Since 2008

About A Broken Umbrella Theatre

We are the only theater company whose main purpose is to create original work inspired by New Haven's history. Our site-specific work enlivens underutilized spaces throughout the city.

A Broken Umbrella Theatre creates original, site-specific theatrical experiences inspired by the culture and history of New Haven.

How we work

Original

Every production is an original work — no adaptations, no revivals. Every word written for New Haven.

Site-Specific

We don't bring theater to empty stages. We find forgotten buildings and bring them back to life through story.

Rooted in History

Each show is anchored to a real moment in New Haven's past — a person, a place, an invention, a meal.

Community-Driven

Our cast and crew are New Haven residents. The stories belong to the city. The production belongs to everyone.

Our history

2008Founded in New Haven, CT
2009First Production: Short Story by a Tree (ArtWalk, Edgewood Park)
2009Thunderbolt (Halloween, Edgewood Park)
2010iMarvel (ArtWalk, Edgewood Park)
2010VaudeVillain (Lyric Hall)
2011Play With Matches (446A Blake Street)
2012Head over Wheels (ArtWalk, 446A Blake Street)
2012The Library Project (New Haven Free Public Library, Downtown)
2013Freewheelers (International Festival of Arts & Ideas, Horowitz Brother's Department Store Warehouse)
2014Gilbert the Great (Erector Square)
2015Scene Change! (The Shubert Theatre, Taft Apartment Building)
2016Made of New Haven — an anti-Gala! (Erector Square)
2017Exchange (Open Studios, 3 Locations — 446A Blake Street, Outside of Bregamos at Erector Square, The Armory)
2018Launch of The Regicides, A Broken Umbrella Theatre's Improv Comedy Troupe
2020Boitatá — East Rock Halloween (Socially Distanced Theatre)
2022Acquired 280 Blake Street
2023Where the Rubber Meets the Road (ArtWalk, Aquila Motors)
2024A Slice (International Festival of Arts & Ideas, Next Door Restaurant)
2025Family Business — apizza play (City Seed Headquarters, James Street)

See our productions

15 original shows, each rooted in a real moment from New Haven’s history.

Browse shows →

Meet the ensemble

Actors, directors, musicians, and designers who make it happen — all New Haven.

Meet the team →

Get involved

Find the right way to connect: events, volunteering, education, press, giving, and project updates.

Start here →

Press & coverage

Reviews, awards, and media coverage spanning sixteen years of original New Haven theater.

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New Pages, New Stages, All Ages

Your gift helps make new New Haven stories: new scripts on the page, new work on stage, and welcoming theater experiences for audiences of every age.

Get in touch

Questions, partnership inquiries, press requests — reach us at info@abrokenumbrella.org.