Since 1994, Paula Scher has designed the promotional campaigns for Shakespeare in the Park, the free summer performances presented by The Public Theater at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. 

Each year, the Shakespeare graphics update the spirit and use of Knockout, the font of the Public identity. Variations have included typography that is slashed, slanted, skewed, stretched, stenciled, scribbled, and arranged in circular patterns. 

This year, for the first time, the typography is entirely hand-drawn. The approach debuted with the posters for “Romeo and Juliet” and “The Winter’s Tale,” and the accompanying signage and environmental graphics at the Delacorte. It will continue throughout the 2026-27 season at the Public, where the expressive lettering is paired with imagery from the various productions.

As with every Shakespeare campaign, however, the reinvention is temporary. Scher plans to return to “real” typography next year.