OUR MISSION
Rooted in Washington Heights and Inwood, The People’s Theatre is the place where theatre, education and advocacy come to life with and for immigrant communities to build a more just and equitable world.
Now in its 18th season, The People's Theatre is the first immigrant cultural center and largest Latino theatre in the state of New York. Through ensemble-based, multilingual, and multigenerational programming, our unique brand of theatre is a powerful artistic platform for immigrants and members of the Latino, Black, and Queer communities.
Core programming of The People’s Theatre now includes the development and production of immigrant-centered theatrical works, a social justice leadership program dedicated to the holistic development of immigrant youth and youth of color; a school-based theatre program that guides students through a journey of self-discovery and celebration of their cultures; as well as programming in partnership with organizations focused on equity.
Through this multi-faceted approach, The People's Theatre activates its artists, audiences and neighbors to advocate for themselves, their communities, and the world.
THE PROBLEM
Too often, immigrant communities are made to feel unseen, unheard, or unwelcome. Stories are overlooked. Contributions are undervalued. Voices are left out of the conversations that shape our neighborhoods and our future.
OUR SOLUTION
We tell our own stories in our languages, with care and pride, so our communities feel seen, safe, and invited to participate.
OUR IMPACT
Through theatre, education, and advocacy, we help people feel at home, build skills, and use their voices in their neighborhoods.
OUR VALUES
Equity & Belonging
As an anti-racist cultural home, we center immigrant communities, youth, people of color, LGBTQIA people, and people living with disabilities.
Intentional Bravery
We believe in building spaces that allow for everyone to be their truest self. To be brave for us means to always ask the questions: What would LOVE do? What would Fear do? And act out of love for ourselves and our community.
Collaboration & Co-Creation
We believe in community, that working as a collective on stage and in the office is more powerful (and more fun!) than working as individuals. In listening and building on each other’s ideas, we share power and responsibility.
Creativity & Learning
We believe experiencing the arts is a human right. We believe art is essential in helping us reimagine a more compassionate, just world where we can live, work, and build together.
Joy & Celebration
We believe that joy is the essential life force for the work of social justice. We create opportunities to grow our shared capacity for joy.
OUR STORY
Washington Heights and Inwood have always been neighborhoods shaped by immigrants—places where languages, cultures, and generations come together to build new lives.
The People's Theatre exists because those stories deserve a home.
We believe theatre is more than entertainment. It is a place to gather, celebrate, ask difficult questions, imagine what's possible, and strengthen the communities we call home. Through performances, arts education, leadership programs, and community partnerships, we create opportunities for people of every age to make art, share their stories, and shape the future of our neighborhood.
What began in 2009 as a grassroots theatre project has grown into New York State's largest Latino theatre and the city's first immigrant cultural center. Along the way, we've partnered with schools, artists, neighborhood organizations, and thousands of families to create multilingual performances, nurture young leaders, and use the arts as a catalyst for civic participation and belonging.
Today, The People's Theatre is rooted in Washington Heights and Inwood and welcomes audiences, students, artists, educators, neighbors, and visitors from across New York City.
Whether you're coming to see a play, enroll in a class, bring your family to an event, create new work, or stand alongside your neighbors in building a more just and equitable city—you belong here.
Walk in. This is your home.
JOIN US
Welcome
Home
Get in Touch
Ask about the Academy for Theatre, Leadership, and Advocacy!
Collaborate
Bring The People's Theatre to your school or organization
Stay in touch!
Join a community that believes in the
power of art to inspire change.