Chain Theatre

The Chain Theatre began its life in 2010 as an independent production company with a mission to bring visceral, challenging stories to the stage and screen. While it is now a fixture of the midtown Manhattan cultural landscape, the organization previously operated in Long Island City inside a building that was originally the U.S. Chain Company factory, dating back to 1934. The company transformed that old industrial two-story space into a working theater, but they were forced to vacate in 2016 when the property was sold and demolished to make way for new luxury condominiums. This history of displacement and resilience is a central part of their identity as they continue to operate as a non-profit dedicated to supporting independent artists in a city where space is increasingly difficult to secure.