Vineyard Theatre and Workshop Center

Lovely, small to mid-​sized, modern theater, but there are some fixable flaws.
The seats wobble. Seats 11 & 12 in both rows A & B need to be tightened. Overall the seat size is standard… just small enough to make you fidget trying to stop your knee from seizing up.
There is elevator access so it is ADA compliant, but you’ll need an escort to figure out the elevator. Maybe it’s just me being slow, but I wound up in the lobby of the other building coming from the restrooms in the sub-​basement. And yes… The restrooms are WAY down. Along with the concessions. Since theater goers are generally up in age, it will be a concern dealing with all those stairs.
There was no way I was going to make it to the UWS and back in time for the show so I had my guitar and bags with me. There’s no coat check, but the theater attendants are super friendly and helpful. They let me store it in an office. Lifesavers!
The risers are nice and high so everything but the box seats has a nice clear unobstructed view of the stage. Although if you are in the first row the height of the stage might cause a bit of neck craning.
I know I’m complaining a lot for a 4 star review, but I froze. And I am not a person that likes the heat. If you look at me hard I’ll start to sweat. But I was distractingly cold by the end of the play.
It could have been where I was seated (Row B Seat 12), so close to the stage where the actors have to compete with you for comfort. In that case, bring an extra sweater, because they don’t deserve to faint from heatstroke running around on stage for your enjoyment.
So, with a screwdriver and a sweater, it’s all fixable!

Saw a show there last night for the first time and I would definitely come back. The people working there are super nice and the show «Dot» was wonderful. I look forward to seeing more shows there.

I agree with Gary M. I just picked up tickets for Billy & Ray Wednesday show at the Box Office. And the women behind the glass was very unfriendly. She was just not a happy person. You would think after spending $ 168.00 on 2 tickets, I could get a you’re welcome after I said thank you. Nope just silence! Management that is your face when people show up. At the very least put some one in there who is cordial, or who actually wants to be there helping customers.
I won’t be recommending the show, even if it’s great, or the venue.

The following is an excerpt from an e-​mail I sent to the Marketing Director from Vinyard theater and received absolutely no response. I also requested removal from their e-​mal list and they have ignored that as well.
I am a former member of Vineyard and a current member and donator at 2^nd Stage, The Joyce, MTC, LCT, and MCC. Unfortunately, my time and costs must force me to choose between many great theaters in NYC and I revisit this list annually.
My interest in Vineyard has always been based on some my favorite writers, Nicky Silver, and Craig Lucas. While I can not afford to subscribe, I still buy individual tickets for their production at full price.
I most recently did this for Nicky Silver’s last production at the Vineyard. I must admit, as I age, so does my memory and attention to detail. Unfortunately for me, I purchased tickets for a Saturday evening production and incorrectly recorded it in my date book as the Sunday matinée. The seats were excellent and I acted with haste to get them. I have to say, that the lack of tickets in my possession as well the fact that your confirmations do not include the particulars of the date/​time of the production that you ordered is unlike any other ticket purchasing process that I have experienced — even though a «link» is provided. It is not a customer friendly process.
I arrived on Sunday and went to the box office to pick up my tickets. There we learned of my error. Upon diagnosis, I asked if there were cancellations and the response was «we do not resell tickets». I asked if I could wait to see if there were any no-​shows and the answer was «no». I asked if I could stand for the performance and the answer was «no». I asked if the house checks for open seats just before performance to fill them on a general admission basis with the caveat that if the party shows up, I may be asked to change seats The answer was «no» It was only after I got upset and started shouting that I was told that I could come back at a later date 30 minutes prior to performance to see if Standby tickets were available. I happen to live in the suburbs and my trips into NYC are planned, not «convenient».
I am not aware of any venue in NYC or outside for that matter that does not have any of the practices available mentioned above. As a matter of fact, the way I was treated is quite contrary to what is posted on the Vinyard ticket policy page with regard to «wait list».
I will also advise that this has unfortunately happened to me on another occasion at the Signature Theater (purchased tickets for wrong date). When I went to that box office to see if my tickets could be sold as cancellations, they were sold out for both Saturday and Sunday, but had just a few cancellations that came in before mine that had yet to be requested. That being said, the individual at the box office was kind enough to make a few calls to management. They not only «found» seats to give me for Sunday (albeit not located together — but I was so appreciative I did not care.) They also reimbursed me for the overage on tickets that I had purchased. Now — this was well above and beyond what I expected — but it’s all a choice on how a box office decides to deal with patrons. You can choose to accommodate or not. Your box office clearly chooses the latter — to a significant extent.
On that note, I was utterly offended when I a received a request for contributions from Vineyard that actually specified a dollar amount of $ 150. I would think your organization would be happy to receive ANY donation — but apparently that is not the case. The arrogance of such a request and your organization is beyond description.
Your policies and practices have offended me in so many ways. Regardless of Nicky Silver or Craig Lucas, you could never get me to do anything that would contribute to the financial benefit of your theater again. There are too many other great artistic theater companies in NYC that actually do recognize and appreciate public support,

More like a 3.5-star review. But round up for the history behind the place, quality downtown theatre, and the amazing shows they tend to breathe life into.
I’ve been here for various shows. It is always impressive what they’re able to do in such a small space. The staff are always quite friendly. They have an elevator for those in need. The seats are comfortable… though you can feel every shift of anyone near you in your row (as in your chair will move to), and of any antsy people who can’t keep their feet to themselves behind you. Sight lines don’t tend to be an issue here, as nothing is obstructed. Easy to find and clean.

Today we saw yet another good play, «The North Pool». There are only two actors and the storyline gradually ratchets up until the very emotional ending. Performances will continue through March 24.

I had the pleasure of seeing «Now. Here. This.» as part of the Vineyard’s festival for creating new musicals. Essentially, this theatre has put together a program to let an audience be involved in the creation of something excellent. Some of the musical was staged, other parts were sung in concert style with music stands. Based on runs in front of an audience, the creative team associated with the show has the opportunity to change their content. This model of creating shows rocks my socks.
Also, the show rocked my socks. The creators of this show (Heidi, Susan, Jeff, and Hunter) who play themselves are the same four people that created Broadway darling «[title of show]» And they have lost none of their charm and style. They have, in fact, refined it. Took the amazing things from their last show and used the hilarious jokes and the witty quips to make their point this time. And the Vineyard is the organization that supports that. Which means it’s important for us to support them. So instead of dropping almost the same amount of money on dinner and a movie in New York City, go see something at the Vineyard and picnic instead. You won’t regret it. Each show is a unique gem and you will never see the same moments twice.

I love the Vineyard. The produce the finest quality plays. They walk the line between taking risks and producing appealing with grace. I love that they choose human stories to bring to their stage. I think they are a rare example of an American theater that is committed to producing plays where language plays a strong role, not just plot, character and form. As a young artist who just moved to NY, they took me under their wing and helped me grow and make connections. I always felt welcome there. I really love this place.

What a fantastic space for off-​Broadway productions. It is refreshing to not only see a new work performed here… but for it to be presented in such a great space. There’s not a bad seat, the stage is not too small and I honestly have no complaint. Want to see real New York theatre? Come here.
Support live theatre!
Support downtown theatre!
Support non-​profits!

Vineyard is a small, no frills but very functional theatre. I was here to watch the Scottsboro Boys and had a blast. However, this review is on the theatre, not the production.
The fact that the concessions stand is guided by donations, is a big win with me. Other than that, the space is cosy, clean and rather modern, definitely not one of those dinghy theatres.

This Beautiful City is currently on stage at the Vineyard. The space is large with great sound and not really a bad seat in the stadium style house.
I love social justice plays and now is as good a time as ever to support off broadway theater.

I really liked their new show, God’s Ear. It’s really good for people who love language because it’s filled with these lists of cliches, alliterations, puns, etc.
All in all a very good show.

Great theatre, good people to work for, good educational activities for local high school students, been around a long time, steady supporter of NEW WORKS (Avenue Q started here!). Check out the real theater in New York by checking out the Vineyard Theatre!