Chelsea Theatre Works
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Chelsea Theatre Works
Apollinaire Theatre Company is known for cutting-edge contemporary work, regional premieres, and for breathing new life into classics. In addition to the upstairs theatre where we have produced since 2004, we have a whole historic building at our disposal which we at times stage throughout. Imagine each act of a Chekov play performed in a different antique room, or a visceral piece performed for audiences of 17 in a tiny balcony space.

In July we take advantage of warm nights and water views by moving outdoors into Chelsea's PORT Park! From Shakespeare to Ionesco to Lorca and more, our Apollinaire in the Park program brings great works of theatre to audiences for FREE! Teatro Chelsea is a Latinx artist led program increasing arts access and equity in our community by producing Spanish language and bi-lingual theatre.
Services
Join us in the Beer Garden featuring BearMoose Brewery beginning at 6:00 for Pre-show, Craft Beer, and Take-Out or Delivery from Chelsea's flavorful local Restaurants! Start at 6:00 for Live Music and traveling entertainment and dinner in our Beer Garden featuring BearMoose Brewery with take-out or delivery from Chelsea's exciting culinary delights, or dinner at one of the outside Parklet restaurants on the Square.
The Black Box Theatre at the Chelsea Theatre Works is a hub of artistic activity. The BlackBox is a rental theater serving theater and dance groups and filmmakers, home to our Resident Artist Program & Teatro Chelsea, and the residence of Longwood Players season of shows and cabaret fundraisers. While we are waiting to be open to the public, the BlackBox at the Chelsea Theatre Works is still a home for artists!
The Riseman Family Theatre is dedicated to youth arts engagement and community connection. For twenty years we have worked to help children learn and grow in the arts, and the Riseman Family Theatre, opened in 2016, provides a dedicated home for young people to express and develop their creativity at the Chelsea Theatre Works.
The Apollinaire Gallery is located in the upstairs lobby of the Chelsea Theatre Works adjacent to our main theatre, and is open on Apollinaire performance evenings. The work featured complements or highlights an aspect of the play being performed, including exhibits and murals painted on the gallery walls.
The Chelsea Theatre Works has multiple performance and rehearsal spaces, and also houses an extensive collection of props, set pieces and costumes available for rent. The new BlackBox Theatre is available for public performances and private events. The Riseman Family Theatre has a large performance studio and a smaller rehearsal studio, and is available for short term performances and events.
Reviews (14)
Norah D.
Norah D.
Jan 04, 2020
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"Cry it Out" is an exploration of modern motherhood that is thoughtfully constructed. Totally real. Deeply moving. And funny as f**k!

On maternity leave and needing companionship, Jessie becomes fast friends with her neighbor, Lina who is also a new mom. Another set of neighbors with a newborn provide complexity and spice to the issues and action. This comedy is deep and honest about the lived experiences of new mothers. The issues addressed are both contemporary and timeless.

An excellent 4-person cast delivers witty dialogue with impeccable timing. The acting is note-perfect and
Faith Girdler
Faith Girdler
Oct 11, 2019
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OMG! The most amazing original theater company ever!! A true undiscovered gem!
Vivian C.
Vivian C.
Sep 06, 2019
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My first taste of the Apollinaire Theatre Company was through their 2019 Apollinaire in the Park-- Apollinaire Theatre Company's free, outdoor summer show -- performance of the Tony - and Olivier - award winning play, "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time"

Held at Port Park in Chelsea, a security guard was by the entrance to the parking lot, and we were directed into the greenery from the basketball court where a manned table with programs greeted us. After we decided between paper and electronic programs, we were walked over to the stage and directed to sit higher
Elaine L.
Elaine L.
Jan 17, 2019
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I have been going to plays here since the beginning of this theatre company and have always been impressed with the innovative choices of material and the exceptional acting. I especially enjoy the outdoor productions in the summer. Last year. I went twice. And they are free to boot.
Last weekend I saw "Two Mile Hollow". Again, interesting and unusual play with an excellent cast, in their historical building. Who would imagine this level of theatre in Chelsea.
Lewis Warren
Lewis Warren
Oct 07, 2018
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Beautifully done all around. The acting, the theater, the personnel, one of the best nights of entertainment you'll have. A must, must do!
Jason W.
Jason W.
Dec 27, 2017
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I went to see 3 Sisters here and it was amazing. The small setting sitting on the outskirts of the set was breathtaking. It makes you feel like you are part of the show. Moving through 3 different sets was something I had never done before. I will be seeing every production here going forward.
Susan Odom
Susan Odom
Oct 22, 2017
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Great productions. Intimate venue. Seats not terribly comfortable. Still, I would go back for any of their shows.
Bruce S.
Bruce S.
Apr 15, 2014
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This was a great satirical take on the play the Seagul. It could have been over-the-top but instead became interesting and insightful with wonderful acting and directing. Definitely a must see for those people that like intelligent creative theater!
Maria R.
Maria R.
Oct 28, 2012
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I frequent the theater's in NY and Boston all the time and who would have thought a theater in Chelsea would turn out to be one of my favorites! I saw Uncle Vanya at the most incredible historical building I have ever had the pleasure to encounter. Uncle Vanya was extremely well done and the moving scenes and small audience setting makes it an extremely intimate experience. You really feel like you are part of the play. The bonus for me was the meet and greet once the play ended. It's rare you get a one on one with any of the actors let alone the entire cast. You really are doing
L. C.
L. C.
Apr 17, 2011
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I to see the Apollinaire Theatre Company last night. What a great experience! The play (East of Berlin) was very well done. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. You really felt the "community" aspect of the community theatre. After the play we walked out to a table of small hors d'oeuvres and desserts. Many people stayed and hung out. My friend and I both thought not only was the play great but it was a lovely night out. I am already looking forward to going back.
Moxie M.
Moxie M.
Jan 30, 2011
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This little theater is truly a gem!

After climbing to the top of the inornate building, at first you wonder where you've wandered to. It's as if you are taken back to a different place and time by the nostaligic sights and scents.

The theater itself is small and cozy--you feel as if the performance is being put on for you personally. The plays I have seen have always delivered, and it's a terrific way to see small, virtually unknown performances you could not see elsewhere.

Try taking in one of Apollinaire's midnight shows--it's a fun date night in what feels like
Nora C.
Nora C.
Mar 04, 2009
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This is an exciting small theatre. It's energizing just to be there. We saw a new play called, Dark Place which was really really good. Worth finding your way to Chelsea.
Ryan B.
Ryan B.
Dec 20, 2008
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This place is great! I have seen several plays there and they are of the highest caliber- thoughtful, provocative, edgy.

They also do theater in the park in the summer.

It is great to see more arts appearing in Chelsea, especially of this quality.
Tracee D.
Tracee D.
Apr 16, 2007
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Wowee Wow! What a marvelous place...& in Chelsea? Who knew. Saw Memory House by playwright Kathy Tolan this weekend..So great! The play itself..wonderful. A set with a working kitchen and an actual real life blueberry pie prepared and baked during the performance...but thats not the point. The space was bought in 1999 and it is grandiose. Marble trim alongside the stairwells. An open space art gallery on the 3rd floor. And a theatre! A beautiful small intimate theatre in a space that once was a ballroom. It seems to be a black box theatre but for this production was set up Proscenium style