Public Theater
Address:
425 Lafayette Street (between Astor Place & 4th St)
New York, NY 10003
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 | |
| 12/31/2025 | - | ||
| 5/12/2022 | - | 6/12/2022 | |
| 2/23/2022 | - | 3/27/2022 | |
| 10/8/2019 | - | 12/15/2019 | |
| 6/19/2018 | - | 8/5/2018 | |
| 3/20/2018 | - | 5/6/2018 | |
| 9/29/2015 | - | 11/29/2015 | |
| 4/2/2013 | - | 7/28/2013 | |
| 11/6/2012 | - | 12/2/2012 | |
| 3/14/2012 | - | 5/13/2012 | |
| 2/24/2012 | - | 3/18/2012 | |
| 11/29/2011 | - | 12/18/2011 | |
| 10/19/2010 | - | 11/21/2010 | |
| 2/6/2006 | - | 2/6/2006 | |
| 2/1/2004 | - | The Visit (2004) [Cancelled] |
|
| 8/4/1981 | - | 8/9/1981 | |
| - | |||
| - | |||
News
Review: JURASSIC PARKING LOT at Seattle Public Theater on Green Lake
by Shelley Dean - Sep 11, 2026
What’s better than roaring laughter and a night at the theater? How about laughing with roaring dinosaurs at the theater! The Habit Comedy is combining every element for a good time now through September 27 at the Seattle Public Theater on Green Lake, as Jurassic Parking Lot makes its colossal return to the Emerald City. Hilariously written by Jeff Schell and David Swidler, with foot-tapping music and top-tier direction by Mark Siano. If you’re looking for a night of suspended reality with the occasional leaf blower in your face, this is the place to be.
by Shelley Dean - Sep 11, 2026
What’s better than roaring laughter and a night at the theater? How about laughing with roaring dinosaurs at the theater! The Habit Comedy is combining every element for a good time now through September 27 at the Seattle Public Theater on Green Lake, as Jurassic Parking Lot makes its colossal return to the Emerald City. Hilariously written by Jeff Schell and David Swidler, with foot-tapping music and top-tier direction by Mark Siano. If you’re looking for a night of suspended reality with the occasional leaf blower in your face, this is the place to be.
BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA to Open Morningside Theater Co. 2026-27 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 11, 2026
Morningside Theater Co. will present BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA, a play by Anna Ouyang Moench about a father and daughter devoted to birdwatching. The production features Jaine Ye and Mark Hofmaier and is directed by Luke Hofmaier.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 11, 2026
Morningside Theater Co. will present BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA, a play by Anna Ouyang Moench about a father and daughter devoted to birdwatching. The production features Jaine Ye and Mark Hofmaier and is directed by Luke Hofmaier.
Video: THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON Cast Performs 'A Little Life'
by Michael Major - Sep 11, 2026
Andrew Durand and the company of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button perform 'A Little Life' in a rehearsal room video ahead of the musical's Public Theater run.
by Michael Major - Sep 11, 2026
Andrew Durand and the company of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button perform 'A Little Life' in a rehearsal room video ahead of the musical's Public Theater run.
BREAK to Make Long Island Premiere at LTV Studios
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 10, 2026
The psychological thriller BREAK, written by Lindsay Carpenter and directed by SB Tennent, will open at LTV Studios in East Hampton from Sept. 18–20. The production stars John Kroft, Josh Davis, Paloma Garcia, and Grace Porter.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 10, 2026
The psychological thriller BREAK, written by Lindsay Carpenter and directed by SB Tennent, will open at LTV Studios in East Hampton from Sept. 18–20. The production stars John Kroft, Josh Davis, Paloma Garcia, and Grace Porter.
BroadwayWorld Classifieds 9/10/2026; Jobs In Tech, Graphic Design, and More
by - Sep 10, 2026
This Week's New Classified Listings on BroadwayWorld for 9/10/2026 include new jobs for those looking to work in the theatre industry.
by - Sep 10, 2026
This Week's New Classified Listings on BroadwayWorld for 9/10/2026 include new jobs for those looking to work in the theatre industry.
HAMILTON to Offer Digital Ticket Lottery at BJCC Concert Hall
by Stephi Wild - Sep 10, 2026
A digital ticket lottery for HAMILTON at BJCC Concert Hall will offer a limited number of $10 tickets for each performance, with entries accepted through the official HAMILTON app.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 10, 2026
A digital ticket lottery for HAMILTON at BJCC Concert Hall will offer a limited number of $10 tickets for each performance, with entries accepted through the official HAMILTON app.
Housso Sémon to Make 54 Below Solo Debut with OUT OF THE BLUE
by Stephi Wild - Sep 10, 2026
Broadway performer Housso Sémon returns with a reimagined OUT OF THE BLUE at 54 Below, expanding her sold-out concert through original music, storytelling, and West African cultural influences.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 10, 2026
Broadway performer Housso Sémon returns with a reimagined OUT OF THE BLUE at 54 Below, expanding her sold-out concert through original music, storytelling, and West African cultural influences.
HAMILTON Extends West End Run at Victoria Palace Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Sep 10, 2026
The multi-award-winning West End production of HAMILTON will extend its booking at London's Victoria Palace Theatre. The production features a cast led by Stephenson Ardern-Sodje as Alexander Hamilton and Yeukayi Ushe as Aaron Burr.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 10, 2026
The multi-award-winning West End production of HAMILTON will extend its booking at London's Victoria Palace Theatre. The production features a cast led by Stephenson Ardern-Sodje as Alexander Hamilton and Yeukayi Ushe as Aaron Burr.
A NUMBER to Open at Ancram Center for the Arts
by Stephi Wild - Sep 10, 2026
Ancram Center for the Arts will present Caryl Churchill's acclaimed drama about cloning and identity, featuring Drew Ledbetter and John Wojda, directed by Jeffrey Mousseau.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 10, 2026
Ancram Center for the Arts will present Caryl Churchill's acclaimed drama about cloning and identity, featuring Drew Ledbetter and John Wojda, directed by Jeffrey Mousseau.
Hunter College MFA Playwriting Program Launches Workshop Season with Anne Washburn
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 9, 2026
Hunter College's MFA Playwriting Program will begin its 2026-27 season with free public workshops led by acclaimed playwright Anne Washburn, open to students, theatre makers, and anyone interested in dramatic writing.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 9, 2026
Hunter College's MFA Playwriting Program will begin its 2026-27 season with free public workshops led by acclaimed playwright Anne Washburn, open to students, theatre makers, and anyone interested in dramatic writing.
TRU to Present 'How To Write A Musical That Works Virtual Feedback Lab #2: Conflict And Obstacles'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 9, 2026
Theater Resources Unlimited will present the second part of its virtual feedback lab for musical theater writers and producers, focusing on songs that express conflict, character turnarounds, and plot complications.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 9, 2026
Theater Resources Unlimited will present the second part of its virtual feedback lab for musical theater writers and producers, focusing on songs that express conflict, character turnarounds, and plot complications.
Katie Brook to Become Quantum Theatre's New Artistic Director
by Stephi Wild - Sep 9, 2026
Pittsburgh's QUANTUM THEATRE named director, producer, and educator Katie Brook as its new Artistic Director, succeeding leadership in place for 36 years.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 9, 2026
Pittsburgh's QUANTUM THEATRE named director, producer, and educator Katie Brook as its new Artistic Director, succeeding leadership in place for 36 years.
5 LESBIANS EATING A QUICHE to Open at Pony World Theatre in Seattle
by Stephi Wild - Sep 9, 2026
Pony World Theatre will present 5 LESBIANS EATING A QUICHE at Studio @ 12th Avenue Arts in Seattle, directed by Kate Jaeger, the fall mainstage comedy set during a 1956 quiche breakfast.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 9, 2026
Pony World Theatre will present 5 LESBIANS EATING A QUICHE at Studio @ 12th Avenue Arts in Seattle, directed by Kate Jaeger, the fall mainstage comedy set during a 1956 quiche breakfast.
HOW SHAKESPEARE SAVED MY LIFE Extends at The Public
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 8, 2026
Red Bull Theater and The Public Theater will soon open the New York premiere of HOW SHAKESPEARE SAVED MY LIFE, Jacob Ming-Trent’s one-man show. The production has extended its ru.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 8, 2026
Red Bull Theater and The Public Theater will soon open the New York premiere of HOW SHAKESPEARE SAVED MY LIFE, Jacob Ming-Trent’s one-man show. The production has extended its ru.
Meet the Cast of SCHOOL GIRLS; OR, THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY, Now Playing on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Sep 8, 2026
School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play is now playing on Broadway from Manhattan Theatre Club. Meet the cast of the play, which is now in previews.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 8, 2026
School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play is now playing on Broadway from Manhattan Theatre Club. Meet the cast of the play, which is now in previews.
Video: Raúl Esparza Is 'Over the Moon' About His Broadway Return in GALILEO
by Sam Anctil - Sep 6, 2026
Raúl Esparza has spent plenty of time on stages and screens, but this summer brought him back to one of his favorite places: the Delacorte Theater. BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge caught up with Esparza backstage during his run as Leontes in The Public Theater's Free Shakespeare in the Park production of The Winter's Tale. For Esparza, returning to the newly renovated Delacorte was particularly meaningful. Watch in this video.
by Sam Anctil - Sep 6, 2026
Raúl Esparza has spent plenty of time on stages and screens, but this summer brought him back to one of his favorite places: the Delacorte Theater. BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge caught up with Esparza backstage during his run as Leontes in The Public Theater's Free Shakespeare in the Park production of The Winter's Tale. For Esparza, returning to the newly renovated Delacorte was particularly meaningful. Watch in this video.
Lin-Manuel Miranda and Gustavo Dudamel to Take Part in Public Forum Event at the Delacorte
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 3, 2026
Gustavo Dudamel and Lin-Manuel Miranda will come together at the Delacorte Theater for a free Public Forum Duet exploring music, life and New York City.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 3, 2026
Gustavo Dudamel and Lin-Manuel Miranda will come together at the Delacorte Theater for a free Public Forum Duet exploring music, life and New York City.
BroadwayWorld Classifieds 9/3/2026; Jobs In Audience Services, Ticketing, and More
by - Sep 3, 2026
This Week's New Classified Listings on BroadwayWorld for 9/3/2026 include new jobs for those looking to work in the theatre industry.
by - Sep 3, 2026
This Week's New Classified Listings on BroadwayWorld for 9/3/2026 include new jobs for those looking to work in the theatre industry.
Natasha Yvette Williams and Red Concepción Will Return to CHICAGO on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Sep 3, 2026
Chicago will welcome back Tony and Grammy winner Natasha Yvette Williams in the role of 'Matron Mama Morton' and Red Concepción in the role of 'Amos Hart.'
by Stephi Wild - Sep 3, 2026
Chicago will welcome back Tony and Grammy winner Natasha Yvette Williams in the role of 'Matron Mama Morton' and Red Concepción in the role of 'Amos Hart.'
ROCK OF AGES Will Come to Bucks County Playhouse This Fall
by Stephi Wild - Sep 3, 2026
The Tony-nominated jukebox musical featuring hits from Journey, Bon Jovi and Twisted Sister will play the New Hope theatre, with Maggie Gidden and Noah Mutterperl leading the cast.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 3, 2026
The Tony-nominated jukebox musical featuring hits from Journey, Bon Jovi and Twisted Sister will play the New Hope theatre, with Maggie Gidden and Noah Mutterperl leading the cast.
Public Theater Frequently Asked Questions
- What show is currently in Public Theater?
- Public Theater's current show is Goddess 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 04/02/2013 to 07/28/2013, Gatz which ran from 03/14/2012 to 05/13/2012, for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf which ran from 10/22/2019 to 12/15/2019, and Eclipsed which ran from 10/14/2015 to 11/29/2015
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