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Public Theater

Website http://www.publictheater.org
Info: Special open captioning performances will take place for all Shakespeare in the Park productions.
Please visit the Shakespeare in the Park section of our website, dates and details will be posted when available.
For information about any accessibility issues, please call 212.260.2400.

Address

425 Lafayette St
New York, NY 10003

View on map
Public Theater

Public Transportation

Subway Icon

By Subway:

6 to Astor Place; R/W to 8th St/NYU

Accessibility:

Box Office

Box Office

Lobby. Counter 42".

Parking

Parking

Valet parking garage: 403 Lafayette St. Lot: Lafayette St. & Astor Place.

Curb Ramps

Curb Ramps

Outside main entrance.

Passenger Loading Zone

Passenger Loading Zone

Front.

Restroom

Restroom

Unisex: Main floor. Door 35.5". Clear space 61"x 54". Commode 18". Grab bars.

Directions Subway

Directions Subway

6 to Astor Place; R/W to 8th St/NYU

Seating

Seating

Newman Theater seats 299
Anspacher Theater seats 275
LuEsther Hall seats 156
Martinson Hall seats 165
Susan Stein Shiva Theater seats 104.

Elevator\Escalator

Elevator\Escalator

Elevator: Attended. Accesses all floors.

Telephone

Telephone

Main floor. Coin slot 55". Cord 30".

Entrance

Entrance

Six steps or machine lift to main floor lobby. Entrance marked by large signs. Assistance available.

Visual Assistance

Visual Assistance

None.

Water Fountain

Water Fountain

Main floor. Spout 36".

Assisted Listening System

Assisted Listening System

Assistive Listening Systems that transmit sound via headsets are available.

Wheelchair Info

Wheelchair Info

Access for wheelchair users and individuals with limited mobility is available. Box office needs advance notice so that seats can be removed.

Theater Description:

The Public Theater is a New York City arts organization founded as The Shakespeare Workshop in 1954 by Joseph Papp, with the intention of showcasing the works of up-and-coming playwrights and performers. It is headquartered at 425 Lafayette Street in the formerAstor Library in the East Village section of Lower Manhattan. The venue opened in 1967, mounting the world-premiere production of the musical HAIR as its first show. It is led by Artistic Director Oskar Eustis and Executive Director Patrick Willingham.[1]The Public is dedicated to embracing the complexities of contemporary society and nurturing both artists and audiences, as it continues Joseph Papp's legacy of creating a place of inclusion and a forum for ideas.[2]In addition to five theater venues – the Shiva, the Martinson, the LuEsther Hall, the Anspacher and the Newman – the site is home to Joe's Pub, a cabaret-style setting 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. New York natives and visitors alike have been enjoying free Shakespeare in Central Park since performances began in 1954.[3] Notable productions in recent years include: The Merchant of Venice in 2010, featuring Al Pacino as Shylock; Twelfth Night in 2009, with Anne Hathaway; the 40th anniversary production of Hair in 2008; and Mother Courage And Her Children, with Meryl Streep and Kevin Kline.