Fans of off- and off-off-Broadway have another reason to fall in love with theater this Thursday, a day the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs has proclaimed Free Night of Theater Day.

Dozens of theater professionals will take over Union Square for the event, which is intended to expose New Yorkers to new and worthy theater companies, as well as remind them of their old favorites. Beginning at noon with a special welcome address, a press release lists the entertainment as including “special musical guests, celebrities, booths, clowns of all shapes and sizes, the Ice Capades on roller skates, a dog in space and a fashion show extravaganza with famous costumes from TDF's special collection emceed by Joey Arias!”

In addition to performances, there will also be a series of talks throughout the day about the theater from luminaries such as Eric Bogosian, Judith Malina, Kathleen Chalfant, Mike Daisey, Oskar Eustis, Lisa Kron, Michael McKean, and Susan Louise O'Connor. When was the last time a Thursday afternoon offered this much stellar free entertainment?

Union Square Free Night of Theater Day. Oct. 15, 12pm–6pm. For more information, visit www.freenightnyc.net.