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
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld January 22, 2026- DOG DAY AFTERNOON Sets Full Broadway Cast and More
by - Jan 22, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is January 22, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Jan 22, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is January 22, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Photos: Elevator Repair Service's ULYSSES in Performance at The Public
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 21, 2026
You can now get a first look at the Public Theater and Elevator Repair Service’s Ulysses, presented in partnership with Under the Radar festival. Check out photos here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 21, 2026
You can now get a first look at the Public Theater and Elevator Repair Service’s Ulysses, presented in partnership with Under the Radar festival. Check out photos here!
Alison Pill, Ngozi Anyanwu and More to be Featured in LAB: STRIPPED Series
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 21, 2026
59E59 Theaters and Co-Op Resident Company LAByrinth Theater Company will present the return of LAB: STRIPPED, LAByrinth's annual new play development series, now in its third season at 59E59 Theaters.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 21, 2026
59E59 Theaters and Co-Op Resident Company LAByrinth Theater Company will present the return of LAB: STRIPPED, LAByrinth's annual new play development series, now in its third season at 59E59 Theaters.
Erik Schroeder Named General Manager of The Public Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 21, 2026
Erik Schroeder has taken on the role of General Manager of The Public Theater. Most recently Erik served as Managing Director of The Acting Company for four seasons.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 21, 2026
Erik Schroeder has taken on the role of General Manager of The Public Theater. Most recently Erik served as Managing Director of The Acting Company for four seasons.
Mary Schmidt Campbell Joins The Board Of Directors Of The Classical Theatre Of Harlem
by Stephi Wild - Jan 21, 2026
Mary Schmidt Campbell joins the board of The Classical Theatre of Harlem, enhancing its leadership with her extensive academic and arts expertise. Learn more here!
by Stephi Wild - Jan 21, 2026
Mary Schmidt Campbell joins the board of The Classical Theatre of Harlem, enhancing its leadership with her extensive academic and arts expertise. Learn more here!
Industry Pro Newsletter: New Leaders, New Visions: Park Avenue Armory, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, and Beyond
by Alex Freeman - Jan 20, 2026
This week’s newsletter brings together stories of concrete action and forward momentum in theatre and dance. Highlights include Michael Sheen’s launch of a new national theatre for Wales and his starring role in its first production, New York State’s plan to preserve performing arts spaces, and major leadership appointments at Park Avenue Armory and The Public Theater. We also cover recognition for musical theatre creators Will Aronson and Hue Park, the launch of BroadwayWorld’s 2025 Stage Recording Awards, and the Next On Stage Season 6 finale. Rounding out the issue is a look at Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s relaunch and search for new leadership, underscoring themes of rebuilding, investment, and artistic ambition.
by Alex Freeman - Jan 20, 2026
This week’s newsletter brings together stories of concrete action and forward momentum in theatre and dance. Highlights include Michael Sheen’s launch of a new national theatre for Wales and his starring role in its first production, New York State’s plan to preserve performing arts spaces, and major leadership appointments at Park Avenue Armory and The Public Theater. We also cover recognition for musical theatre creators Will Aronson and Hue Park, the launch of BroadwayWorld’s 2025 Stage Recording Awards, and the Next On Stage Season 6 finale. Rounding out the issue is a look at Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s relaunch and search for new leadership, underscoring themes of rebuilding, investment, and artistic ambition.
DREAM FEED Performances Extended at HERE Arts Center
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 15, 2026
HERE Arts Center will present additional performances for their World Premiere of Dream Feed, a new electro-acoustic vocal work created by The HawtPlates.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 15, 2026
HERE Arts Center will present additional performances for their World Premiere of Dream Feed, a new electro-acoustic vocal work created by The HawtPlates.
Marinda Anderson, Dan Domingues and More to Star in PUBLIC CHARGE at The Public
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 15, 2026
The Public Theater has revealed the complete cast for the world premiere of Public Charge, a bracing new play based on true events written by former United States Ambassador Julissa Reynoso and award-winning playwright Michael J. Chepiga.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 15, 2026
The Public Theater has revealed the complete cast for the world premiere of Public Charge, a bracing new play based on true events written by former United States Ambassador Julissa Reynoso and award-winning playwright Michael J. Chepiga.
Winners Announced For The 2025 BroadwayWorld Seattle Awards
by BWW Awards - Jan 14, 2026
Winners have been announced for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Seattle Awards! The 2025 Regional Awards honor regional productions, touring shows, and more which had their first performance between October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025.
by BWW Awards - Jan 14, 2026
Winners have been announced for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Seattle Awards! The 2025 Regional Awards honor regional productions, touring shows, and more which had their first performance between October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025.
HAMILTON Returns To TPAC This June
by Stephi Wild - Jan 14, 2026
HAMILTON is a part of the 2025-26 HCA Healthcare/TriStar Health Broadway at TPAC Season, Presented in Partnership with Nissan and Farm Bureau Health Plans. Learn more here!
by Stephi Wild - Jan 14, 2026
HAMILTON is a part of the 2025-26 HCA Healthcare/TriStar Health Broadway at TPAC Season, Presented in Partnership with Nissan and Farm Bureau Health Plans. Learn more here!
The Public Theater Renames Theater in Honor of Dr. Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 13, 2026
The Public Theater has revealed that the Anspacher Theater, one of five theaters located at its flagship on Astor Place, will be renamed the Barbaralee Theater in recognition of generous support from the Diamonstein-Spielvogel Foundation.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 13, 2026
The Public Theater has revealed that the Anspacher Theater, one of five theaters located at its flagship on Astor Place, will be renamed the Barbaralee Theater in recognition of generous support from the Diamonstein-Spielvogel Foundation.
Colman Domingo and More to be Honored at New York Theatre Workshop 2026 Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 13, 2026
New York Theatre Workshop's 2026 Gala will honor Academy Award nominee Colman Domingo, Tony Award-winning producer Mara Isaacs, and NAACP Image Award nominee Nicole Ari Parker.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 13, 2026
New York Theatre Workshop's 2026 Gala will honor Academy Award nominee Colman Domingo, Tony Award-winning producer Mara Isaacs, and NAACP Image Award nominee Nicole Ari Parker.
Elevator Repair Service's ULYSSES Extends for Two Weeks at The Public
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 13, 2026
The Public Theater and Elevator Repair Service will begin previews for the New York City premiere of Ulysses directed by John Collins, with co-direction and dramaturgy by Scott Shepherd. The production has been extended Off-Broadway.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 13, 2026
The Public Theater and Elevator Repair Service will begin previews for the New York City premiere of Ulysses directed by John Collins, with co-direction and dramaturgy by Scott Shepherd. The production has been extended Off-Broadway.
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
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