Nonprofit Theatres on Broadway: Roundabout, MTC, Lincoln Center Theater and Second Stage

Most Broadway shows are commercial productions, funded by investors who hope to earn a return. But a handful of Broadway theatres are run by nonprofit companies, and they produce some of the most acclaimed work on the street every season.

What is a nonprofit Broadway theatre?

A nonprofit Broadway theatre is run by a 501(c)(3) theatre company rather than a commercial producer or theatre owner. These companies rely on subscribers, donors, and grants as well as ticket sales. Because their Broadway houses meet the size requirements, their productions are eligible for the Tony Awards, and they win them often.

Roundabout Theatre Company

Roundabout is one of the largest nonprofit theatre companies in the country. Its Broadway houses include the Todd Haimes Theatre and Studio 54, and it also owns the Stephen Sondheim Theatre. Roundabout is known for revivals of classic plays and musicals, alongside new work.

Manhattan Theatre Club

Manhattan Theatre Club produces new plays and musicals and operates the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre on Broadway, along with Off-Broadway stages. MTC has a long record of premiering work by American playwrights.

Lincoln Center Theater

Lincoln Center Theater runs the Vivian Beaumont Theater, a Broadway house located at Lincoln Center rather than in the Theatre District. LCT also runs smaller stages and a program that keeps ticket prices low for young audiences.

Second Stage Theater

Second Stage focuses on living American writers. It operates the Hayes Theater, which makes it one of the newest nonprofit companies with a Broadway home.

Why nonprofit theatre matters to Broadway

• Risk-taking. Nonprofits can produce plays that might be hard to finance commercially.
• Access. Subscriptions, discount programs, and education initiatives bring in audiences who might not otherwise come.
• New voices. Many writers get their first major production at a nonprofit.

Nonprofit theatres work alongside commercial producers, The Broadway League, and the industry's unions. Audience programs like TDF and the TKTS booth help fill their seats too.

Where Broadway for Democracy fits

Broadway's nonprofit theatres make the art form more open. Broadway for Democracy is a nonprofit focused on a different kind of openness: civic participation. We're nonpartisan, and we help fans and theatre workers register and vote. See where every organization fits in our guide to Broadway nonprofits.

Frequently asked questions

Are there nonprofit theatres on Broadway?

Yes. Roundabout, Manhattan Theatre Club, Lincoln Center Theater, and Second Stage all operate Broadway houses.

Can nonprofit Broadway shows win Tonys?

Yes. Productions in their Broadway theatres are Tony-eligible.

How are nonprofit theatres funded?

Through a mix of ticket sales, subscriptions, individual donors, foundations, and grants.

Support Broadway's civic side. Donate to Broadway for Democracy.