The Delacorte Theater

New York, NY

The Delacorte Theater, in Central Park, is owned by the City of New York and licensed to the Public Theater. Joseph Papp, the creator of the Public Theater, conceived of the New York Shakespeare Festival at the Delacorte Theater in 1954 to bring Shakespeare to a diverse audience as one of the nation’s first nonprofit theaters. Built in 1962, the theater has not undergone meaningful capital upgrades since 1999. The design is a comprehensive renovation addressing the theater’s code and life safety needs, core improvements to infrastructure and backstage efficiency, and substantial upgrades to support its theatrical program, including newly designed lighting towers. The design also includes a façade replacement, expanded paving, additional lighting and signage to revitalize the exterior for a more dynamic aesthetic experience. Envoie worked with the Public Theater to coordinate a number of significant authority approvals that were required before construction could commence as well as develop a phasing plan that minimized disruption to the performance season.

    • Ensure that project is delivered in accordance with the Agreement between NYC Parks and the Public Theater.

    • Develop and maintain a detailed project schedule and budget; regularly update Board.

    • Act as the Public’s advocate in all discussions with approval agencies and the numerous project stakeholders.

    • Assist the Public with making design decisions with respect to programmatic, operational and cost considerations.

    • Manage design charette process with numerous stakeholders including multiple production departments. 

    • The project is being delivered under a license agreement between NYC Parks and the Public, requiring NYC Park’s approval for all aspects of the design and operations.  Approvals are also required from the Central Park Conservancy, Landmarks Preservation Commission and both City and State Environmental Commissions.

    • Provision of updated infrastructure (electricity, water, sewer, data) to a site with a challenging location. 

    • Owner - The Public Theater

    • Architect - Ennead

    • Theatre Consultant - Fisher Dachs

    • Builder - Yorke Construction

    • Renderings - Ennead

“It’s the most beautiful theater in the world in the most beautiful city in the world, and it’s right in the center of New York City, and there’s no better place to see theater than the Delacorte.”

Oskar Eustis
Artistic Director

Inside the New Delacorte! (video)

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