The Tragedy of Julius Caesar
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Stephen Burdman
June 2–July 5, 2026 | FREE FOR ALL!
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. A gripping examination of power, persuasion, and responsibility, Julius Caesar remains a play for now.
Experience The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, directed by Stephen Burdman, in New York Classical Theatre’s immersive Panoramic Theatre style, where the audience follows the action from scene to scene through the park. Bring a blanket, a picnic, even your pup—and experience Shakespeare coming to life all around you under the open sky.
Totally free. Reservations encouraged, not required.
Reserve for weather updates & reminders—walk-ups always welcome!
PERFORMANCES (Free & Open to All)
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 -
“Take-a-Seat” week, where the audience stays in one fixed location
When: All performances start at 7:00pm
Where: Enter at East 87th St. & East End Avenue -
When: June 30–3 at 7PM
(No show on July 4)
July 5 at 6PM - please note earlier start time
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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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, young families, 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 Julius Caesar
Thu, June 11 | 11-1pm: Student Matinee Julius Caesar
LEARN MORE
Thu, June 25 | 11-1pm: AARP Senior Matinee of Julius Caesar
RSVP Here -
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 -
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 -
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
6:30pm: Pre-Show Kiki w/ Swag
7:00pm: The Tragedy of Julius Caesar
9:30pm: Slay, Caesar! Drag show begins at City Coffee & Bar -
Join AARP New York at The Tragedy of Julius Caesar on June 16th and celebrate lifelong learning, civic engagement, and the power of gathering together through live theatre. Join us before the performance to connect with representatives from AARP, who will be onsite sharing educational resources, community information, and promotional materials ahead of the show.
Rain date: June 20th
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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 and gift from Dooloop for the first 20 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
Learn More
Rome to Right Now: Announcing Civics Programming Around Julius Caesar
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, New York Classical Theatre is pairing its 2026 production of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar with a season of civics programming exploring questions about power, persuasion, and democracy. In partnership with Civics is Sexy, this initiative will invite audiences to reflect on the play’s themes through student programs, public conversations, family events, and open rehearsals in Central Park—creating space to explore how rhetoric, leadership, and political violence have shaped republics from ancient Rome to the present day.
