Laura Pels Theatre Information

Laura Pels Theater is a part of the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre that opened in March 2004 with the premiere of Lynn Nottage’s Intimate Apparel. Since that first production, the center expanded beyond the Laura Pels Theatre to include a second theatre and a new education center. The venues surrounding The Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center are part of a commitment to producing new works by up-and-coming writers as well as revivals of classic plays.

But who is Laura Pels and why was the state-of-the-art theatre given her name?

Laura Pels, president of The Laura Pels Foundation, is a leading benefactor of classic theatre who has helped underwrite productions and created education programs for about 40 nonprofit companies each year. Her work in theatre has made her known as the guardian angel of serious theatre in New York, due to the sizable donations she gave to an art form she loved. Her donations came from a sizable divorce settlement, which is surprising enough given how emotionally trying divorces can be. But Mrs. Pels was determined to see her money do good for New York’s theater scene. In her words:

“A charitable trust was part of my settlement, and I decided that I was going to do exactly what I wanted with it—help the theatre. I really believe that the public is ready for the kind of theatre that provides food for the soul. The things that can be done if you have a little courage are amazing.”

The proof of her drive came when Mrs. Pels championed “The Moliere Comedies”, a project that became one of Roundabout’s biggest hits during its production time. She pursued a project that artistic director Todd Haimes accepted despite many artistic directors refusing the project believing that no one would want to see it. Haimes even notes that “Laura is a creative person who can come up with her own projects and yet doesn’t tell us how to run the company is the nicest combination one could ask for in a supporter.” This rare combination of creativity, passion, and humility leads to a trust that has fostered many great plays that most traditional venues and supporters would never even dream of.

So when Roundabout offered to name its, then newest theatre after her, Mrs. Pels was uncertain. She hesitated because she didn’t believe she deserved the honor, but finally accepted hoping that giving up her anonymity would have a positive effect on the work she wanted to do.  As Pels says, “People should know that if you are willing to get your feet wet, you can do a lot of good.” It is this spirit that has made Laura Pels Theatre such an important part of New York’s theatrical culture.

For more information on the Laura Pels Theatre at Steinberg Center these additional pages may be useful to you:

Laura Pels Theatre Parking:
Read about parking options and rules at the Laura Pels Theatre.

Ticket Policies:
Read about the special ticket guarantee and refund policies when purchasing from tickets via this website.

Laura Pels Theatre Seating Chart:
View the Laura Pels Theatre at Steinberg Center seating chart and read information on various seating areas.