One of the most diverse audiences and administrations of any NYC professional theatre
CTH serves one of the nation's most diverse communities, Harlem U.S.A., and our audiences reflect this diversity: age, ethnicity, gender, income, education and occupation.
Ethnicity mix
Age distribution
Income levels
Percent of each group. CTH figures come from the 2026 Uptown Shakespeare in the Park audience survey (5,155 responses). Ethnicity is multi-select, so it can total more than 100%.
People of color
Of the summer 2026 audience surveyed in Marcus Garvey Park.
Harlem and Upper Manhattan
86% of the audience lives in the five boroughs.
Multilingual
A quarter speaks more than one language; nearly one in five speaks Spanish.
$650,000
Harlem thrives with CTH
Our annual Uptown Shakespeare in the Park audiences drive the local economy, generating an estimated $650,000 of economic activity for Harlem each summer.
Estimate based on Arts & Economic Prosperity IV, a study by Americans for the Arts: an audience member attending arts and culture in their own neighborhood spends an average of $17 in the community, and a visitor spends $24. This includes hospitality, food and drink, parking, child care and souvenirs.
Our art reflects our audience
CTH provides professional programs specifically developed for children and families in Harlem.
Excellence through diversity
CTH's staff and employees also reflect our commitment to excellence through diversity.
2,000+
Total hires
Artists and crew members employed across 14 summer seasons.
68%+
Diverse creatives
Representation in directing, writing and design roles.
92%
Cast diversity
Actors identifying as people of color or from underrepresented backgrounds.
Our board of trustees
The CTH board of trustees also reflects the company's commitment to excellence and diversity, with leaders from theatre, film, business, philanthropy and education.
Keep Harlem’s theatre open to all
Free Uptown Shakespeare in the Park, education programs and new work for Harlem audiences are made possible by supporters like you.