425 Lafayette Street (between Astor Place & 4th St)
New York, NY 10003
BUILT: 1967
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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
Segal Center's WORLD VOICES Festival Will Host Free Readings of International Plays
by Stephi Wild - Apr 30, 2026
The Martin E. Segal Theatre Center at CUNY will present WORLD VOICES, a four-day festival featuring staged readings of new plays in translation by playwrights from Tuscarora/Canada, Austria, France, Senegal, and Germany.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 30, 2026
The Martin E. Segal Theatre Center at CUNY will present WORLD VOICES, a four-day festival featuring staged readings of new plays in translation by playwrights from Tuscarora/Canada, Austria, France, Senegal, and Germany.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 30, 2026- Lea Michele Talks CHESS and More
by - Apr 30, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 30, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Apr 30, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 30, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Mary-Mitchell Campbell to Receive the 2026 Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award
by Stephi Wild - Apr 29, 2026
The Tony Awards Administration Committee has announced that Mary-Mitchell Campbell will receive the 2026 Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award for her unwavering dedication to advocacy work through the arts.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 29, 2026
The Tony Awards Administration Committee has announced that Mary-Mitchell Campbell will receive the 2026 Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award for her unwavering dedication to advocacy work through the arts.
Black Women on Broadway Reveals 2026 Honorees
by Stephi Wild - Apr 29, 2026
Black Women on Broadway announced its 2026 honorees, recognizing the contributions of Black women to the Broadway community. Learn more about the honorees here!
by Stephi Wild - Apr 29, 2026
Black Women on Broadway announced its 2026 honorees, recognizing the contributions of Black women to the Broadway community. Learn more about the honorees here!
BENJAMIN BUTTON, James Ijames' WELCOME TABLE, and More Set For The Public's 2026-27 Season
by Stephi Wild - Apr 29, 2026
The Public Theater has announced the lineup for The Public’s Fall 2026 and Winter 2027 season. The season lineup will include The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, plus works from James Ijames, Ryan J. Haddad, Richard Nelson, Taylor Mac, and more.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 29, 2026
The Public Theater has announced the lineup for The Public’s Fall 2026 and Winter 2027 season. The season lineup will include The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, plus works from James Ijames, Ryan J. Haddad, Richard Nelson, Taylor Mac, and more.
Prospect Musicals' 2026 Gala & Muse Awards Reveals Full Line-Up
by Stephi Wild - Apr 29, 2026
Prospect Musicals announced the full line-up for its 2026 Gala & Muse Awards at The Edison Ballroom, honoring LaChanze, Ken Davenport, Lindsay Mendez, Ryan Scott Oliver, and Jose Antonio Vargas.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 29, 2026
Prospect Musicals announced the full line-up for its 2026 Gala & Muse Awards at The Edison Ballroom, honoring LaChanze, Ken Davenport, Lindsay Mendez, Ryan Scott Oliver, and Jose Antonio Vargas.
World Premiere of BODY UNREDACTED Will Come to Brooklyn From Blessed Unrest
by Stephi Wild - Apr 29, 2026
Blessed Unrest will present the world premiere of BODY UNREDACTED, directed and choreographed by Jessica Burr, at The Makers' Space in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The ensemble-created work explores the art, science, and lived experience of the human body.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 29, 2026
Blessed Unrest will present the world premiere of BODY UNREDACTED, directed and choreographed by Jessica Burr, at The Makers' Space in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The ensemble-created work explores the art, science, and lived experience of the human body.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 29, 2026- OH, MARY! Welcomes New Star Maya Rudolph
by - Apr 29, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 29, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Apr 29, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 29, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
NEXT TO NORMAL To Be Presented At Trinity Rep
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 29, 2026
Trinity Repertory Company will close its 2025-26 season with NEXT TO NORMAL, the Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning rock musical directed by former Associate Artistic Director Amanda Dehnert at the Dowling Theater in Providence.
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 29, 2026
Trinity Repertory Company will close its 2025-26 season with NEXT TO NORMAL, the Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning rock musical directed by former Associate Artistic Director Amanda Dehnert at the Dowling Theater in Providence.
FIVE SESSIONS: A WAR IN THERAPY Will Be Presented at Sheen Center
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 29, 2026
Barrio Independent Productions will present FIVE SESSIONS... A WAR IN THERAPY, a new play by Jaime Estades, at the Sheen Center in New York. The psychological drama follows five therapy sessions between a Latino superintendent and a privileged therapist.
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 29, 2026
Barrio Independent Productions will present FIVE SESSIONS... A WAR IN THERAPY, a new play by Jaime Estades, at the Sheen Center in New York. The psychological drama follows five therapy sessions between a Latino superintendent and a privileged therapist.
Video: See Brian d'Arcy James in Trailer for New Film FINNEGAN'S FOURSOME
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 28, 2026
Five-time Tony nominee Brian d'Arcy James is heading back to the big screen in Finnegan's Foursome, a new film from writer/director Edward Burns. Watch a trailer for the movie now.
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 28, 2026
Five-time Tony nominee Brian d'Arcy James is heading back to the big screen in Finnegan's Foursome, a new film from writer/director Edward Burns. Watch a trailer for the movie now.
Photos: Ben Stiller, Ali Stroker, Michael Urie, and More Attend THE NORMAL HEART 40th Anniversary Benefit Reading
by Jennifer Broski - Apr 28, 2026
The Public Theater hosted a 40th Anniversary Benefit Reading of The Normal Heart, featuring Billy Eichner, David Greenspan, Ben Stiller, Ali Stroker, Michael Urie, and more. Check out photos here!
by Jennifer Broski - Apr 28, 2026
The Public Theater hosted a 40th Anniversary Benefit Reading of The Normal Heart, featuring Billy Eichner, David Greenspan, Ben Stiller, Ali Stroker, Michael Urie, and more. Check out photos here!
Stephenson Ardern-Sodje and More Join the Cast of HAMILTON at The Victoria Palace Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Apr 28, 2026
New casting has been announced for HAMILTON in London's West End. Stephenson Ardern-Sodje will join the company as Alexander Hamilton. Learn more here!
by Stephi Wild - Apr 28, 2026
New casting has been announced for HAMILTON in London's West End. Stephenson Ardern-Sodje will join the company as Alexander Hamilton. Learn more here!
Photos: THE HYPOCHONDRIAC at Quintessence Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 28, 2026
On April 15, Quintessence Theatre concludes its 16th season with French playwright Molière’s final play, The Hypochondriac, featuring a world premiere of a new translation by renowned British playwright and translator Sir Ranjit Bolt. Check out photos of the production.
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 28, 2026
On April 15, Quintessence Theatre concludes its 16th season with French playwright Molière’s final play, The Hypochondriac, featuring a world premiere of a new translation by renowned British playwright and translator Sir Ranjit Bolt. Check out photos of the production.
Travis Moser & Tony Nominee Melissa Errico Release Judy Collins Live Album
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 28, 2026
Travis Moser and Tony Award-nominee Melissa Errico released 'Someday Soon: The Songs of Judy Collins Live at The Green Room 42,' a live album featuring their duet on 'Anyone Can Whistle.'
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 28, 2026
Travis Moser and Tony Award-nominee Melissa Errico released 'Someday Soon: The Songs of Judy Collins Live at The Green Room 42,' a live album featuring their duet on 'Anyone Can Whistle.'
Natascia Diaz To Star in INTO THE WOODS At Arrow Rock Lyceum
by Marissa Faith Curley - Apr 25, 2026
Broadway and CBS's FBI actress Natascia Diaz will star as the Witch in INTO THE WOODS at Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre this summer, directed by Michael Lluberes, as part of the theater's 65th anniversary season.
by Marissa Faith Curley - Apr 25, 2026
Broadway and CBS's FBI actress Natascia Diaz will star as the Witch in INTO THE WOODS at Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre this summer, directed by Michael Lluberes, as part of the theater's 65th anniversary season.
Video: Anne Hathaway Reflects on Early Career Start at Paper Mill Playhouse
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 25, 2026
Anne Hathaway recently reflected on her early experiences in theater, highlighting the Tony Award-winning Paper Mill Playhouse as a key part of her introduction to acting. Watch the video below.
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 25, 2026
Anne Hathaway recently reflected on her early experiences in theater, highlighting the Tony Award-winning Paper Mill Playhouse as a key part of her introduction to acting. Watch the video below.
GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY And More Set for Cape Rep Theatre 2026 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 24, 2026
Cape Rep Theatre has announced its 2026 season, featuring plays and musicals including a world premiere and a Cape Cod premiere. The season will take place in Brewster, Massachusetts and includes both indoor and outdoor programming.
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 24, 2026
Cape Rep Theatre has announced its 2026 season, featuring plays and musicals including a world premiere and a Cape Cod premiere. The season will take place in Brewster, Massachusetts and includes both indoor and outdoor programming.
Amy Sherald, Christian Slater & More Set for Public Forum at The Delacorte
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 23, 2026
The Public Theater's revitalized Delacorte Theater will reopen this summer with PUBLIC FORUM and PUBLIC STORIES programming, featuring Amy Sherald, Michael Sandel, Anna Deavere Smith, and DC 37 union members as civic storytellers.
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 23, 2026
The Public Theater's revitalized Delacorte Theater will reopen this summer with PUBLIC FORUM and PUBLIC STORIES programming, featuring Amy Sherald, Michael Sandel, Anna Deavere Smith, and DC 37 union members as civic storytellers.
PASS THE NAILS AND SHAME THE DEVIL Extended at The Marsh Berkeley
by Stephi Wild - Apr 23, 2026
Pearl Louise's debut solo show, directed by David Ford, traces a Black family's journey from Louisiana to 1980s East Oakland amid the crack epidemic. The autobiographical work has been extended by popular demand at The Marsh Berkeley.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 23, 2026
Pearl Louise's debut solo show, directed by David Ford, traces a Black family's journey from Louisiana to 1980s East Oakland amid the crack epidemic. The autobiographical work has been extended by popular demand at The Marsh Berkeley.
Public Theater Frequently Asked Questions
What show is currently in Public Theater?
Public Theater's current show is The Seat of Our Pants which began performances on 12/31/2025.
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