As soon as I saw this thread title I immediately thought of St. Ann's Warehouse. I first saw a show there about 5 years ago, and I've never willingly missed a show there since (I have been out of town for a few of them). The quality of work they bring in is top-notch, and even when it is isn't, it's still fascinating. The space has so much possibility, the rush policy is very affordable, and accessible even for sold out shows, and the staff is always really friendly.
Aside from St. Ann's, Signature is also one of my favorites. Their model of drawing from the work of established playwrights isn't as ambitious as some other theatres' missions, but I still think it's a smart model, and I have rarely been disappointed in the productions they put on. And again; accessible tickets, great facilities, very friendly staff.
As far as the Public goes, I have issues with some of their policies (though that has improved a bit in the past couple years), and I find their general attitude as a company kind of smug and self-congratulatory. Plus I've frequently found their staff to be kind of cold and/or rude. But I can't deny that they are at the forefront of NYC's Off-Broadway theatre community. They are doing interesting work, and they're doing a lot of it.
I'd say those are the 3 NYC theatres at which I really try to never miss a show. But I do still try to see most of the shows from most the major non-profits: Atlantic, Vineyard, NYTW, MCC, Second Stage, Playwrights Horizons, The Armory, TFANA, and even CSC (despite my hatred for Doyle).
Interestingly, I find myself skipping a lot of shows at MTC, Roundabout, and LCT. I tend to see all of their Broadway productions, but a lot of the time their Off-Broadway shows just don't look interesting to me at all.
Updated On: 10/4/19 at 11:09 AM
