‘The New York Shakespeare Festival, NYC’s Summer Tradition’ Webinar

Alphabet City, Manhattan, 1953. Theatrical producer Joseph Papp meets with Reverend Boyer to try and convince him of letting his Shakespeare troupe perform in the reverend’s small, church basement — nobody could predict what would happen next. This is the incredible true story of how an ambitious and determined theatrical producer elevated his unknown performance group into one of New York City’s most cherished.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore the dramatic story behind the New York Shakespeare Festival, which grew from a small band of performers in a pre off-Broadway era Lower East Side to an annual mainstay in Central Park, which has become one of New York’s proudest summer traditions.

Led by licensed NYC tour guide Kyle Sallee, our digital showcase of this beloved New York tradition will include:

  • The origin story of the New York Shakespeare Festival and founder Joe Papp, including how a single New York Times review catapulted the production from niche to mainstream
  • The history of Delacorte Theatre, and how on earth Papp was able to earn the respect of then Parks Commissioner Robert Moses to remain a free and permanent arts home in Manhattan’s iconic Central Park
  • Highlights of the festival’s production over the past 45 years, from the legendary actors who’ve taken center stage, to how it’s responding to the 2020 pandemic

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Kyle — any and all questions about the New York Shakespeare Festival are welcomed and encouraged!

Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually! $10.











When: Wed., Oct. 7, 2020 at 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Alphabet City, Manhattan, 1953. Theatrical producer Joseph Papp meets with Reverend Boyer to try and convince him of letting his Shakespeare troupe perform in the reverend’s small, church basement — nobody could predict what would happen next. This is the incredible true story of how an ambitious and determined theatrical producer elevated his unknown performance group into one of New York City’s most cherished.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore the dramatic story behind the New York Shakespeare Festival, which grew from a small band of performers in a pre off-Broadway era Lower East Side to an annual mainstay in Central Park, which has become one of New York’s proudest summer traditions.

Led by licensed NYC tour guide Kyle Sallee, our digital showcase of this beloved New York tradition will include:

  • The origin story of the New York Shakespeare Festival and founder Joe Papp, including how a single New York Times review catapulted the production from niche to mainstream
  • The history of Delacorte Theatre, and how on earth Papp was able to earn the respect of then Parks Commissioner Robert Moses to remain a free and permanent arts home in Manhattan’s iconic Central Park
  • Highlights of the festival’s production over the past 45 years, from the legendary actors who’ve taken center stage, to how it’s responding to the 2020 pandemic

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Kyle — any and all questions about the New York Shakespeare Festival are welcomed and encouraged!

Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually! $10.

Buy tickets/get more info now