listening Device: : The theatre will have access to the Loop Assistive Listening System - a wireless technology that transmits speech or music on stage directly to theatergoers' cochlear implants and hearing aids with T-coils.
Handy Tips
- Audio Description is provided for one performance during each of the productions playing at the Helen Hayes Theatre. Check with the staff to learn more about the specific show timings.
- The Helen Hayes theatre is accessible, with an elevator reaching from the lower level café to the mezzanine.
- What The Constitution Means To Me is a 120-minute long play, with no intermission.
- While some seats in the orchestra under the overhang may have a poor view of the very top of the stage, a very few plays that are mounted on this theater utilize upper level space on the stage, rendering this concern insignificant.
- The Helen Hayes theatre box office has a wheelchair accessible window to help disabled people buy their own tickets from the box office
Getting There
The Helen Hayes theatre is located at 240 West 44th Street, along with most other Broadway theatres. Since the Theatre District is one of the most popular destinations in New York City, getting to the Helen Hayes theatre isn’t challenging at all.
If you’re planning on taking the subway, there are plenty of options you can pick from depending your starting point. You can either take the A, C, or E train to 42nd St–Port Authority or the N, Q, or R train to 42nd St and trains S, 1, 2, 3, or 7 to 42nd St–Times Square. There are also plenty of parking spaces close to the theatre. Bright Management at 329 West 46th Street or LAZ Parking at 247 West 46th Street are good options for safe parking around Helen Hayes theatre.
Restaurants near Helen Hayes Theatre
You can make your Broadway experience extra special with our hand-picked selection of the best restaurants near Helen Hayes Theatre. If you’re looking for an in-depth guide for food options in the Theatre District, we have got you covered. Looking for a quick bite before or after your Broadway show? Here our some of our favorite restaurants around the Helen Hayes Theatre:
1. Ellen’s Stardust Diner: This multi-level, '50s-themed diner with singing servers has an expansive menu of classic American fare.
2. Supernova : An airy, window-filled eatery in 226 West 52nd Street, Supernova serves New American fare in modern digs.3. The Palm West Side: This clubby eatery serves high-end steakhouse fare, seafood and diverse wines.
4. Russian Samovar: Get a taste of authentic Russian in Broadway at this iconic eatery with live piano music to accompany the delicacies.
5. Blue Fin: A classy restaurant which serves pre-theater seafood and sushi served in a trendy setting with a glass-enclosed bar.
6. Gallaghers Steakhouse: An iconic joint for classic cuts and raw bar items in renovated digs, located on 228 West 52nd Street.
Check out our theatre district restaurants guide for even more fantastic dining options in and around Broadway district. It has everything you're looking for. And more.
FAQs:
110
March 12, 1912
Named for actress Helen Hayes, the venue is operated by Second Stage Theater. It is the smallest Broadway theater, with 597 seats across two levels.
240 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036, United States
The Helen Hayes theatre has a seating capacity of just 597 seats, which officially makes it the smallest theatre on Broadway. Since it's a small theatre, Helen Hayes only has two seating sections namely, orchestra and mezzanine.
