Shakespeare in the Park: Outdoor theater around NYC this summer

Shakespeare in the Park in Central Park is a New York tradition—as is open-air Shakespeare throughout the city.

By Time Out editors Tue Jun 5 2012

Shakespeare in the Park celebrates its 50th anniversary this year with another season of the Bard's greats performed in open air at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. Created by the late Joseph Papp and presented by the Public, Shakespeare in the Park has endured not just because it's a night of free theater in New York's backyard, but because it's a night of great performances by some of the most talented actors of our day, including Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, Al Pacino, Oliver Platt, Blythe Danner, Philip Seymour Hoffman, George C. Scott and Denzel Washington.

So loved is Shakespeare in the Park that it has spawned several other companies around the city to mount their own Shakespeare events alfresco, where you'll find performances everywhere from parking lots to community gardens and, of course, other parks. For any theater lover in New York, Shakespeare outdoors is indeed a midsummer night's dream.

Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte

Shakespeare tickets: How to get free tickets to the Delacorte

Free

Getting your hands on free tickets for Shakespeare in the Park is no mean feat; follow our tips to increase your chances of bagging Shakespeare tickets.