NYC Arts: The Complete Guide to Art and Culture

The New York Shakespeare Festival, now known as the Public Theater, was founded in 1954 by legendary producer Joseph Papp in a church basement on the Lower East Side. Today, the Public Theater's activities include productions at the Joseph Papp Public Theater, free Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theater, live music and solo performers in Joe's Pub and intermittent Broadway productions, tours and television and film projects.

The Public's productions have won numerous Tony Awards, Obies, Drama Desk Awards and Pulitzer Prizes and many of its shows have gone on to Broadway, most notably the long-running A Chorus Line. Although the Public currently does not offer programs specifically designed for families or school groups, several shows each season appeal to families and children.

The theater building—a historical landmark and former site of the Astor Library (now part of the New York Public Library)—was saved from the wrecker's ball by Papp, who transformed it the present six theater venue.

Over the years it has been the site of some of the best original drama and comedy in the city. Original productions include Hair, The Normal Heart and That Championship Season, among many others, many of which went on to Broadway and successful national tours. 

• Directions: Subway: 6 to Astor Place

• Disability Access: Fully accessible; access for individuals with limited mobility, including wheelchair users, is available. For information about wheelchair seating, call (212)539-8659.
• Disability Assistance:

  Hearing: Assistive listening systems that transmit sound via headsets are available. Sign language interpretation is available.

Get involved with Public Theater

• Donations through NYCharities.org
• Donations through Public Theater's Web site
• Memberships
• Subscriptions