The Public Theater

Founded in 1957 by Joseph Papp as the Shakespeare Workshop, The Public Theater is now one of the premier Off-Broadway homes for major new works. The theatre company's first show was the world premiere of Hair, and dozens of its productions have since found wide success on Broadway and beyond, including Hamilton, Girl From the North Country, Fun Home, Here Lies Love, and many more.

The Public's home venue, the former Astor Library on Lafayette Street, includes five theatres and a cabaret-style lounge, Joe's Pub. Keeping with its original namesake, the Public also puts on free performances of Shakespeare plays in all five boroughs in the city through the Mobile Unit program, and at the Delacorte Theater each summer with the Shakespeare in the Park program. Additionally, shows in the theatre's Public Works program cast local community members — so you never know, you might see a friend or neighbor on stage!

Lots of major celebrity talent regularly graces the Public's stages, too, and the small, intimate nature of its venues means you get to see their talent up close and personal. This includes famous actors who perform in the Public's plays and renowned musicians who star in musicals and play cabaret concerts at Joe's Pub. There's no other venue like it.

Check out all the current and upcoming theatre happening at the Public, and get tickets to see a show at the historic, iconic venue.