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

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar
by William Shakespeare

Directed by Stephen Burdman
Performances begin June 2, 2026

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, The Tragedy of Julius Caesar remains a play for now.

Step into the world of Julius Caesar and discover why it speaks so strongly to our moment. Check back regularly for casting, new educational resources, special events, partnerships, and opportunities to engage.

Reservations Open Monday, April 13

PERFORMANCES (Free & Open to All)

Tuesday–Sunday at 7:00pm

  • All performances start at 7:00pm
    (No Shows on Mondays)

    Enter at Central Park West & West 103rd Street

  • All performances start at 7:00pm

    Enter at East 87th St. & East End Avenue

  • All shows start at 7:00pm
    (No show on July 4)

    Meet in front of Castle Clinton - Enter at Broadway x State Street (across from Bowling Green).

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 4–27. 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

    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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What to Expect
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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.

Learn more

Sponsorship and Partnership Opportunities

New York Classical is proud to collaborate with like-minded businesses and community organizations. If you're interested in supporting accessible theatre, reach out to us at development@nyclassical.org to learn more.