Rehearsal Studios
440 Lafayette Street
Playwrights Rehearsal Studios
Playwrights Rehearsal Studios, one of the largest rehearsal spaces in downtown Manhattan, rents studio and performance space to over 1100 arts organizations, theater artists and companies, annually. We are committed to offering pricing that is affordable to young and emerging artists and community programs.
The Studios at Playwrights Downtown are more than a rehearsal space. It's the home base, the main laboratory, for a huge community of artists. I have launched numerous theatrical projects based on ideas and collaborations that were sparked in the halls of 440 Lafayette Street. The whole place hums with the electricity of experimentation, risk, and creation.
Playwrights Downtown
Playwrights Downtown, located at 440 Lafayette Street, is the physical home to Playwrights Horizons Theater School, Resident Company Program, and Rehearsal Studios: three vibrant programs from which close interactions form a dynamic center for the creation and exploration of new work. Opportunities for artistic encounters and collaborations form a vibrant cultural scene that inspires the next generation of playwrights and theater makers.
The Robert Moss Theater at 440 Lafayette is our playground. AFO loves to use this flexible black box to experiment in, especially when we are at the early stage of developing a work. With a professional staff, a great location, and a movable riser system - we feel that our artists are free to create when they are in the space. Perfect for workshops, readings, or fully staged productions.
I've been using this space for over a decade, and I'm so grateful to have this in Manhattan. My students love the airy spaces and central location. I love the friendly and efficient management. I also love being in the midst of the diverse activity that happens here, giving me the opportunity to mingle with leaders in other performing arts communities. It really feels like a home.
I have been renting from Playwrights’ Rehearsal Studio for many years. I teach my weekly scene study class there and the space is ideal for the class. In addition, they can accommodate last minute requests for audition coaching sessions. The staff is always helpful and friendly.
COVID-19 Information
If you are experiencing symptoms or have tested positive for Covid-19, please remain home.
To best protect our staff and fellow community members, we ask that anyone who has experienced a confirmed exposure, is experiencing symptoms, or has tested positive for Covid-19 to please remain home. Please reach out to studiorequest@phnyc.org or (212) 529-0259 if you need to cancel your booking.
We are committed to the health of our community - here's what else we're doing to help keep everyone safe:
- Our HVAC filters (MERV-13) throughout the building meet the CDC's guidance
Disposable Masks are available at our Front Desk
We will follow guidance from CDC and local guidelines to update these protocols as needed.
The renovation of the Playwrights Downtown third floor studios was made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
