, many great productions began at small theater venues off and off off Broadway. A pre-pandemic study of small theaters from The Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment found that these New York City venues have generated $584 million in economic output annually and created more than 8,400 full-time jobs resulting in $512 million in wages. And over 90% of those theaters are non-profits.One of those non-profit theater standouts is the Chain Theatre.
has collaborated with David Rabe, Eric Bogosian and Dale Wasserman. Last year they presented the critically acclaimed play“We may not have the multi-million dollar operating budget of a Broadway show, but you would never know it,” says director of development Christina Perry who adds that great care goes into making the set, lights and costumes look truly authentic. “I am so amazed at the creativity we come up with here on what is basically a shoestring budget.
Perry plays Ally, the daughter in law. “It's 3am. I am 8 months pregnant and coming to assist my husband in moving out his hoarding mother,” says Perry. “Ally, is such a feast as an actor. A lot is packed in within a short amount of time.”