If you like the drama of a ghost stories, then head to the most haunted theaters in NYC, where Broadway legends linger and ghostly tales bring the stage to life.
Sure, it’s all bright lights during the show. But after the audiences exit and the theater goes dark, a solitary object often remains on stage: the ghost light. The tradition of placing a lamp with an illuminated, bare bulb on a dark stage has practical uses (such as helping workers avoid a tumble into the orchestra pit). But did you know that it’s also intended to appease the supernatural residents?
If you relish places which have a theatrically spooky twist, have a look at this list of the NYC theaters haunted by famous ghostly figures!
New Victory Theater
Built in 1900 by impresario Oscar Hammerstein, the New Victory is the oldest operating theater in New York. It also was the first theater in the district, because, at that time, theaters were located south of what became Times Square. It was also the first to become a raunchy house of burlesque, and the first “legitimate” theater to screen porn.
Now beautifully restored, the theater presents family entertainment. And among the kids romping in the theater is a ghost of a girl in a white gown, who often appears on the balcony, but quickly disappears when discovered.
Belasco Theater
David Belasco spent most of his life in his theater, producing and staging his plays. He also lived in the duplex apartment atop the theater. And, apparently, he’s spending his afterlife there, too.
He’s been a regular presence in the Belasco theater since his death in 1931, always wearing his characteristic clerical collar. It is considered a sign of good luck for new productions if Belasco’s ghost appears in his private box on opening nights. He’s also been spotted watching rehearsals from the balcony. The distinct odor of his cigar is sometimes present backstage and actresses have even complained of having their rears mysteriously pinched!
And if that weren’t enough, laughing, singing, and footsteps have been heard in his sealed-off apartment, as have the sounds of his private elevator in use (although it’s been dismantled for decades).
New Amsterdam Theater
The historic New Amsterdam theater, home to the famed Ziegfeld Follies, a chorus of beautiful, scantily-clad girls. One of the most stunning performers was Olive Thomas, who died from swallowing mercury pills. Perhaps accidentally, perhaps not. Or perhaps at the hands of her drug-addicted, philandering husband?
Olive has been a familiar presence in the theater since her death, wearing her beaded follies costume, flirting with the stagehands, and blowing men kisses. During the 1990s restoration, Olive’s ghost flirted so brazenly with a night watchman (before disappearing through the wall to 41st Street) that the terrified man quit on the spot.
Olive also creates mischief backstage, like blowing out all the lights in the theater offices. Apparently Olive becomes particularly active when one of the surviving Ziegfeld Girls returns to the theater. And rumor has it that it was Olive who jammed The Lion King’s turntable set piece.
There is a photo of her hanging by the stage door. Every night cast and crew say, “Good night, Olive,” and often blow her a kiss, to keep on her good side!
Palace Theater
For decades, the Palace Theater was the nation’s preeminent vaudeville theater.
To “play the Palace” was to reach the pinnacle of success. Perhaps this is why some of the past performers here have refused to move on, if not physically, then spiritually. This location is possibly the most haunted theater in NYC, with as many as 100 ghosts inhabiting the Palace.
Regulars include a female cellist in the Orchestra Pit, a playful boy in the mezzanine, a man who stalks the theater offices, and a sullen little girl in the balcony. Even the spirit of Judy Garland has been felt near the door she used during two concert engagements at the Palace!
One ghost to avoid? Louis Borsalino, an acrobat who tumbled from a high wire to his death during a performance. If you see him, keep moving! It’s said those who encounter his ghost will die within a year.
Radio City Music Hall
“Don’t give the people what they want. Give them something better!” said Samuel “Roxy” Rothafel, the flamboyant showman behind Radio City Music Hall.
One of the world’s largest showplaces, its lavish stage shows, and its famed dance troupe “The Rockettes” were all created by Roxy, who oversaw every aspect of the venue until his 1936 death.
Roxy is such an integral part of Radio City, in fact, that his ghost still attends opening nights – accompanied by a glamorous female companion.
However, it’s not only Broadway that’s haunted.
The Union Square Theater reportedly has a mischievous phantom with glowing cat-like eyes. The Jean Cocteau Repertory Theater (housed in a 19th-century Bowery bank) is haunted by a deceased thespian. The Provincetown Playhouse (scene of Eugene O’Neill’s early premieres) features an opaque specter. And the Cherry Lane Theater is home to several spirits. Finally, Joseph Papp, the charismatic producer who founded the New York Shakespeare Festival, is still trying to run the show at the Public Theater. For theater folk, clearly, the show must go on… even from beyond the grave!
Insider’s tip: Of course, not all of NYC theaters are haunted. It’s still very safe to go see one of the many shows that make the NYC theater scene so remarkable. If you’d like to go see a performance, check out our in-depth Guide to Broadway Theaters.
FAQ´s – NYC´s haunted theaters
Are the haunted theaters in New York still open for performances?
Yes. The theaters mentioned above are still active Broadway venues. Audiences enjoy world-class shows there every week— and if they are luck (or perhaps unlucky) they may get to see more than their chosen show, and sneak a peek of one of the resident ghosts.
Can visitors take ghost tours inside New York’s theaters?
Some theaters occasionally offer backstage tours, but most ghost stories are shared by residents who like to give visitors a taste of the intrigue and mystery of NYC´s theatrical history, and by guides on walking tours around Broadway and Times Square, who point out the haunted landmarks.
Why do so many theaters seem to be haunted?
Theaters are steeped in history and emotion—decades of performers, audiences, triumphs, and tragedies. Many believe this energy lingers, giving rise to the ghostly tales.
Want to explore more of NYC’s mysteries? Check out some of our amazing New York City Tours. From a history and food tour of Lower East Side to the secrets hidden inside Grand Central Station, our local guides will give you new insight into NYC.
