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(Announcement and photo via The Public Theater.)
Dear Friends,
Today we want to share some important news about the future of The Public Theater.
After 23 extraordinary years as Artistic Director, Oskar Eustis will step down when his current contract concludes on July 31, 2028, at the end of our 60th anniversary season at Astor Place.
Over the next two years, we’ll have the opportunity to honor Oskar’s remarkable leadership and the profound impact he has had, not only on The Public, but on American theater. Under his artistic vision, The Public has developed groundbreaking new plays and musicals, championed generations of visionary artists, launched programs that have transformed how theater connects with communities, and remained steadfast in our belief that culture belongs to everyone.
Oskar has helped shape the stories that have defined a generation. He has nurtured countless playwrights, directors, composers, and performers while ensuring that The Public continues to be a place where bold ideas, fearless artists, and audiences from every background come together.
As Oskar shared with us:
“I have long hoped that my 70th birthday would be the right moment for me to pass this magnificent theater on to the next generation, and I believe that indeed, the perfect time has arrived. The theater has come through the storm of the last six years with its mission intact, robust and thriving. The Public is ready to tackle new challenges with all the integrity and creativity it has shown for the last 70-plus years.”
The Public’s Board of Trustees will begin a national search for our next Artistic Director this fall, with the goal of announcing a successor next year. That will allow for a thoughtful transition before Oskar departs in the summer of 2028. Our Executive Director, Patrick Willingham, will continue in his role supporting the organization and the transition.
Until then, there’s still so much ahead.
We have two more seasons of extraordinary work to create together, artists to introduce, stories to tell, communities to welcome, and milestones to celebrate. Oskar remains fully engaged in leading the theater, and we couldn’t be more excited for what lies ahead.
For nearly seven decades, The Public has continually evolved while remaining true to the mission Joe Papp established: to create exceptional theater that is accessible to everyone. This moment is part of that ongoing story, and we are filled with gratitude for Oskar’s extraordinary leadership and optimism for what comes next. You are The Public. Thank you for being a part of this community.
Sincerely, |
