Matt Lauer, Honorary Chair

Click HERE for Production History     Click HERE for Measures of Success

Since 1989, TheatreworksUSA’s Free Summer Theatre has provided deserving young people and families with original, professional theatre free of charge. Each summer we distribute tickets to children in over 200 social service and youth programs throughout the five boroughs. To date over 235,000 children have been astonished by free productions of some of our most popular shows, including If You Give a Mouse a Cookie & Other Story Books, Junie B. Jones, Romeo and Juliet and Sarah, Plain and Tall. We believe all children should experience the excitement of going to the theatre, regardless of their financial circumstances, and we count on the generous support of people like you who feel the same way.

Coming on the heels of last year’s incredible Free Summer Theatre campaign—the most successful in Theatreworks history—we ask you to please consider making a donation to Free Summer Theatre. Help introduce live theatre to thousands of NYC children who would not otherwise have access to the arts experience. ONLY WITH YOUR HELP can we make Free Summer Theatre bigger and better each year!

PRODUCTION HISTORY

Free Summer Theatre was inaugurated in 1989 to give young New Yorkers a free theatre tradition they could call their own – like Shakespeare in the Park, but for kids! Presenting shows that cut across ethnic and economic differences, productions explore issues relevant to every generation of children.

2008 The Plant That Ate Dirty Socks  -- the world premiere of a new musical about brothers who learn to collaborate and get along

2007 Seussical – unleashing imaginations as the characters and capers of Dr. Seuss are brought magically to life on stage!
2006 If You Give a Mouse a Cookie & Other Story Books – a musical revue based on popular children’s books that deals with diverse issues like racism, fitting in, and fear of math
2005 Walk Two Moons – an adaptation of the Newberry Medal-winning tale of what defines a family
2004 Junie B. Jones – a musical based on the popular Barbara Park book series about an irascible first grader
2003 Summer of the Swans – about a 13-year-old girl grappling with growing up, redefining her relationships and caring for a disabled brother
2002 Sarah, Plain & Tall – a musical about how an unconventional woman brings joy to a family suffering from loss
2001 Romeo and Juliet – Shakespeare’s classic with a futuristic look and an alternative incidental rock music score
2000 Reading Rainbow – a musical revue based on the Emmy Award-winning PBS TV series promoting literacy
1999 Gold Rush! – commemorating the 150th anniversary of this historic event
1998 Paul Robeson, All-American - the legendary man who dedicated his life and art to fighting oppression
1997 The Jungle Book – Mowgli the “man-cub” battles peer pressure to seek his true nature
1996 The Color of Justice – Thurgood Marshall takes school segregation all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court
1995 Around the World in 80 Days – Phileas Fogg and Passepartout embark on a multi-cultural adventure
1994 The Great Brain – how a boy nicknamed the “great brain” helps an illiterate girl learn to read
1993 Young Abe Lincoln – a musical about the early failures and triumphs that formed the future president
1992 From Sea to Shining Sea – the exciting story about the people who built the transcontinental railroad
1991 Class Clown – an original story about an illiterate seventh grade boy
1990 Jekyll & Hyde – about a high school student who becomes addicted to a chemical substance he creates
1989 Play to Win – about ballplayer Jackie Robinson who broke the color line in major league baseball

MEASURES OF SUCCESS

Free Summer Theatre attendance has grown steadily, playing to near-capacity houses each day.  Since its inception nineteen years ago, we have introduced over 235,000 underprivileged children to the magic of live theater.  Waiting lists have become commonplace as ticket demand continues to outweigh supply.  Group reservations from social service agencies, youth groups, day camps and community centers are filled within days of announcing the schedule. 

The New York Times, The New York Post, Newsday, The Star Ledger, The Daily News, The Record and The Village Voice have given Theatreworks' Free Summer Theatre productions resounding praise. Letters from children and adult audience members also attest to the positive impact of the shows.

“Class is happily, tunefully in session at the Lucille Lortel Theater in Greenwich Village, where Theatreworks USA is presenting a bright new addition to its formidable lineup of shows for youngsters and their families. And it’s free, too!”
            – Lawrence Van Gelder, The New York Times

“Theatreworks USA has done it again. Not only is the company’s latest production yet another extremely delightful book adaptation for children—it’s free. It’s one splendid hour of music, laughter, life lessons and the art of putting on a show.”
            – Roma Torre, NY1

“The play was fascinating and effective. The students were able to follow the story and become emotionally involved with the characters.”

Click HERE to make a donation for Free Summer Theatre 2008!