The Public Theater
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The Public Theater is an arts organization based in Manhattan, New York City. Founded by Joseph Papp, the Public Theater was originally the Shakespeare Workshop in 1954; its mission was to support eme
The Astor Library Building, where the Public Theater is headquartered
The Public Theater logo
Members of the Mobile Unit get in some last-minute rehearsal before an outdoor performance of Shakespeare's As You Like It at Astor Place (2026).
The Astor Library Building in the latter half of the 19th century
Joseph Papp
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Joseph Papp was an American theatrical producer and director. Papp is a pioneering figure in American theater, known for creating Shakespeare in the Park, which aimed to make classical theater accessi
The Public Theater
…The Public Theater is an arts organization based in Manhattan, New York City. Founded by Joseph Papp, the Public Theater was originally the Shakespeare Workshop in 1954; its mission was to support emerging playwrights and performers. Its first production…
Papp in 1982
Brooklyn, New York
The Public Theater, housed in the Astor Library Building
Charles Gordone, the first African American to win the Pulitzer Prize.