THE PUBLIC THEATER was founded by Joseph Papp in 1954 and is one of the nation’s preeminent cultural institutions; a place where all the country’s voices, rhythms and cultures converge. The Public produces new work, Shakespeare and other classics on six downtown stages, including Joe’s Pub, in its headquarters on Lafayette Street, and for more than 50 years has presented the New York City tradition of free Shakespeare in Central Park. The Public has won numerous awards including 41 Tony Awards and four Pulitzer Prizes and has brought 52 shows to Broadway including A Chorus Line; Bring in ’da Noise, Bring in ’da Funk; Topdog/Underdog; Caroline, or Change; Passing Strange; and the original production of Hair, to name a few. www.publictheater.org