The Chain Theatre is a not for profit 501(C)3 production company whose goal is to create artistic work that is accessible, relatable, and invokes a visceral response in the audience through the mediums of theatre and film. We provide opportunities for New York based artists to experience challenging subject matters and universal themes. A deep respect for the narrative is the driving force behind the cultivation of original texts, the further investigation of recently produced work, and the reclaiming of existing classics for a modern audience. The material chosen focuses on the cyclical nature of history and complexity of the human spirit. The Chain provides professional platforms for new artists and true independent filmmakers to showcase their work and to share their personal stories and original ideas in our communities.
Our story
The Chain Theatre is a thriving independent theatre scene run by a group of passionate artists.
Founded in 2010, Chain began by producing in Manhattan. In 2012 we converted a two-story building in Long Island City known as the U.S. Chain Co. built in 1934 into a theatrical space. Feb. 2016 the owner of the building unexpectedly ended the long-term lease and sold the property for luxury condos. We continued to produce and even went on to work with Tony Award-Winning Playwright, David Rabe. Aug 2018 we found our new home in midtown Manhattan. Chain has received numerous nominations/awards for Best Revival, Best Director, and Best Cast, by NYIT and Queens Kudos Awards.
our work
Our company has produced classic works such as Arthur Miller’s After the Fall, David Rabe’s Hurlyburly, Dale Wasserman’s One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, Neil LaBute’s The Shape of Things, Sam Shepard’s Fool for Love, and many more.
The Chain Theatre produces play festival competitions, international film festivals, comedy events, parody readings, and screenings of cult classics and cinema favorites.