Theater
From the Bard, to Hair, to modern-day performance, New York City is synonymous with public outdoor theater. Find out the latest on local and citywide performances that are held outdoors and in our public facilities.
Theater Events
Friday, April 11, 2025
Open Mic at Thomas Jefferson Recreation Center
at Multi-Use Room (in Thomas Jefferson Recreation Center), Manhattan 

2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
All artists, musicians, poets, and dancers are welcome to take the stage and showcase their talents!
Free!
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Storytelling in Bloom: Theater in the Garden
at Escape to Nature (Glenmore Hendrix Block Association), Brooklyn
6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
In this workshop, we’ll explore how poetry and performance can bring narratives to life—connecting the themes of growth, resilience, and transformation in nature and theater.
Free!
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Summer on the Hudson: Play Dates featuring WonderSpark Puppets!
at 125th Street and Marginal Street (in West Harlem Piers), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Fun for family and friends at this outdoor party featuring a children’s entertainer, arts & crafts, and neighborhood fun.
Free!
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Echoes of the Earth: Poetry & Movement in Green Spaces
at Escape to Nature (Glenmore Hendrix Block Association), Brooklyn
6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Through performance, we’ll draw connections between the themes of the play and the cycles of growth, exploration, and resilience found in the garden. Using natural and found materials like leaves, twigs, and stones, we’ll craft poetry and reimagine scenes, giving them new life through a gardener’s perspective.
Free!
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Garden Stages: Rituals & Performance in Nature
at Escape to Nature (Glenmore Hendrix Block Association), Brooklyn
6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Using found materials like leaves, twigs, and stones, we’ll craft poetry that reflects the characters’ journeys and use nature to inspire movement and expression.
Free!
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Rooted Voices: Spoken Word & Theater in the Garden—Community Sharing
at Escape to Nature (Glenmore Hendrix Block Association), Brooklyn
6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
We’ll reflect on freedom, transformation, and the rhythms of nature—ideas that gardeners and performers experience. Using voice, movement, and the natural world as our stage, we’ll bring our creative expressions to life in a supportive and welcoming space.
Free!
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Summer on the Hudson: Shakespeare Workout
at Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument (in Riverside Park), Manhattan
3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Covering the elements of voice production, acting and stage combat. Open to participants ages 13 and up.
Free!
Thursday, July 10, 2025
Summer on the Hudson: Children's Performance Series featuring April Armstrong
at Pier I (in Riverside Park South), Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–10:45 p.m.
Music, storytelling, and theater for young audiences up to age 7.
Free!
Saturday, July 12, 2025
Summer on the Hudson: Shakespeare Workout
at Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument (in Riverside Park), Manhattan
3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Covering the elements of voice production, acting and stage combat. Open to participants ages 13 and up.
Free!
Saturday, August 9, 2025
Summer on the Hudson: Shakespeare Workout
at Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument (in Riverside Park), Manhattan
3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Covering the elements of voice production, acting and stage combat. Open to participants ages 13 and up.
Free!