425 Lafayette Street (between Astor Place & 4th St)
New York, NY 10003
BUILT: 1967
View Larger Map
Public Theater History
The Public Theater is a New York City arts organization. It was originally called the Shakespeare Workshop in 1954 when founded by Joseph Papp, with the intention of showcasing the works of up-and-coming playwrights and performers. The building holds five theater spaces (LuEsther, Martinson, Shiva, Newman, Anspacher) and Joe's Pub, a cabaret-style venue used for new work, musical performances, spoken-word artists, and soloists. The Public also operates the Delacorte Theater in Central Park, where it presents Shakespeare in the Park, one of New York City's most beloved summer traditions.
Shows at the Public Theater
DATES PRODUCTION 12/31/2025 - 12/7/2025 The Seat of Our Pants (2025) 12/31/2025 - Goddess (2025)
Click Here to Buy Tickets5/12/2022 - 6/12/2022 Fat Ham (2022) 2/23/2022 - 3/27/2022 The Chinese Lady (2022) 10/8/2019 - 12/15/2019 for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf (2019) 6/19/2018 - 8/5/2018 Fire in Dreamland (2018) 3/20/2018 - 5/6/2018 Miss You Like Hell (2018) 9/29/2015 - 11/29/2015 Eclipsed (2015) 4/2/2013 - 7/28/2013 Here Lies Love (2013) 11/6/2012 - 12/2/2012 Sorry (2012) 3/14/2012 - 5/13/2012 Gatz (2012) 2/24/2012 - 3/18/2012 The Total Bent (2012) 11/29/2011 - 12/18/2011 Titus Andronicus (2011) 10/19/2010 - 11/21/2010 In The Wake (2010) 2/6/2006 - 2/6/2006 Bounce (2006) 2/1/2004 - The Visit (2004) [Cancelled] 8/4/1981 - 8/9/1981 The Laundry Hour (1981) - First Daughter Suite (2015) - Awake and Sing! (2015)
News
Video: NOISES OFF at Pioneer Theatre Company
by Joshua Wright - Dec 10, 2025
Get a first look at Pioneer Theatre Company's Noises Off by Michael Frayn, running through December 20ty 20, 2025 at Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre.
by Joshua Wright - Dec 10, 2025
Get a first look at Pioneer Theatre Company's Noises Off by Michael Frayn, running through December 20ty 20, 2025 at Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre.
Tickets on Sale This Week For HAMILTON at DPAC
by Stephi Wild - Dec 10, 2025
Producer Jeffrey Seller and DPAC announced single tickets for the Triangle return of the Musical Revolution, HAMILTON, on stage May 20 – June 14 for four weeks only. Learn more here!
by Stephi Wild - Dec 10, 2025
Producer Jeffrey Seller and DPAC announced single tickets for the Triangle return of the Musical Revolution, HAMILTON, on stage May 20 – June 14 for four weeks only. Learn more here!
Jeannette Bayardelle, Fred Inkley & More Star in METRA Audio Drama
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 9, 2025
New York theatremakers Ned and Emily Hartford have expanded their climate justice musical into an audio drama series, now live on all podcast platforms.
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 9, 2025
New York theatremakers Ned and Emily Hartford have expanded their climate justice musical into an audio drama series, now live on all podcast platforms.
Kevin Cahoon, Samantha Massell and More to Join Myles Frost in CHEZ JOEY at Arena Stage
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 9, 2025
Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater has revealed the principal cast for its Winter 2026 production of Chez Joey, starring Myles Frost and more.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 9, 2025
Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater has revealed the principal cast for its Winter 2026 production of Chez Joey, starring Myles Frost and more.
Latest Standings Announced for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Seattle Awards; Spokane Civic Theatre Leads Favorite Theatre!
by BWW Awards - Dec 8, 2025
The latest standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Seattle Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
by BWW Awards - Dec 8, 2025
The latest standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Seattle Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Latest Standings Announced for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Pittsburgh Awards; The Geyer Performing Arts Center Leads Favorite Theatre!
by BWW Awards - Dec 8, 2025
The latest standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Pittsburgh Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
by BWW Awards - Dec 8, 2025
The latest standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Pittsburgh Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Latest Standings Announced for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Maine Awards; Leads Favorite Theatre!
by BWW Awards - Dec 8, 2025
The latest standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Maine Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
by BWW Awards - Dec 8, 2025
The latest standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Maine Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Latest Standings Announced for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Cleveland Awards; Cassidy Theatre Leads Favorite Theatre!
by BWW Awards - Dec 8, 2025
The latest standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Cleveland Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
by BWW Awards - Dec 8, 2025
The latest standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Cleveland Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Latest Standings Announced for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards
by BWW Awards - Dec 8, 2025
The latest standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
by BWW Awards - Dec 8, 2025
The latest standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Latest Standings Announced for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Off-Broadway Awards
by BWW Awards - Dec 8, 2025
The latest standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Off-Broadway Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
by BWW Awards - Dec 8, 2025
The latest standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Off-Broadway Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company Reveals Next Artistic Director
by Stephi Wild - Dec 8, 2025
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company has announced Reggie D. White as its next Artistic Director. White becomes only the third artistic leader in Woolly’s 46-year history, following the seven-year tenure of Maria Manuela Goyanes.
by Stephi Wild - Dec 8, 2025
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company has announced Reggie D. White as its next Artistic Director. White becomes only the third artistic leader in Woolly’s 46-year history, following the seven-year tenure of Maria Manuela Goyanes.
DAISY to Make New York Premiere in Fall 2026
by Gillian Blum - Dec 8, 2025
RJ Theatre Company and The Actor Launchpad will present the world premiere of Daisy, a new play written and directed by Emma Tadmor, with a three-week run in Fall 2026.
by Gillian Blum - Dec 8, 2025
RJ Theatre Company and The Actor Launchpad will present the world premiere of Daisy, a new play written and directed by Emma Tadmor, with a three-week run in Fall 2026.
Video: Ethan Lipton Opens Up About THE SEAT OF OUR PANTS
by Survival Jobs - Dec 5, 2025
Survival Jobs just shared Episode 144 featuring the brilliant playwright and performer Ethan Lipton. In this heartfelt and engaging conversation, hosts Jason A. Coombs and Samantha Tuozzolo sit down with Ethan to talk about his new play The Seat of Our Pants, now running at The Public Theater. Watch in this video.
by Survival Jobs - Dec 5, 2025
Survival Jobs just shared Episode 144 featuring the brilliant playwright and performer Ethan Lipton. In this heartfelt and engaging conversation, hosts Jason A. Coombs and Samantha Tuozzolo sit down with Ethan to talk about his new play The Seat of Our Pants, now running at The Public Theater. Watch in this video.
The Huntington’s Winter New Play Intensive Returns, Empowering Bold Voices And New Stories
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 5, 2025
The Huntington will present its Winter New Play Intensive, offering public readings, open rehearsals, and private development sessions for playwrights and theatre artists.
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 5, 2025
The Huntington will present its Winter New Play Intensive, offering public readings, open rehearsals, and private development sessions for playwrights and theatre artists.
HOW SHAKESPEARE SAVED MY LIFE World Premiere is Coming to Berkeley Rep
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 3, 2025
Kicking off the new year, Berkeley Repertory Theatre will present its 90th world premiere production, How Shakespeare Saved My Life — an autobiographical and music-filled tour de force written and performed by Jacob Ming-Trent.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 3, 2025
Kicking off the new year, Berkeley Repertory Theatre will present its 90th world premiere production, How Shakespeare Saved My Life — an autobiographical and music-filled tour de force written and performed by Jacob Ming-Trent.
Christopher Fitzgerald to Star in THE GOOD THIEF at Two River Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 2, 2025
Two River Theater will present its one-week-only production of The Good Thief starring three-time Tony Award nominee Christopher Fitzgerald in the title role.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 2, 2025
Two River Theater will present its one-week-only production of The Good Thief starring three-time Tony Award nominee Christopher Fitzgerald in the title role.
Gulfshore Playhouse to Present the Inaugural NEXT WAVE FESTIVAL: A Celebration of New Voices in American Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 2, 2025
Gulfshore Playhouse will launch of the Next Wave Festival, a dynamic new play festival showcasing cutting-edge theatrical voices from across the country. Taking place January 31 - February 1, 2026.
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 2, 2025
Gulfshore Playhouse will launch of the Next Wave Festival, a dynamic new play festival showcasing cutting-edge theatrical voices from across the country. Taking place January 31 - February 1, 2026.
Gary Grossman To Step Down As Producing Artistic Director At Skylight Theatre Company
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 2, 2025
Skylight Theatre Company has announced that Producing Artistic Director Gary Grossman will step down from his role after 40 years of leadership. Grossman will transition to full-time commercial producing.
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 2, 2025
Skylight Theatre Company has announced that Producing Artistic Director Gary Grossman will step down from his role after 40 years of leadership. Grossman will transition to full-time commercial producing.
Bryonn Bain's One-Man Show LYRICS FROM LOCKDOWN Returns To LA This Month
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 2, 2025
LYRICS FROM LOCKDOWN returns to Los Angeles this month for a one-night-only performance. The show is a one-man show bringing 40 characters to life, telling two unbelievable true stories using hip-hop theater, spoken word, blues, calypso, comedy, and a video DJ.
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 2, 2025
LYRICS FROM LOCKDOWN returns to Los Angeles this month for a one-night-only performance. The show is a one-man show bringing 40 characters to life, telling two unbelievable true stories using hip-hop theater, spoken word, blues, calypso, comedy, and a video DJ.
First Standings Announced for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Cleveland Awards; LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Leads Best Musical!
by BWW Awards - Dec 1, 2025
The first standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Cleveland Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
by BWW Awards - Dec 1, 2025
The first standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Cleveland Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Public Theater Frequently Asked Questions
What show is currently in Public Theater?
Public Theater's current show is Fat Ham which began performances on 5/12/2022.
What when was Public Theater built?
Public Theater was built in 1967.
What were the longest running shows at Public Theater?
Here Lies Love which ran from 4/2/2013 to 7/28/2013, Gatz which ran from 3/14/2012 to 5/13/2012, for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf which ran from 10/22/2019 to 12/15/2019, Eclipsed which ran from 10/14/2015 to 11/29/2015 and
Videos