Continue to check back here for updates on the renovation of our home in the West Village!
Update as of 2/17/2026: The transformation of Rattlestick Theater from the old to the new is now visible throughout the space. During demolition, the ornate proscenium molding was carefully removed and securely stored so this historic detail can be preserved and seamlessly reinstalled as work progresses. The layout of the new lobby is now coming into focus, the new staircase has been completed, and we have reached another major milestone with the installation of our new elevator now in progress. Each step brings us closer to a more accessible and welcoming home for artists and audiences alike.
Behind the scenes, essential infrastructure work continues at full pace. HVAC and electrical systems are advancing steadily, alongside ongoing concrete and masonry work that will support the theater for decades to come. With so much structural progress made, we are also beginning to focus on the details that will define the experience of this new space, from thoughtfully designed bathrooms and new windows in the dressing rooms to the many possibilities within our versatile performance space.
Update as of 9/17/2025:
We had a wonderful day in the courtyard last Wednesday, sharing pastries, coffee, and a guided hard hat tour of our renovation-in-progress! We were happy to be joined by City Council Member Erik Bottcher and our Artistic Director Will Davis, who shared thoughtful remarks celebrating this exciting chapter of transformation.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special moment. The renovation is moving forward, and with each step we’re getting closer to opening the doors of Rattlestick’s future artistic home! We can’t wait to welcome you back to a theater that honors our history while creating space for innovative ideas to take shape.
Update as of 7/10/2025: If you’ve walked by the theater recently, you may have noticed something new…scaffolding! Never before have we been so excited to see a steel platform outside our building. And yes, while the giant hole in the floor may be alarming to some, to us, it’s thrilling. It means the renovation is well underway. With the facade prepped and structural work beginning, Rattlestick is evolving before our eyes.
Update as of 6/2/2025: It’s the day we’ve been dreaming of - it’s Demolition Day! After spending a few weeks preparing the space with an asbestos abatement in the theater, church gallery and basement, we are ready to start taking the next step towards construction. The beautiful molding of the proscenium has been temporarily removed while the stage is being pushed back and our the trees have been protected with their new huts during construction. As the renovation begins in earnest, Rattlestick is thrilled to watch the theater begin its transformation.
The original crown molding will be safety restored after demolition and excavation of the elevator.
The trees have been permitted with the city and are safe in their cages during construction.
Update as of 4/22/2025: We’re thrilled to share that the theater has officially been cleared out and prepped for the next exciting phase of our renovation! The construction crew has arrived and begun moving in their initial equipment - marking a tangible step forward in transforming our space. We’re deeply grateful for your continued support as we move forward together, building a future where bold, weird, and boundary-pushing work can continue to thrive below 14th Street. More updates coming soon!
Update as of 2/20/2025: On behalf of the Rattlestick team and our board of directors, we are excited to announce that we starting to embark on our building renovation and an exciting new chapter in our theater’s history. From the artists who create here to the audiences who support them, each of you has played a vital role in Rattlestick’s journey. On February 20th we held a Renovation Celebration! A moment to be together — catch up with old friends, where community members left notes on the stage, shared memories for our video diary, and raised a toast to 30 years of wild playmaking — with many more to come
Rattlestick believes it's crucial to have a theater dedicated to creating bold, weird, and exciting new work below 14th Street. We are proud to make this commitment to access and downtown theater-making.
A toast to Rattlestick’s past and future.
Rattlestick Artist Mahira Kakkar, Board Member Cusi Cram, and Rattlestick Van Lier Fellow kanishk pandey.
Former Rattlestick Development Director Jolene Noelle and current Board Chair Jeff Thamkittikasem.
Photos by: HanJie Chow