How To Get Shakespeare In The Park Tickets
Shakespeare Under the Stars: Your Guide to Getting Tickets for the Park So, you've decided to trade in your Netflix subscription for a night under the stars, surrounded by th...
Shakespeare Under the Stars: Your Guide to Getting Tickets for the Park
So, you've decided to trade in your Netflix subscription for a night under the stars, surrounded by the Bard's words. Great choice! Shakespeare in the Park, produced by The Public Theater, is a New York City summer staple, and it's not just for theater buffs. It's a chance to enjoy world-class performances in a casual, picnic-friendly setting. Here's how to make it happen.
Mark Your Calendar
First things first, know the dates. The festival typically runs from May to June, with performances Tuesday through Sunday. This year, they're presenting Much Ado About Nothing and Coriolanus. Check the website for the full schedule.
Pro tip: The shows are free, but you'll need a ticket to enter. And yes, even though it's free, it's still competitive. So, plan ahead.
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Online Lottery: Your Best Bet
The online lottery is your best shot at scoring tickets. It's open daily from 12:01 AM to 12:00 PM (noon) EST. Here's how it works:
- Visit The Public Theater's website.
- Click on "Lottery" in the menu.
- Enter your information and cross your fingers.
Winners are notified via email around 12:30 PM. You can also check the website or sign up for text alerts. Each winner gets two tickets.
Fun fact: The lottery was introduced in 2012 to make tickets more accessible. It's worked so well that it's now the primary way to get tickets.
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In-Person Lottery: For the Spontaneous
If you're more of a spur-of-the-moment person, there's an in-person lottery at the Delacorte Theater on performance days. It opens at 5:00 PM, and entries close at 7:30 PM. Winners are drawn at 7:45 PM.
Pro tip: The in-person lottery is less crowded than the online one, but it's still competitive. Get there early to secure your spot.
Standby Line: For the Patient
If you miss the lottery, don't despair. There's always the standby line. It forms at the Delacorte Theater two hours before showtime. Tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, starting at 5:30 PM for evening performances.
Fun fact: The standby line is a great place to people-watch. You never know who you might spot. Celebs love Shakespeare in the Park too!
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Picnic Perfection
Once you've secured your tickets, it's time to plan your picnic. The Delacorte Theater has plenty of space for spreading out a blanket and enjoying a bite before the show. You can bring your own food, or grab something from the nearby food kiosks.
Pro tip: The theater doesn't allow alcohol, so leave the wine at home. But you can bring non-alcoholic drinks and snacks.
Why It's Worth It
Sure, you could stay home and watch a movie. But there's something magical about watching Shakespeare under the stars. It's a chance to connect with the city, with history, and with each other. It's a reminder that art is for everyone, and that sometimes, the best things in life are free.
So, go ahead. Give it a shot. You might just find yourself hooked on the Bard and the park. And who knows? You might even learn a thing or two about love, war, and the human condition. After all, as Shakespeare himself said, "All the world's a stage."
