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The 2026 Public Theater Annual Gala

Monday, June 8, 2026
6:00 PM Cocktail Reception
7:00 PM Dinner and Performances
Location On the lawn outside The Delacorte Theater

Raise your glass with us as we celebrate our honorees and kick off another Shakespeare for the City season and Free Shakespeare in the Park with cocktails, dinner, and very special performances. Your support of this event ensures that Public Theater programming can remain free. For all. Forever.

Seating at the dinner will be determined based on giving level. For questions or to make a reservation, contact [email protected] or purchase tickets directly below.

The silent auction is now open for bidding through Friday, June 12 at 12PM ET! Explore the exclusive packages and experiences available.

FEATURING SHOSHANA BEAN

Powerhouse Grammy Award winner and three-time Tony nominee SHOSHANA BEAN (Hell's Kitchen, Mr. Saturday Night, The Lost Boys) will headline the evening. Experience the magic of dinner and performances under the stars in Central Park.

CO-CHAIRS: 

Kurt Chauviere, Lisa E. Davis, Kim Y. Lew, and Janice Cook Roberts

BENEFIT COMMITTEE:

Ron Chernow, Courtney Lee-Mitchell, The Nora Ephron & Nicholas Pileggi Foundation, Bud Shulman & Amy Newman, Jane Silver, Claudia Wagner, and Tim & Shauna Wilkins

HONOREES:

Peggy Cooper Davis & Gordon J. Davis* and Benay & Steven Taub*, for their long-time commitment to The Public Theater Board of Trustees.

JetBlue Airways, for their extraordinary impact on The Public and the City of New York.

A&O Shearman, for a decade of unwavering support of The Public’s values and Free Shakespeare in the Park.

*Denotes this honoree is a member of The Public Theater Board of Trustees

Please note, the Rain Date for the Annual Gala will be June 9.

All proceeds from the Annual Gala help The Public create free theater for New York City, produce groundbreaking new works by artists who dare to tell their unique stories, and strengthen our vibrant community partnerships. Please note that donor-advised funds (DAF) cannot be used as payment — either partially or wholly — for any Gala tickets, tables, or auction items that confer goods and/or benefits with substantial value. However, you may still support our event through a DAF by making a fully deductible contribution.

Make a donation

Make a fully tax-deductable gift

A gift of any amount will further the mission of The Public and support artists at all stages of their career.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

How would you like to be acknowledged?

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*Purchases at the Delacorte ticket level or above made before Wednesday, May 20 may be acknowledged in print.

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