Our Community

Over 2,000 individual artists and more than 600 indie companies and venues make up our IndieSpace Community of artists. Below is a sample of the beneficiaries of our various grants and/or recipients of our services and programs.

  • #Healmetoo Festival

  • 9 to 5 Productions

  • Access Theater

  • Acevedo-Klein Collective

  • Aiybobo Productions

  • AK Collective

  • All for One

  • American Bard Theater Company

  • American Indian Community House

  • American Renaissance Theater

  • American Tap Dance Foundation

  • Animal Engine Theater

  • Art House Astoria

  • Asian American Performers Action Coalition

  • Astoria Performing Arts Center 

  • Athena Theatre

  • BAAD - Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance

  • Bad Rep

  • Bad Theater Fest

  • Birthday in the Bronx/The Tank

  • Black Revolutionary Theatre Workshop

  • Braata Productions

  • Brave New World Rep

  • Broad Views on Broadway - grant

  • CAVE

  • Center at West Park

  • Clancy Productions

  • Classical Theatre of Harlem

  • Classics in Color

  • Concrete Timbre

  • Consortium of Asian American Theaters and Artists

  • Dorrance Dance

Three individuals representing the IndieSpace community sit and smile together at an organizational event.
The IndieSpace community celebrates the group of Big Give recipients who show off their new funding checks on stage.
Erin Gilbreth, Cheri Wicks, and Ross Hewitt from American Bard pose for a photo taken before The Big Give event in 2019.

  • Educated Little Monsters

  • Elephant Run District

  • Elevator Repair Service

  • En Garde Arts

  • EPIC Players

  • ETdC Projects’ Lab

  • Exquisite Corpse

  • Flamenco Vivo

  • Flux Theater Ensemble

  • Frigid NY

  • Gene Frankel Theatre

  • General Mischief Dance Theatre

  • Grand Central Atelier

  • Greenhouse Ensemble

  • Hamlet Isn’t Dead

  • Harlem9

  • Harunalee

  • Heather Violanti with Jeanie and May a Road Trip

  • Herd

  • HERE Art Center

  • Hi-ARTS

  • Honest Accomplice Theatre

  • Humanode

  • ID Studio Theater

  • Indigenous Direction

  • Invulnerable Nothings

  • JACK

  • JP Dance Group

  • Kairos Italy TheaterKinetic Light

  • Kyoung’s Pacific Beat

  • La Lucha Arts

  • LEIMAY

  • Little Victory Theater

  • Live Source Collective

  • LubDub Theatre Company

  • Mabou Mines

  • Moxie Arts

  • MultiStages

  • New Federal Theatre

  • New Light Theater Project and Access Theater

  • New Perspectives Theater Company

  • New Stage Theater

  • New York Classical Theater

  • No Dominion Theater Company

  • Nubox Theater

  • Phoenix Theater Ensemble

  • Piehole

  • Pin Productions

  • Playlight Theatre Company

  • PM 2 Entertainment

  • People's Theater Project

  • Poetic Theater Co

  • Queer Hustle

  • Radical Evolution

  • Repro Freedom Arts

  • Retro Productions

  • Roots and River Productions

Seven individuals come together to take a group photo, smiling at the camera.
Cheering for IndieSpace and indie theater, three individuals smile and lean into each other for a photo during a special event.
The indie theater community support one another, with individuals giving a standing ovation to award recipients that are not seen.

  • Sea Dog Theater

  • Si Se Puede Productions

  • Sinking Ship Productions

  • Sitting Shotgun - microloan

  • Slightly Altered States

  • Smith Street Stage

  • SoHo Playhouse

  • SoFi Festival

  • Spiderwoman Theater

  • Thalia Spanish Theatre

  • The Arctic Group

  • The Artist Co-Op

  • The Brick

  • The Bushwick Starr

  • The Chain

  • The Civilians

  • The Connelly

  • The Director’s Company

  • The Drilling Company

  • The Eagle Project

  • The Fantastic Experimental Latino Theater

  • The Fire This Time Festival

  • The Grove

  • The Indie Theater Guide - NY Theater Review

  • The Little Victory

  • The Motor Company

  • The Movement Theater Company

  • The Nerve Tank

  • The Platform Group

  • The Private Theatre

  • The Shared Independent Theater List - Flux Theater

  • The Tank

  • The Wild Project

  • Theater Breaking Through Barriers

  • Theatre Now New York

  • TOSOS (The Other Side of Silence)

  • Turn to Flesh Productions/Frigid NY

  • viBe Theater Experience

  • Village Playback Theatre

  • Vital Joint

  • Waterwell

  • What Will the Neighbors Say?

  • White Horse Theater Company

  • Wi-Moto Nyoka and Colliquay Collective

  • Wooster Group

  • Workshop Theater

  • WSYWAT workshop group

The IndieSpace community faces an unseen speaker on stage during an event honoring great art and work.
A large number of people throw their hands in the air and smile at the camera for a group shot.
Two individuals wearing masks lean in and smile at the camera.

Testimonials

Testimonials

Alice Renier, Apocalyptic Artists Ensemble

“IndieSpace has made it possible for me to do my work at times when it felt like "the system" was stacked against me. I've received a micro grant and participated in several workshops that transformed the way I operate in this industry. What IndieSpace understands is that the heart of the theater in this country is the people who are working with low budgets in small spaces between side gigs to create something new because it must be done to see any innovation in the art form and keep work relevant to the times we are living in. When I've worried that something can't be done, it has seemed like IndieSpace is always there to tell me it can and they will figure out how.”

Ana Mari de Quesada and Tom Escovar, WILD PROJECT

“As a nonprofit theatre venue, we’re constantly immersed in creating theater, supporting those who create theatre, and coming up with new ways to help artists – our favorite part of this venture we affectionately call downtown theatre. If it were doing that and only that, we’d be cruising along. But we quickly learned, we needed a focused business partner, a support of our own, someone who would have our backs when dealing with the numbers side of theatre. Thank God, we met Randi! As we traverse this bumpy road on the journey to buy the building and secure our future in the LES; Randi and her colleagues at IndieSpace have been a steadfast guide: always there for us with thoughtful advice and shrewd business strategy. Randi is a gem, an invaluable resource, and someone who puts our minds at ease. IndieSpace is indispensable to the arts and to everyone who continues to make New York the unique cultural hub it always has been.”

Nedra Marie Taylor, The Grove

”The West Village Rehearsal Co-Op space has been invaluable for The Grove's development. Since our inception in 2020, we have only been able to meet virtually during the pandemic and scarcity of affordable or free space. Since we were offered space at the Co-op, we have grown leaps and bounds in a matter of a few months, because we were able to meet in person and work together with focused attention for hours on end. Priceless! So grateful, per usual, to IndieSpace for being so invested in the community and always working to provide exactly what we need to thrive.

Karesia Batan, Queensboro Dance Festival

“IndieSpace is fearlessly taking ongoing gaps in our field head on with direct, actionable solutions. They are like the resource expressway of support for us artists and organizations that too often get left out or overlooked. They are setting the example of how an organization can make direct impact by paying attention to the needs of our field. As an AAPI artist with a dance group, my dancers and I literally felt safer being able to use their transportation fund after night rehearsals, during the height of hate crimes. As a previous recipient of Pay Your People, we felt cared for, validated, and empowered at even the gesture of having funds specifically intended for our BIPOC leadership and staff. IndieSpace is an example of what funders' values should be in order to make change for the better in our field.”

Recipient of Mental Health Grant

“I’m able to function as both an artist and human being because of the Mental Health Grant I got in late 2023. The grant not only helped me tremendously to afford the mental health treatment I needed, but knowing the grant was there actually gave me the impetus during my lowest point, to *pursue* the mental health support I desperately needed. I really appreciate the “no questions asked” and trust element. I’m not sure where I’d be today without the grant.”

Kyoung H. Park, Kyoung’s Pacific Beat

“Kyoung’s Pacific Beat is so grateful for our bridge loan from IndieSpace. In the Spring of 2023, we were facing cash flow issues based on delayed reimbursements from city funds and the delayed return of a security deposit from our contract with SAG-Aftra. IndieSpace was able to provide us an incredible loan of $20,000 within days, in a simple and agreeable promissory note, which allowed us to continue our operations while providing us the time we needed to cover our expenses while we navigated new bureaucracies and institutions for the first time. This zero-interest loan and IndieSpace’s continued support of our organization is incredible; there’s trust between us and our Board and even more amazing is the fact that $2,000 from our loan was forgiven as we paid our loan back in our agreed timeline. I don’t know if this is normal, but this was truly a gift for us!”

Azure Osborne Lee, Roots and River Productions

“IndieSpace's "A Seat at the Table" program changed the way that my small company thought about funding. Before this meeting, accessing large funders seemed all but impossible. After the meeting I felt confident enough in my company's work and mission to approach a major funder and ask for a meeting -- and they said yes! This one opportunity will hopefully open the door to many more. Thanks to Randi and all the good people at IndieSpace!”

Noel Allain, Bushwick Starr

“IndieSpace was instrumental in helping us in our search to find and ultimately purchase a new space for our theater. From the first moments when we were trying to figure out where start, Randi was there with incredibly helpful advice. She connected us with folks who were the keys to our success and was there with helpful wisdom and encouragement all along the way. Looking for real estate is hard enough, but when you're a non-profit you need people on your team who understand the special needs of our organizations. Randi connected us with these folks from brokers to lenders and put us on the right track. Without her expert advice and her network our venture would not have been possible. If I know any non profit looking for a new home I immediately recommend them to IndieSpace. They have the experience and relationships to help you succeed.”

Katharine Pettit, Keeping People Together

“What an extraordinary opportunity to have a "seat at the table" with Randi Berry of Indiespace and Rick and Kira of The Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund!

KPC's mission is driven by the need for mental health awareness by spotlighting social injustices. To feel that same energy sparking the conversation at this meeting made me feel validated, hopeful, and inspired. The transparency and ease with which Randi, Veshonte, and Joel conversed and communicated with Rick and Kira offered a much needed glimpse behind the curtain, leaving me with the sense that I can do this too, that there's community and support out there, and here are two organizations truly dedicated to the work and getting it done!

Gratitude to Randi and Indiespace once again for their love of artists, their follow through, and their ongoing commitment to taking care of our community of creatives. Huge thanks to Rick and Kira at the Illumination Fund for their openness to my being a part of this very exciting opportunity!"

Kristin McCarthy Parker, Recent Cutbacks

“IndieSpace's programs have always been exactly what I needed as an individual artist and leader of a small arts organization. From helping me pay the incredible artists I work with, to supporting my mental health, I know that IndieSpace is deeply connected to the needs of working artists who don't have significant institutional support.”

Allie Marota, Sinking Ship

“We are so grateful for the incredible work the IndieSpace is doing. Running an indie theater company and space is NOT easy, but to know that there is someone like IndieSpace in your corner lightens the load entirely. When we found ourselves in the unfortunate position of losing our community space and having to cancel a season of work by indie theater artists, we turned to IndieSpace for advice. Not only were they able to assist us and found a solution to prevent the space from closing, but Randi’s wise advice also helped set us up for longevity going forward. Hearing someone say, “We want to help you, and we want to make this as easy for you as possible,” was groundbreaking, this is something no one has ever said to us before. We were in tears realizing how lucky we are to be a part of such a thoughtful and selfless community. IndieSpace is truly doing the important work the world needs, and we are beyond grateful. Endless thanks to Randi and the entire IndieSpace team for working with us and finding a way to allow us to continue doing our work of supporting and providing resources to the inter-sectional indie artists of Brooklyn!”

Iyvon E., Parsnip Ship

“Listening in on the conversation about funding and meeting with a funder for the arts was an incredibly enlightening experience! It provided me, an artist, and The Parsnip Ship with the opportunity to gain insight into the world of arts funding and connect with others who share their vibrant passion for the arts. Just listening to the conversation being had was truly invaluable, and I am so grateful for the chance to learn and grow in the arts community. I hope that more arts funders break down these barriers and provide all arts orgs seeking funding with the access and information they need to succeed.”

Jessica Carmona, Si Se Puede Productions

”Both the Pay Your People Grant and the Space Grant provided my company and I the resources we needed to continue to develop our original play about immigration. We are so thankful for these grants! We were able to pay ourselves and fellow artists a small stipend for our time in rehearsals. We were also able to get in some much needed extra rehearsals in the lovely space provided at highly discounted rates.”

Peggy King Jorde, Classical Theatre of Harlem

“The Classical Theatre of Harlem (CTH) is a professional theater company devoted to the community of Harlem. Our mission is to reimagine the classics and develop new works while prioritizing diversity and access. The prospect of gaining a new theater home has meant navigating the unfamiliar and treading new ground for us. When our search for professional counsel led us to Randi and IndieSpace, we couldn't have landed in a better place. The IndieSpace website outlines their vast experience, mission and intent...and there is no hype there. CTH has received nothing less than exceptional support & guidance from a knowledgeable team of professionals who remain as invested as we are throughout the process. IndieSpace offerings are truly golden and the benefits to arts organizations are extraordinary.”

Kate Valk, The Wooster Group

“We at The Wooster Group, a not-for-profit theater company, recently found ourselves at a precarious juncture in our efforts to continue to operate our home theater, The Performing Garage. A major foundation recommended that we contact IndieSpace to benefit from their expertise. IndieSpace have helped us to strategize, communicate our situation, and make crucial contacts with city officials, community stakeholders, and real estate professionals. Working with IndieSpace gives us a deep sense of support, and we trust them implicitly. They are the bridge that artists need to acquire and hold on to their theaters. Their commitment is unparalleled to sustaining New York City's vital non-commercial theater sector.”

Rosalind Grush and Meghan Finn, The Tank

“IndieSpace has been an invaluable resource for The Tank. Our mission is to give away free performance space to emerging artists, so the name of the game is space for us. Meanwhile, real estate in NYC is its own beast, and Randi Berry and IndieSpace have been more supportive and opened more doors for us (literally and figuratively) than we could have imagined possible for a small non-profit like us. She has helped us with the nitty gritty, like what certain terms mean and best practices, all the way up to to big picture questions about what we need out of our space, expanding our network of brokers and advisors, and matching us with potential spaces. Randi is honest, reliable, and responsive - she really wants the best for the organizations that she works with, and has the experience and expertise to make dreams come true, for both theater companies and the artists that they serve. There is no other organization doing this work in New York City, and given the necessary marriage of live performance and physical location, this work is truly crucial for the future of the arts in this City.

Through our work with Randi and Indiespace, we now have a new home and a ten year lease. This growth is truly a game-changer for our company and our artists, and it is a truly invaluable gift to have been able to do all this while feeling protected and like someone was looking out for us. We are so grateful to Randi and IndieSpace for everything they've done for us!”

Alec Duffy, JACK

“When we were going through our search for a new space for JACK, IndieSpace helped us each step of the way -- strategizing around our needs, talking through different opportunities and helping us negotiate a better lease with our eventual new landlord. It was a tangled, complicated process and they made everything a lot clearer for us. What's more, they generously donated that time and advice to us. IndieSpace is a tiny miracle. Sometimes as a small arts organization, you feel like you're completely on your own. Getting to know the folks at IndieSpace was so critical for us in our development and decision-making process. I'm so grateful they're around!”

Jazo Brooklyn, Educated Little Monsters

“IndieSpace has been an Ally when we felt lost. Losing our home where we did community programming hurt us but what hurt us the most was not having the knowledge we needed to look for new spaces in a time when people of color and natives are being displaced from our homes. IndieSpace provided a safe environment and empowered the monster movement with the language and knowledge to keep us swift on our feet which allowed us to feel strong enough to go back out and fight for the spaces we deserve.”

Laura Caparotti, Kairos Italy Theater

“IndieSpace is a great force in the world of Independent theater, helping with small and big issues and always there for you.”

Kirk Gostkowski, Chain Theatre

“A BIG THANK YOU to IndieSpace for bringing us to the new theater. We started our journey with Randi Berry as the Chain in LIC was closing. IndieSpace is passionate about keeping spaces open and helped us in every step of the way in guiding us to our new home. A lot of people are concerned about the way real estate is destroying the arts in NYC; IndieSpace is doing something about it.”

Nitty Gritty Artist Committee

  • Segun Akande

  • Marc Atkinson Borrul

  • Debora Balardini

  • Sam Blain

  • Brad Burgess

  • Laura Caparrotti

  • James Clements

  • Ana Cristina Da Silva

  • Ben Edelman

  • Sam Hood Adrain

  • Sam Hood Adrain

  • Julianne Lavallee

  • Hjordis Linn-Blanford

  • Cyndy Marion

  • Caeden Musser

  • Azure Osborne Lee

  • Anita Sagar

  • Kristin Sgarro

  • Nedra Marie Taylor

  • Aimee Todoroff

  • Morgan Wolk

Indie Bricks Collective

  • Joe Auld - IndieSpace Board Member; Ballington, Volunteers of America, Greater NY

  • Gonzalo Casals - Mellon Fellow, former Commissioner of DCLA

  • David Gruber - Broker

  • Matt Hopkins -Ancona Realty

  • Joel Kolkman - Empire State Development Corp

  • Paul Leibowitz - IndieSpace Board Co-Chair; Real Estate Council Chair; Capalino

  • Lauren Miller - The Bushwick Starr

  • Toby Rappaport - Acona Realty

  • Wendy Rowden - Former Executive Director of Building for the Arts/Theater Row

  • Michael Sobel - Wilk Auslander LLP

  • Jeffrey Steinman - Retired developer, Board member of the Rudin Foundation

  • Taj Tabassoom - SeaChange Capital Partners

  • Hannah Worscheh - Atlas Capital

  • Jamile Wright - Owners Rep

  • Peter Zuspan - Architect Bureau V Architecture

Our Funders

Thank you to the companies, foundations, agencies, and institutions that have supported our work through the years.

Thank you to these additional organizations for providing previous support to IndieSpace and the Indie Theater Fund:

Art for Justice Fund, Dance NYC, Distracted Globe Foundation, Emma Sheafer Charitable Trust, Jean and Louis Dreyfus Foundation, Mertz Gilmore Foundation, NWSA Alumni Foundation, Shenandoah Valley Black Heritage Project, and Stavros Niarchos Foundation.

We are grateful for your support!