Free Shakespeare for the whole fam!
Playday arts & crafts begin at 6:15 p.m.
Julius Caesar begins at 7:00 p.m.
Join us for a magical night of Shakespeare designed for kids and grown-ups alike! Come at 6:15pm to make your own crown with Playday to help you feel like a Roman while watching this historical masterpiece come to life!
Coloring book programs help kiddos of all ages follow The Tragedy of Julius Caesar as it plays out in front of their eyes - sword fights included!
Sat, June 6 & Wed, June 17* in Central Park
Wed, June 24 in Carl Schurz Park
Wed, July 1 in The Battery (outside Castle Clinton)
*June 17 features stilt walkers from Circus Academy New York!
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
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When: All performances start at 7:00pm (No Shows on Mondays)
Where: Enter at Central Park West & West 103rd Street -
When: All performances start at 7:00pm
Where: Enter at East 87th St. & East End Avenue -
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).
SPECIAL EVENTS
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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.
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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 BatteryVoter 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.) -
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
Performance 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
