The Shubert Theatre, New Haven: A Complete Guide
The Shubert Theatre is New Haven's grand old house. It seats 1,600 and opened in 1914. Shows were tried out here before Broadway. That earned it the nickname "Birthplace of the Nation's Greatest Hits". Today it hosts touring Broadway, concerts, dance, and comedy at 247 College Street downtown.
Connecticut has many old theaters. Few matter to American culture like the Shubert. For much of the 1900s, the road to Broadway ran through New Haven.
The theater (~1,600 seats)
The Shubert seats about 1,600. It sits at 247 College Street, near Yale. It opened on December 11, 1914. The Shubert brothers built it. Architect Albert Swasey designed it. Today it runs a full season of touring Broadway, concerts, dance, comedy, and family shows. Its size and sound make it the city's top spot for big seated shows.
Best for: Broadway tours, concerts, and dance in a grand historic hall.
Never miss a Shubert show
See every Shubert event in the free CT Concert Center app. It covers College Street Music Hall, Toad's Place, and 40+ more venues.
Download on theApp Store"Birthplace of the Nation's Greatest Hits"
For decades the Shubert was a top pre-Broadway tryout house. Producers tested new shows here before risking New York. It has hosted more than 600 out-of-town tryouts and over 300 world premieres. Those include Rodgers & Hammerstein hits like Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I, and The Sound of Music.
The theater closed in 1976. The City of New Haven bought it and fixed it up. The Shubert reopened in 1983. It has been the heart of the city's stage scene since.
Planning your visit
- Getting there: it is in downtown New Haven, near Yale. Union Station is a short ride or walk away.
- Pair it with the city: see our guide to live music in New Haven.
- Nearby halls: the College Street Music Hall and Toad's Place are minutes away.
Shubert Theatre FAQ
How big is it?
About 1,600 seats, at 247 College Street.
How old is it?
It opened in 1914. It reopened after a restoration in 1983.
Why is it historically important?
It was a famous pre-Broadway tryout house. It saw 600+ tryouts and 300+ world premieres.
How do I find upcoming shows?
The free CT Concert Center app shows the Shubert in one feed.