Shakespeare tickets: How to get free tickets to the Delacorte

Shakespeare in the Park Photograph: Joseph Moran

This summer, the Public Theater is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. This year’s productions are As You Like It, directed by Daniel Sullivan and starring Lily Rabe as Rosalind, and the 1987 Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine musical Into the Woods. As has been the case since Shakespeare in the Park began in 1962, the Public distributes free tickets, but only the most perseverant will be able to secure seats.

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How to get Shakespeare tickets from the Delacorte
Tickets are distributed in front on the Delacorte on a first-come, first-served basis at 1pm on the day of the show, so you’ll have to wait in line—likely for a long time—if you want to get in.

The park doesn’t open until 6am, but although the Public doesn’t condone it, it is legal to camp out before then by the park entrance at Central Park West and 81st Street. A line monitor from the Public will escort any early birds in when the park opens. We recommend this option only for the extremely desperate; otherwise, arrive no later than 10am to give yourself a chance at tickets, though it would be wise to get there much earlier if you can manage to drag yourself out of bed.

In order to endure the hours-long wait, you’ll need a chair or a blanket, something—a book, an iPod—to occupy yourself and breakfast (bring food, or if you prefer, Michael Psilakis and Donatella Arpaia's Kefi will deliver its excellent Greek fare to the Delacorte). Also make sure to bring an umbrella in case it rains, but don’t worry, shows are very rarely rained out. Consider braving drizzle and choose a wet day to wait on line; there will probably be less of a turnout, which will increase your chances of nabbing a ticket.

Tickets are limited to two per person, and the number of available tickets varies from day to day. There’s no cutting, saving spots or leaving the line for any extended length of time. Patrolling Public Theater staff will ask you to give up your spot in line if you breach any of these rules.

How to get Shakespeare tickets in the outer boroughs
There are alternative ways of securing tickets if you’d prefer to avoid this (totally worth it) ordeal. Vouchers are made available in each of the five boroughs on specific days between 1pm and 3pm, which can then be exchanged for tickets at the Delacorte between 4pm and 7:30pm. The giveaways in the Bronx, Staten Island and Queens have already taken place, but you can grab vouchers on June 13 at the Harlem Stage Gatehouse and on June 20 at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum.

How to get Shakespeare tickets via the online lottery
You can also apply for tickets in a daily online raffle. Create an account at shakespeareinthepark.org and enter your name in the lottery between midnight and 1pm on the day of the show; then check back after 1pm to see if your name was selected.

How to pony up for Shakespeare tickets
Or you can turn your back on fickle Lady Luck and purchase a Summer Supporter Ticket. A tax-deductable donation of $175 to the Public will net you one reserved seat for either play (although only a limited number of these tickets are available).

As You Like It through June 30; Into the Woods July 23–Aug 25. 8pm; free.

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