What makes a theater a town square for 8 million people? 

The Public Theater in New York City set out to reframe its role in society. Pablo Hernandez Basulto, Director of Civic Artistic Programs, leads the charge with two programs: The Mobile Unit and Public Works. The Mobile Unit produces shows in correctional facilities, neighborhood parks and community centers. Public Works invites community members to audition and perform alongside professional actors. 

“We have found that existing in the blurred lines between professional and non-professional makes our cultural institution more valuable for our community,” Pablo explained. The aim is to transform The Public Theater into a space of belonging, connection and innovation.

When you attend a Public Works event, you enter an intergenerational space representing all five of New York City’s boroughs. The program encourages people who have not engaged with theater before to stay for the long term.

Pablo is a firm believer in theater’s transformative effects. He shared that at Public Works, “We are activating the incredible community-building power of theater and using it to connect those who are different from each other.” 

“We have found that existing in the blurred lines between professional and non-professional makes our cultural institution more valuable for our community.”

Pablo encourages cultural institutions to reimagine their relationships with those they serve. “Becoming a public good for our community requires us to question the bounds of being only an industry,” he said. “When we keep community-based efforts isolated, we are limiting the effects of our pieces of art.”  

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Pablo Hernandez Basulto presented this talk as part of Tessitura’s Innovator Series at the Tessitura Learning & Community Conference in Anaheim, California, in August 2025.