WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Did you know our space was originally an industrial door-making business called Access Manufacturing?
When Jacqueline Christy transformed the space into a theatre, the name remained which is how we came to be known as Access Theater.
Access is very well known for being located on the 4th floor and the stairs are no easy feat! Access is committed to ensuring our theatre is accessible to all and strives to maintain transparency with our artists and audiences about accessing our space.
YES, THERE IS AN ELEVATOR!
Access Theater is located within a mixed-use building that comprises commercial and residential spaces. As a result, accessing the fourth floor requires a key to unlock the floor and protect the other tenants from having our audiences walk into their apartments.
Our main entrance is located at 380 Broadway where you will find stair access only. Though the street number is not visible, the elevator entrance is around the corner located at 70 White Street.
In an effort at full transparency, below you will find a list of steps to take in order to access the elevator when you come see a show at Access Theater.
STEP 1
Arrive at the main entrance at 380 Broadway where you will find a notice on the door with a phone number to call or text for elevator access that resembles the image on the left.
Access is largely run by volunteers, so this phone number will change depending on the performance you are attending. Whenever possible, we will aim to get you this information when you purchase your ticket.
If you wish to take the stairs, buzz 4 and someone will buzz you into the building.
STEP 2
Call or text the number on the elevator sign to let the house manager know that you would like to take the elevator.
The house manager for that performance will respond or text back with the following instructions:
“Hi! Welcome to Access Theater. Please make your way towards White Street, turn left and continue until you reach the freight elevator that lets out directly across from the red gazebo!
I will bring the elevator down to meet you and whomever else would like to take the elevator to the 4th floor!”
STEP 3
The House Manager will take you to the 4th floor which will let you out in the back of the Black Box Theater (one of the fun quirks of our space!) They will guide you through the Black Box and into the lobby where you can pick up your tickets for whichever performance you are attending that day.
We understand this is not the most intuitive or simplest way to access our spaces and apologize in advance for any frustration or confusion this may cause you.
It is our hope that by putting all of this information on our website that you will have a clearer understanding of how to use the elevator at Access.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding accessibility, please feel free to give us a call at 212-966-1047.
Or email us at info@accessstheater.com.
We hope you enjoy the show!