Theaterlab NYC

Theaterlab is an innovative and dynamic performance space located in the Garment District of New York City, known for its dedication to the development and presentation of new and emerging work in the realms of theater, performance art, visual art, music, and dance. Founded in 2006, Theaterlab has been operating from its Midtown location since 2013, under the leadership of Italian immigrant artist Orietta Crispino. The mission of Theaterlab is to serve as a nurturing ground for New York's diverse communities of artists and the general public. Theaterlab is recognized for its women- and artist-led approach to exploring the nature of live performance. It emphasizes the importance of audience development as a part of the creative process, viewing the theatrical experience as a collaborative public assembly where audience members are considered integral to the mission's success. Theaterlab offers a range of programs and services to support artists, including affordable rehearsal spaces, project development facilities, and resident and affiliate artist programs. The organization's programming has been shaped by Orietta Crispino in collaboration with long-term associates Jolene Noelle and the late Lanie Zipoy. Jolene Noelle, who served as Program Director from 2014 to 2022, remains involved as a consultant, while Lanie Zipoy's role as Grant Writer and Media Manager until her passing in 2022 was crucial to Theaterlab's growth and outreach. Theaterlab's history is marked by its commitment to international and immigrant-led work, as evidenced by its curated rental series Tlab Shares and the Theaterlab Presents program, which showcases a season of new works. The organization also runs development programming, including the long-standing residency for collaborative artists, Hotel New Work, and Mother Myths Monsters, which invites collaborators as guest curators. Its signature program, Round the Block, celebrates arts, business, and culture within the Garment District. The staff at Theaterlab is a diverse group of dedicated professionals. Orietta Crispino, the Artistic Director, is an accomplished theatre artist with a rich background in acting and directing, and she is a member of the Lincoln Center Directors Lab and the League of Professional Theatre Women. Jolene Noelle, the Program Director & Resident Dramaturg, brings her expertise in devised and physical theatre, particularly within the horror genre. Molly Shayna Cohen, the Programming Associate, is a multifaceted theater and film artist who has received recognition for her work in Baltimore. Jenn Allen, the Programs Administrator, is focused on creating bold, intersectional feminist work. Erin Gray, the Technical Director, is an interdisciplinary artist passionate about experimental work. Lily Nguyen, the Marketing Associate, is an artist/designer with a background in graphic design, set design, and printmaking. In loving memory, Theaterlab honors Lanie Zipoy, a beloved member of the team whose contributions as a producer and creative visionary left an indelible mark on the organization. Her work in theater and film, including the award-winning feature directorial debut "THE SUBJECT," and her co-founding of Voices Inside/Out, a theatrical exchange program, are a testament to her impact on the arts community. Theaterlab continues to invite artists to collaborate and contribute to its vibrant and creative environment, embodying its mission to research and celebrate the live performance as a vital and enriching communal experience.