La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club

La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club
The La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club building at 74 East Fourth Street as seen in 2021
(2021)
Map
Address74 East Fourth Street
New York City
United States
Coordinates40°43′36″N 73°59′24″W / 40.726613°N 73.990105°W / 40.726613; -73.990105
DesignationNew York City Landmark
TypeOff-Off-Broadway theatre
CapacityEllen Stewart Theatre: 299
The Downstairs: 150
The Community Arts Space: 74
The Club: 118
Opened1961
Website
www.lamama.org

La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club (sometimes abbreviated as La MaMa E.T.C.) is an Off-Off-Broadway theater founded in 1961 by African-American theatre director, producer, and fashion designer Ellen Stewart. Located in the East Village neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City, the theater began in the basement boutique where Stewart sold her fashion designs. Stewart turned the space into a theater at night, focusing on the work of young playwrights.