The Public Theater

Mission Statement

Founded by Joseph Papp in 1954 as the Shakespeare Workshop and now one of the nation's preeminent cultural institutions, The Public Theater is a theater where all the country's voices, rhythms, and cultures receive coverage. Under the leadership of Producer George C. Wolfe, The Public is a true American theater, embracing the complexities of contemporary society and nurturing both artists and audiences through its commitment to the idea that The Public should be a place of inclusion and a forum for ideas.