LEAVE A LEGACY
The Public Theater’s legacy of revolutionary and inclusionary art is only possible thanks to the generosity of community members like you.
Planned Giving
Including The Public Theater in your will or revocable living trust is a powerful way to support free expression and inclusionary art for generations to come.
We are pleased to offer FreeWill to help you begin your legacy in just 20 minutes online.
Our legal name is the “New York Shakespeare Festival”; we are d/b/a The Public Theater, our legal address is 425 Lafayette Street, New York, NY 10003, and our EIN is 13-1844852.
Beneficiary Designations
Did you know you may have additional assets not covered in your will or trust? If you have an IRA, 401(k), 403 (b), life insurance policy, donor-advised fund, or any additional accounts, these are called “non-probate assets,” and they need to be planned for separately.
Using the free online tool below, you can log your assets, receive printable instructions on how to set each one up with your broker, and even include The Public Theater to support groundbreaking theater for decades to come.
The Legacy Circle
If you have already chosen to carry on your love for civic-minded, dynamic theater through a gift in your will, trust, or estate plan for The Public, thank you!
Please fill out this form or contact us at plannedgiving@publictheater.org so we can thank you for your lasting commitment and ensure our records are up-to-date!
When you support The Public through a planned gift, you are invited to join the Legacy Circle, our honorary membership group that recognizes the generosity individuals committed to safeguarding the uplifting community engagement initiatives, exquisite artistic productions, and vital civic activities that form the core of The Public’s mission and values.
Public Theater Legacy Circle members are invited to special events in gratitude for their commitment. There is no minimum gift to become a member of the Legacy Circle; simply inform us that you have:
- Named The Public as a beneficiary in your will, living trust or estate plan.
- Named The Public as a beneficiary of your retirement plan, donor-advised fund, other financial accounts, or an insurance policy.
As a member of the Legacy Circle, you will receive:
- An invitation to the Annual Breakfast with Public Theater Executive Leadership and other exclusive events.
- Listing online and in the Playbill
Contact Information
To discuss planned giving options or receive additional information, please contact plannedgiving@publictheater.org or 212.967.7555.
THE PUBLIC IS...
Your Theater
More than just stages and seats, The Public is a platform for democracy. A gathering place. A celebration of what a public space can be when it’s shaped by the values we all share: community, inclusion, and joy.
We are your theater — ready to inspire a new generation.
Shakespeare for the City
Free Shakespeare in the Park, Mobile Unit, and Public Works are the purest demonstrations of The Public’s belief that culture belongs to everyone.
From producing Shakespeare under the stars at The Delacorte Theater in Central Park, to staging free, high-quality performances where our communities live, to creating theater that blurs the boundaries between professional artists and community members — Shakespeare’s work belongs to every New Yorker across all five boroughs. Free. For all. Forever.
Where Artists Thrive
From the first spark of an idea to a fully staged performance, we support writers, directors, musicians, and multi-disciplinary artists at every stage of their professional development.
Our commitment to offer a robust slate of residencies and artist development programs like the Emerging Writers Group, Joe's Pub Vanguard Residency, and Directing Fellowship ensures that artists reach their full, creative potential.
A Future Gift for The Public's Future
A gift of any size can make a huge impact—ensuring unique, electrifying productions at Astor Place and through FREE SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK, MOBILE UNIT, and PUBLIC WORKS can continue to delight and inspire audiences for generations to come.
Start your estate plan with FreeWill
