The Public Theater

The Public Theater is an arts organization based in Manhattan, New York City. Founded by Joseph Papp, the Public Theater was originally the Shakespeare Workshop in 1954; its mission was to support emerging playwrights and performers. Its first production was the musical Hair in 1967. Since Papp, the theater has been led by JoAnne Akalaitis (1991–93), and George C. Wolfe (1993–2004), and is currently under Artistic Director Oskar Eustis and Executive Director Patrick Willingham.