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Julius Caesar - Free Summer Shakespeare in the Parks — NY Classical Theatre

Rome to Right Now Thursdays
w/ Civics is Sexy

June 4, 11, 18 in Central Park
June 25 in Carl Schurz Park
July 2 in The Battery

Every Thursday during the run, join Civics is Sexy for a lively pre-show civic conversation in the park before the show. Join us for voter registration, interactive activities, and a short discussion exploring the play’s themes—power, persuasion, crowd psychology, and democratic fragility—before the performance begins.

6:15pm: Voter registration & info booth open
6:45pm: Civic Primer Conversation
7:00pm: The Tragedy of Julius Caesar

FREE RESERVATIONS


In The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Shakespeare explores the fragile line between loyalty and ambition, patriotism and betrayal. When a group of senators moves to stop a powerful leader they fear may become a tyrant, their decision unleashes consequences far beyond what they imagined. What begins as an act meant to save a republic instead fractures alliances, ignites public fury, and sends a nation spiraling toward chaos. A gripping examination of power, persuasion, and responsibility, Julius Caesar remains a play for now.

Totally free.
Reservations encouraged, not required.

Reserve for weather updates & reminders—walk-ups always welcome!

PERFORMANCES
Tuesday–Sunday at 7:00pm

  • When: All performances start at 7:00pm (No Shows on Mondays)
    Where: Enter at Central Park West & West 103rd Street

    Click here for reservations!

  • When: All performances start at 7:00pm
    Where: Enter at East 87th St. & East End Avenue

    Click here for reservations!

  • When: All shows start at 7:00pm (No show on July 4)
    Where: Meet in front of Castle Clinton - Enter at Broadway x State Street (across from Bowling Green).

    Click here for reservations!


SPECIAL EVENTS

  • Ever wonder how a Shakespeare play comes to life?

    Join us for Open Rehearsals in Central Park, held Saturday–Thursday from 10:00am to 3:30pm, May 5–27. Drop by for a behind-the-scenes look at how scenes are staged, lines are shaped, and characters come to life. Rehearsals take place near the lake by the entrance at Central Park West and West 103rd Street. No tickets or RSVP required—just come as you are and stay as long as you like.

  • Every Thursday during the run, join Civics is Sexy for a lively pre-show civic conversation in the park before the show. Join us for voter registration, interactive activities, and a short discussion exploring the play’s themes—power, persuasion, crowd psychology, and democratic fragility—before the performance begins.

    “Rome to Right Now” Thursdays:
    June 4, 11, 18 | Central Park
    June 25 | Carl Schurz Park
    July 2 | The Battery

    Voter registration & info booth open at 6:15pm
    Civic Primer Conversation at 6:45pm
    Performance at 7:00pm

  • New York Classical Theatre is offering daytime matinee performances of our summer shows to make our productions more accessible to students (best suited for grades 6 and above), seniors, and community groups.

    Summer 2026 Schedule
    Central Park (Enter at W. 103rd St & Central Park West):
    Wed, May 20 | 11-12:30pm : Student Behind-the-Scene Rehearsal
    Fri, June 5 | 11-1pm: Student Matinee of The Tragedy of Julius Ceasar
    Thu, June 11 | 11-1pm: Student Matinee of The Tragedy of Julius Ceasar

    Carl Schurz Park:
    Thu, June 25 | 11-1pm: Senior Matinee of The Tragedy of Julius Ceasar
    (Please note that registration for our senior matinee will be live in early May.)

    Click here to reserve for your group

  • Join us for a magical night of Shakespeare designed for kids and grown-ups alike! Come at 6:30pm to make your own crown with Playday to help you feel like a Roman while watching this historical masterpiece come to life!

    Sat, June 6 & Wed, June 17 | Central Park
    Wed, June 24 | Carl Schurz Park
    Wed, July 1 | The Battery (outside Castle Clinton)

    Arts & Crafts begin at 6:30pm
    Pe
    rformance begins at 7:00pm

  • A one-of-a-kind NYC night out for you and your pup. Join us for the city’s only chance to enjoy live Shakespeare with your dog by your side, strike a pose for the cameras in matching Elizabethan ruff collars, pick up a treat bag for the first 30 dogs to arrive, and enter to win prizes from Zoomies.

    Wed, June 3 & Sat, June 13 | Central Park

    Photo booth opens at 6:30pm
    Performance at 7:00pm

  • Join us for a bold night of Shakespeare, Pride, and Roman-inspired revelry! Come early for pre-show kiki, stay for the performance of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, and keep the celebration going after the show with a Julius Caesar-inspired drag performance at City Coffee & Bar.

    Thu, June 18 | Central Park

    Pre-Show Kiki w/ Swag begins at 6:30pm
    Performance begins at 7:00pm
    Drag show begins at 9:30pm at City Coffee & Bar

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