For The Culture


Our Core Values compel us to inspire deeper understanding, welcome learning and growth, celebrate community and live our values.

Through our For The Culture Series, we seek to bridge the gap between the world we know and the world we’re actively striving to build—where we harness the power of theatre to deepen human connections by learning and growing from the lived experiences of each other; connect through art, shared customs, traditions and heritage(s); and where we amplify artists and work by traditionally underrepresented groups or individuals, creating access to the Workshop for historically marginalized communities in order to build and sustain authentic relationships with our fellow community members and theatergoers.

For the Culture: In Honor of Jean-Michel Basquiat

SEPT 10: AfterWords: Roger Guenveur Smith & Michael Holman

Thursday, September 10th
Post-show
Location: New York Theatre Workshop (79 E 4th St)

Join us immediately following the performance for an exclusive, intimate conversation featuring Roger Guenveur Smith and Michael Holmantwo defining voices who knew Jean-Michel Basquiat during pivotal eras of his life.

SEPT 12: Black Theatre Night: Saturday Salon

Saturday, September 12th
Post-show (after the 7PM performance)
Location: New York Theatre Workshop (79 E 4th St)

Following the Saturday evening performances of In Honor of Jean-Michel Basquiat, join multi-hyphenate Tony Award nominee Daniel J. Watts (Lights Out! Nat King Cole, The Refuge Plays) in a continued celebration of Basquiat’s life and legacy. With music, spoken-word and his singular practice of painting with his feet while he dances, Daniel and his special guests will bring the party to 4th Street.

SEPT 13: In Honor of Jean-Michel Basquiat: A Downtown Journey

Sunday, September 13th
3:30–5PM
Starts at New York Theatre Workshop (79 E 4th St)

This event is at capacity. We hope to see you at a future For the Culture event!

In partnership with Walk on The Wild Side Tours NYC, explore the downtown neighborhoods that shaped Jean-Michel Basquiat’s artistic journey. This guided walking tour examines the creative communities, cultural influences, and lasting legacy of one of New York City’s most influential artists.

SEPT 16: AfterWords: Artistic Process of In Honor of Jean-Michel Basquiat

Wednesday, September 16th
Post-show, moderated by: Aaron Malkin
Location: New York Theatre Workshop (79 E 4th St)

Engage directly with the creative team as they share insider stories from rehearsals, answer your burning questions, and explore the profound themes that make In Honor of Jean-Michel Basquiat a truly unforgettable experience.

SEPT 17: Basquiat Night

Thursday, September 17th
8–9PM
Location: New York Theatre Workshop (83 E 4th Street)

From Boomers to Gen Z, come celebrate Basquiat’s timeless influence in a high-energy gathering of artists and cultural workers. Blending music, storytelling, and connection, this multigenerational party features Marc Anthony Thompson as DJ spinning us across eras, turning the room into a living archive of sound, style, and shared legacy. Dress in your best 80’s clubbing fashion and we will see you on the dance floor! 

This is a party you don’t want to miss! Seeing the show on a different day? No worries! Join us for this afterparty by RSVPing here:
Let us know if you’re coming to the party here!

SEPT 19: Saturday Salon

Saturday, September 19th
Post-show (after the 7PM performance)
Location: New York Theatre Workshop (79 E 4th St)

Following the Saturday evening performances of In Honor of Jean-Michel Basquiat, join multi-hyphenate Tony Award nominee Daniel J. Watts (Lights Out! Nat King Cole, The Refuge Plays) in a continued celebration of Basquiat’s life and legacy. With music, spoken-word and his singular practice of painting with his feet while he dances, Daniel and his special guests will bring the party to 4th Street.

SEPT 23: ForeWords: Generational Arts

Wednesday, September 23rd
5:30–6:30PM
Location: Arts on The Ave (98 E 4th St)

Reserve your spot here!

In partnership with Art on the Ave and the LISA Project, join us for a preshow gathering that invites audiences into Basquiat’s world through conversation and reflection before the performance. Featuring artists, curators, and cultural thinkers, the program offers a brief but impactful framing of Basquiat’s legacy today.

SEPT 24: Monologue Jam: Open Salon

Thursday, September 24th
5:30–6:30PM
Location: E 4th Street

Let us know if you’ll join us here!

If you’d like to perform, please sign up here.

In partnership with Poetic Theatre Productions and FABnyc, as part of Open Streets, experience East 4th Street as a living canvas where poets, singers, and actors gather to celebrate the immigrant and artistic voices in celebration of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s work.

SEPT 24: AfterWords

Thursday, September 24th
Post-show
Location: New York Theatre Workshop (79 E 4th St)

Join us for a panel discussion about the production and its themes featuring special guests to be announced later.

SEPT 26: Saturday Salon

Saturday, September 26th
Post-show (after the 7PM performance)
Location: New York Theatre Workshop (79 E 4th St)

Following the Saturday evening performances of In Honor of Jean-Michel Basquiat, join multi-hyphenate Tony Award nominee Daniel J. Watts (Lights Out! Nat King Cole, The Refuge Plays) in a continued celebration of Basquiat’s life and legacy. With music, spoken-word and his singular practice of painting with his feet while he dances, Daniel and his special guests will bring the party to 4th Street.

SEPT 30: ShopTalk

Wednesday, September 30th
Post-Show
Location: New York Theatre Workshop (79 E 4th St)

Join us for an informal “book club” style discussion with fellow audience members, facilitated by an NYTW staff member.

OCT 3: Saturday Salon

Saturday, October 3rd
Post-show (after the 7PM performance)
Location: New York Theatre Workshop (79 E 4th St)

Following the Saturday evening performances of In Honor of Jean-Michel Basquiat, join multi-hyphenate Tony Award nominee Daniel J. Watts (Lights Out! Nat King Cole, The Refuge Plays) in a continued celebration of Basquiat’s life and legacy. With music, spoken-word and his singular practice of painting with his feet while he dances, Daniel and his special guests will bring the party to 4th Street.

For the Culture: Wild Rose

DEC 1: Pizza & People

Tuesday, December 1st
5 6:30 PM
Location: La Vera Pizza (67 2nd Ave)

Come grab a slice and mingle with fellow artists, neighbors, and collaborators to celebrate the work and impact we’ve made as a community. The first 30 people will get a free slice on New York Theatre Workshop. First come, first serve!

DEC 2: Networking Night

Wednesday, December 2nd
5 6:30 PM
Location: TBD

Before the performance, join us for an informal networking gathering for dreamers, makers, and collaborators to meet, share their work, and build new relationships in a welcoming and creative environment. Whether you’re an actor, musician, playwright, producer, teaching artist, or simply passionate about the arts, all are welcome to stay, mingle, and connect. 

DEC 2: AfterWords: Dreams, Survival, and the Emerging Artist

Wednesday, December 2nd
Post-show, moderated by: Pscacoya Guinn
Location: New York Theatre Workshop (79 E 4th St)

Featuring Underground Skills Exchange and the Freelancers Union, this talkback explores the emotional and practical journey of building a creative life in New York City. This conversation invites audiences into a communal reflection on ambition, sacrifice, and the courage it takes to keep going. 

DEC 3: AfterWords: Designing the World of Wild Rose

Thursday, December 3rd
Post-show
Location: New York Theatre Workshop (79 E 4th St)

Following the show, join us for a conversation with the design team that delves into the vision and creative choices that shape Wild Rose‘s setting, atmosphere, and visual storytelling.

DEC 6: Wild Rose Dance Party (Community Day)

Sunday, December 6th
4:30 – 6:30 PM
Location: Wild Horses (327 Bowery)

Featuring a beginner-friendly two-step dance class and community gathering, this event invites audiences to dance, connect, and celebrate themes at the heart of Wild Rose.

DEC 8: AfterWords: Origins and Evolution of Country Music

Tuesday, December 8th
Post-show, moderated by: Dylin
Location: New York Theatre Workshop (79 E 4th St)

A lecture sharing the cultural history, music theory, and evolution of Country Music in the United States. This conversation will explore how the development of the US shaped this musical genre, as well as the cultural inspirations it came from and its cultural impact today.

DEC 9: AfterWords: Artistic Process of Wild Rose

Wednesday, December 9th
Post-show
Location: New York Theatre Workshop (79 E 4th St)

A discussion with the playwright, director, and members of the creative team that provides an inside look into the artistic process of Wild Rose. 

DEC 10: Open Salon

Thursday, December 10th
Post-show, 8:30–10PM
Location: TBD

Inspired by the themes of Wild Rose, this open salon invites both emerging and established artists to share original work in an intimate community gathering. Through songs, monologues, poetry, storytelling, and more, artists across disciplines are invited to connect through honest and personal expression. 

DEC 16: AfterWords: Art, Ambition, and Resilience

Wednesday, December 16th
Post-show
Location: New York Theatre Workshop (79 E 4th St)

Centered on the ambition and perseverance of artists pursuing their dreams in the face of life’s challenges, this talkback reflects on the sacrifices, resilience, and hope required to build a creative life while navigating circumstances such as single parenthood, incarceration, and other significant setbacks. Together, the conversation invites audiences to consider how art, community, and support systems can create space for possibility, self-discovery, and new beginnings. 

JAN 5: ShopTalk

Tuesday, January 5th
Post-Show
Location: New York Theatre Workshop (79 E 4th St)

Join us for an informal “book club” style discussion with fellow audience members, facilitated by an NYTW staff member.