Shubert Theatre 🇺🇸

Step into American performing arts history at the Shubert Theatre, a legendary 1,600-seat venue situated at 247 College Street in New Haven, Connecticut. Originally designed by New York architect Albert Swazey and opened in 1914 by The Shubert Organization, this venue holds a storied place in theater culture. You will be visiting a site famous for hosting over 600 out-of-town tryouts, including more than 300 world premieres and over 50 American premieres.

Legendary world-class productions like Oklahoma!, Carousel, My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, A Streetcar Named Desire, and South Pacific all graced its stage before heading to Broadway. It even inspired the classic phrase "bombed in New Haven" when shows failed to make the cut. Beyond the iconic productions, the venue hosted iconic stars such as Marlon Brando, Julie Andrews, Ella Fitzgerald, Humphrey Bogart, and Louis Armstrong.

After financial struggles led to its closure in 1976, the City of New Haven acquired the building, restored its historic interior, demolished the adjacent Adams Hotel, and built a modern lobby addition. Reopened in 1983, it is currently operated as a non-profit organization by the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA), hosting shows after their Broadway runs.

What to see at Shubert Theatre

• historic 1,600-seat venue designed by architect Albert Swazey
• Site of over 600 pre-Broadway tryouts and 300 world premieres
• Restored historical interior with a modern lobby addition added in 1983
• Host to legendary performers including Marlon Brando, Julie Andrews, and Louis Armstrong

Visiting tips

Be sure to take in the modern lobby addition built on College Street where the former Adams Hotel once stood.

How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Evening

How to get there & what’s nearby

Shubert Theatre is easy to reach on New Haven’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Yale University Art Gallery and Harkness Tower. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our New Haven travel guide.