Immerse yourself in world-class performing arts at the Yale Repertory Theatre, a distinguished regional theatre located in New Haven, Connecticut. Founded in 1966 by Robert Brustein, dean of the Yale School of Drama, the Rep was established to foster meaningful collaboration between seasoned theatre professionals and talented students. When you visit, you will step into a rich architectural and cultural legacy, as the theatre occupies the former Calvary Baptist Church at the edge of Yale's main downtown campus.
Erected in 1846 in the striking Gothic revival style, the building stands on the historic original land plot of Richard Platt, one of New Haven's founders. Over its illustrious history, the theatre has produced more than 90 world premieres, earning prestigious accolades including four Pulitzer Prizes, ten Tony Awards for Broadway transfers, a 1988 Drama Desk Special Award, and the 1991 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre. Legendary artistic directors like Lloyd Richards have nurtured celebrated playwrights here, including August Wilson and Christopher Durang.
Theatre lovers and history enthusiasts alike should visit to experience an iconic American cultural institution that continues to shape modern theatre inside a captivating 19th-century church building.
What to see at Yale Repertory Theatre
- Housed in an 1846 Gothic revival former church on a historic New Haven site
- Recipient of the 1991 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre
- Stage for over 90 world premieres, yielding four Pulitzer Prizes
- Historic collaboration hub between professional actors and Yale drama students
Visiting tips
Read James Magruder's book, The Play's the Thing, to learn all about the Rep's first fifty years of history before your visit.
How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Evening
How to get there & what’s nearby
Yale Repertory 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.
See the full New Haven travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.