About IndieSpace

MISSION

IndieSpace celebrates and centers independent theater-making in New York City. We provide radically transparent, responsive and equity-focused funding, real estate programs, professional development, and advocacy to individual artists, theater companies, and indie venues.

VISION

IndieSpace will strengthen the indie theater community by disrupting ongoing displacement, democratizing power, demanding social and financial equity, and raising an unwavering voice that is truly indie.

 
IndieSpace creates an indie theater community (as illustrated in the pictured event) around its values, vision, and mission.

VALUES

 

All Cards on the Table

We value radical transparency. We lead with trust and hold ourselves accountable to all partner organizations and indie artists.

Open Gates

We value accessibility and breaking down of inequitable barriers. We open doors to resources, people and institutions that have been previously closed to our community.

Artists at the Wheel

We value self-determination, spirit over productivity, and the well-being and work of independent theater makers. Every IndieSpace decision is shaped by the artists we serve. 

 

Water the "Grass Roots"

We value nimble, flexible and responsive action and are guided by a creative and indie ethos. 

Community Bridge

We value the coming together of independent theater artists to advocate, process, discover and act.

Level Up and Act Out

We value creative disruption, social equity, and challenging the status quo. We aim to transform our field by confronting oppressive structures.

Recipients from IndieSpace's 2019 Big Give Grant give-away gather together, smiling, and celebrating their funding.
People gather and connect, sitting and standing, in an indie theater space, just one example of how IndieSpace supports and brings people together from this community.
IndieSpace supports theaters like this one where three chairs sit on an empty and small stage - the show about to begin.
Four artists and individuals turn to smile at the camera while attending an event to support IndieSpace.
A speaker at a lectern pauses following telling a joke, with the other presenter and sign language interpreter laughing in the background.
Andrew Block , Randi Berry, and Siobhan O’Neil smile at the camera at The Big Give in 2017.
Joseph Auld and Brian Berk smile to the camera, enjoying an event that they are attending to support IndieSpace.
Randi, Brea, and Lindsey show take a minute for a fun selfie while working with the amazing artists, venues, and supporters of indie theater.
Four individuals dress up to celebrate IndieSpace at an event, and smile for a group photo.
Empty chairs in a spotlight empty stage and theater are ready to be filled with a production supported by IndieSpace.

What Is Indie Theater?

Independent theater is typically regarded as performances within venues of 99 seats or less or in non-traditional spaces. However, indie theater is much more than theater size. It is an ethos and a spirit. It is genre bending, innovative, communal theater created outside of the mainstream and commercial context.

“Imagine that you’ve never heard of Steve Buscemi, John Leguizamo, or even Al Pacino. Forget that the Broadway production of “Urinetown” won three Tony Awards a decade ago. And assume that if early works by European playwrights Bertolt Brecht and Jean Cocteau never made it to the U.S. stage, it would be their loss and not ours. Congratulations. You’ve successfully created a world without independent and Off-Off-Broadway theater.

– Daniel Lehman, Backstage, February 2012

IndieSpace’s Timeline and Achievements

If you’d like to learn more about IndieSpace’s history and achievements, please view our Timeline page!

Beginning in 2013 with just a single grant recipient, IndieSpace's impact has grown to support hundreds of artists, productions, and venues each year.

The Big Give in 2013

Keeping up with the current needs of its community, IndieSpace's achievements shows have the organization works to break down barriers and remove obstacles impacting the indie theater space in NYC.

The Big Give in 2021

Our Staff

Photo of Executive Director and board member, Randi Berry

Randi is an indie theater maker with an arts advocacy and commercial real estate background. She is the co-founder of Wreckio Ensemble Theater Company, The Indie Theater Fund, and IndieSpace. Randi has worked on over $11B in commercial real estate transactions and has created programs resulting in thousands of artists receiving funding, free real estate consulting services, rehearsal space, and opportunities for professional growth. Select awards include: Tow Foundation Visionary Leadership Award, NYIT Indie Theater Champion, The Ellen Stewart Award, Indie Theater Person of the Year, member of the Indie Theater Hall of Fame, and a Citation for Service by the New York City Council.

Theater LOVE: Cabin Pressure, Roberto Zucco, and Rainpan 43's Machines, Machines, Machines, Machines, Machines, Machines, Machines

Randi Berry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
BOARD MEMBER
randi@indiespace.org

  • Randi is an indie theater maker with an arts advocacy and commercial real estate background. She is the co-founder of Wreckio Ensemble Theater Company, The Indie Theater Fund, and IndieSpace. Randi has worked on over $11B in commercial real estate transactions and has created programs resulting in thousands of artists receiving funding, free real estate consulting services, rehearsal space, and opportunities for professional growth. Select awards include: Tow Foundation Visionary Leadership Award, NYIT Indie Theater Champion, The Ellen Stewart Award, Indie Theater Person of the Year, member of the Indie Theater Hall of Fame, and a Citation for Service by the New York City Council.


    Theater LOVE: Cabin Pressure, Roberto Zucco, and Rainpan 43's Machines, Machines, Machines, Machines, Machines, Machines, Machines

Photo of Programs Manager and board member, Veshonte Brown

Veshonte considers herself a storyteller first and foremost, and seeks any experience that gets them closer to what she considers the truest human expression. Holding degrees in Theatre, Graphic Design, and Arts Administration, Veshonte considers themselves a "muti-hyphenate" interested in creating and facilitating the creation of art. This is apparent in her work in producing, writing, directing, and performing. Prior to IndieSpace, she has worked as a Professional Training Program Manager at Williamstown Theatre Festival, and was a part of the inaugural cohort of Black Theatre United's Early Career BIPOC Theatre-Makers.

Theatre LOVE: Lynn Nottage's Intimate Apparel, verbatim theatre, and solo performance.

Veshonte Brown
PROGRAMS MANAGER
BOARD MEMBER
veshonte@indiespace.org

  • DescriptioVeshonte considers herself a storyteller first and foremost, and seeks any experience that gets them closer to what she considers the truest human expression. Holding degrees in Theatre, Graphic Design, and Arts Administration, Veshonte considers themselves a "muti-hyphenate" interested in creating and facilitating the creation of art. This is apparent in her work in producing, writing, directing, and performing. Prior to IndieSpace, she has worked as a Professional Training Program Manager at Williamstown Theatre Festival, and was a part of the inaugural cohort of Black Theatre United's Early Career BIPOC Theatre-Makers.
    Theatre LOVE: Lynn Nottage's Intimate Apparel, verbatim theatre, and solo performance.n text goes here

Joel Eduardo Guzmán is an actor, a clown, and a culture and arts manager whose mission over the years has been to transform spaces worldwide with the power of the arts. He graduated with a master's in Arts & Cultural Management and MBA in Marketing with certificates in Circus Teaching and Physical Theater. These educational studies have come together to inform his 18 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, creating and transforming various cultural initiatives. This includes being the founder of a Circus, a theater company, and an organization dedicated to increasing the understanding of mental health through the creative arts. He has been involved in international initiatives, including presenting a multilingual workshop at the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates.

Theater Loves: Slava's Snowshow, Tricicle Hits, Así que pasen 5 años.

Joel Eduardo Guzmán
OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
joel@indiespace.org

  • Joel Eduardo Guzmán is an actor, a clown, and a culture and arts manager whose mission over the years has been to transform spaces worldwide with the power of the arts. He graduated with a master's in Arts & Cultural Management and MBA in Marketing with certificates in Circus Teaching and Physical Theater. These educational studies have come together to inform his 18 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, creating and transforming various cultural initiatives. This includes being the founder of a Circus, a theater company, and an organization dedicated to increasing the understanding of mental health through the creative arts. He has been involved in international initiatives, including presenting a multilingual workshop at the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates.
    Theater Loves: Slava's Snowshow, Tricicle Hits, Así que pasen 5 años.

India Shanelle has been a New Yorker since 2019, with Harlem becoming her second home. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, she earned her theater degree at Southeast Missouri State University. Her musical theater career skyrocketed, taking her across the country, and even landing her a spot on Season 16 of America's Got Talent.

Immersed in the theater industry, India recognized the imbalance in storytelling and representation, sparking her mission for change. In early 2020, she founded BlackLight Community, a nonprofit aimed at elevating marginalized storytelling in Theatre and advocating for underrepresented artists in entertainment. BlackLight Community supports early career artists and hosting spaces where creatives can be their full selves around supporting people that just “Gets it”. BlackLight marked the beginning of a supportive and talented community that India takes pride in building.

Theatre Love: The Colored Museum, BlackLight Community, Company, Vocal expression (It is medicine to my soul, chile!)

India Shanelle
PROJECT MANAGER
india@indiespace.org

  • India Shanelle has been a New Yorker since 2019, with Harlem becoming her second home. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, she earned her theater degree at Southeast Missouri State University. Her musical theater career skyrocketed, taking her across the country, and even landing her a spot on Season 16 of America's Got Talent.

    Immersed in the theater industry, India recognized the imbalance in storytelling and representation, sparking her mission for change. In early 2020, she founded BlackLight Community, a nonprofit aimed at elevating marginalized storytelling in Theatre and advocating for underrepresented artists in entertainment. BlackLight Community supports early career artists and hosting spaces where creatives can be their full selves around supporting people that just “Gets it”. BlackLight marked the beginning of a supportive and talented community that India takes pride in building.

    Theatre Love: The Colored Museum, BlackLight Community, Company, Vocal expression (It is medicine to my soul, chile!)Description text goes here

Our Board

Photo of Board Co-Chair, Raquel Almazan

Raquel Almazan
CO-CHAIR

Photo of board member, Joseph Auld

Joseph Auld is a Senior Executive in the New York City design, construction, and real estate industry. He has worked as a real estate consultant to such nonprofits as the Dia Foundation, Planned Parenthood, Screen Actor's Guild, God's Love We Deliver, The Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, The Africa Center and the Public Theater. He spent 12 years at Volunteers of America - Greater New York, Inc., where in his role as the Associate Vice President of Design and Construction, he built and maintained 70 properties for some of New York City's neediest Americans. Joseph is currently a design and construction project manager for some of New York's largest cultural and performing arts nonprofits and has worked with clients including the Baryshinikov Arts Center, Pratt Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, and Bronx Lebanon Hospital.

Theater LOVE: Ave. Q, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Alvin Ailey

Joseph Auld
BOARD MEMBER

Photo of Board Treasurer, Brian Berk

Brian is a co-founder of SpotCo Advertising, an agency specializing in the branding and marketing of Broadway shows and live-entertainment. At SpotCo he held the position of Chief Financial Officer for over 20 years and helped grow the company into a dynamic, full-service advertising agency with a staff of 120 and over $70 million in revenues. Prior to founding SpotCo, Brian was involved in various non-profit arts organizations such as The Roundabout Theatre Company, Ensemble Studio Theatre, Arts at St. Ann’s, and The Center for Traditional Music and Dance. Brian is a New York City native.

Theater LOVE: Angels in America, A Little Night Music, Ethyl Eichelberger as The Lincolns at Lincoln Center Serious Fun.

Brian Berk
TREASURER

Photo of board member, Andrew Clarke

Andrew Clarke is the Jamaican-born Founder and Executive Director of Braata Productions. Since the company’s founding, Andrew has produced over two dozen productions, including staged readings, fully mounted shows and regional tours of new and established works, including The Black That I Am and Welcome to America: A Caribbean Musical, as well as three consecutive seasons of the Braata Folk Singers biennial concert series. Over the past eleven years, Braata has performed throughout the New York Tri-state area and regionally, from Toronto, Canada, to Atlanta, Georgia. Andrew Co-Produced the Off-Broadway musical Flambeaux, which swept the 2015 AUDELCO Awards, winning in six categories, including Best Musical of The Year.

THEATER LOVES: The Amen Corner, Karl O'Brian Williams, and The Public Theater (their work is largely always moving and that's how I got my Equity card )

Andrew Clarke
BOARD MEMBER

Photo of board member, Brea Clemons

Brea’s love for the performing arts has translated into a notable career in stage management for companies all over the United States, including Music Theatre Kansas City, The Oklahoma City Philharmonic, The Beijing Normal Experimental Dance Company, and more. In addition to her work onstage, Brea has a background in non-profit administration, special events, fundraising, and commercial real estate. She has previously worked as the Assistant Director of Operations for Abramson Brothers Incorporated, a commercial real estate firm in midtown Manhattan, and as the Development Coordinator for Williamstown Theatre Festival. 

Theater LOVE: Opening nights, Campy cult musicals, and For Colored Girls... 

Brea Clemons
BOARD MEMBER

Photo of board member, Dechelle Damien

Dechelle has a background as a project manager and is currently the Director of Human Resources at Serengeti Asset Management, a value-driven investment firm. She is also a founding member and co-Artistic Director of Wreckio Ensemble, a collective theater company that has produced original and innovative works on social issues in New York City since 2000. Dechelle has performed with dancers from the Frankfurt Ballet and in the New York Fringe Festival, Wonderland Festival, American Living Room Festival, and Florida Dance Festival. 

Theater LOVE: Rainpan 43's Machines, Machines, Machines, Machines, Machines, Machines, Machines, Must Don’t Whip ‘Um, La Veillée des Abysses, RSC’s Faust

Dechelle Damien
BOARD MEMBER

Photo of board member, Maya Quetzali Gonzalez

Maya Quetzali Gonzalez is an artist, arts worker, and organizer. Her recent assistant directing and movement work includes YOU WILL GET SICK (Roundabout), MACBETH (Broadway), and OUR TOWN (Dallas Theater Center). She is the Program Associate at the MAP Fund, where she co-structures and manages a national arts grant program. Maya has served as reviewer/panelist for organizations such as Bronx Council on the Arts and Barrington Stage, and is a member of Women of Color in the Arts and an Associate Member of SDC. She also works with Jane’s Due Process, a Texas-based reproductive justice organization. Maya is a graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts, where she was a Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholar.

THEATER LOVES: group warmups, a good preshow (or preshow playlist), making dances that don't make too much sense.

Maya Quetzali Gonzalez
BOARD MEMBER

Photo of board member, Pamela Kupper

Pamela Kupper is a trained theatrical lighting designer with over 20 years of experience designing theatre, opera, corporate events, archi-tainment and fashion projects. She also has a background in project management, which includes working on landmark façade projects. Pamela has designed lighting, dimming and control systems for theater and museum spaces, and regularly designs theatrical lighting for live theater, and events. She is the founder of THESAN, a full service lighting company.

Theater LOVE: Into the Woods, Wreckio Theatre Ensemble, Lesbian Love Octagon

Pamela Kupper
BOARD MEMBER

Photo of Board Co-Chair, Paul Leibowitz

Paul Leibowitz is a native New Yorker and a founding partner of IndieSpace. Paul has had an impactful 25+ year career in real estate having negotiated and structured $30 billion of transactions over his career.  Paul is the Director of Capital Markets at Capalino, where he focuses on raising capital, arranging debt and equity and structuring joint ventures for a wide range of projects in real estate and various business sectors, through Capalino's wholly owned subsidiary, Capalino Ventures. Prior to joining Capalino, Paul was a Senior Managing Director within the Capital Markets Group at Savills and had previously worked at CBRE for 20 years where he directed many prominent transactions and was recognized as Investment Properties Professional of the Year in Manhattan on six occasions and was a member of the recipient team for the 2014 REBNY Henry Hart Award, the highest accolade in the New York real estate industry.

Theater LOVE: Penny Arcade, Heather Christian, The Tank

Paul Leibowitz
CO-CHAIR

Photo of board member, Marty Linsky

Marty taught leadership, politics and media at the Harvard Kennedy School for nearly 40 years. Co-founded a leadership consulting practice, which he sold to the staff in 2013. A graduate of Williams College and Harvard Law School, he was Assistant Minority Leader of the Massachusetts House, editorial writer for The Boston Globe, Editor of The Real Paper, and Chief Secretary to Massachusetts Governor Bill Weld. He has authored or co-authored over a dozen books and chapters, including the best-selling Leadership on the Line. 

Theater LOVE: Frances McDormand, my acting teacher J. Michael Miller, and watching Philip Seymour Hoffman and John C. Reilly alternate roles in True West 

Marty Linsky
BOARD MEMBER

Photo of board member, Samuel Morales Jr.

Samuel Morales Jr. is a Senior Technical Program Manager at Square, focusing on Privacy and Business Continuity. Samuel has worked in the technology industry for over 17 years (including 15 years at Google), in the areas of IT operations, site reliability engineering, privacy, and security compliance. He has a Master of Science in IT degree from the University of Maryland Global Campus, and an Executive MBA from the Quantic School of Business and Technology.

Theater LOVE: Rooftops, The Kraine, and The Honeycomb Trilogy

Samuel Morales Jr.
BOARD MEMBER

Siobhan O’Neill is a founding board member of The Indie Theater Fund and has a background as an NYC actor, (with many a waitress and temp job along the way) and then spent almost a decade as a booking agent for theatrical tours.  Siobhan is a founding partner and co-owner of the live theatrical production company, For The Record Live. She also has a Professional Certificate in Fundraising at NYU’s Heyman Center for Philanthropy and Fundraising.

Theater LOVE: Watching the birth of the NY International Fringe Festival with fellow Obie, John Clancy.  Ushering for a crazy new show called ‘Blue Man Group’ because she couldn’t afford a ticket, rushing to see a crazy new show called ‘Sleep No More’ before it’s limited run expired….

Siobhan O’Neil
SECRETARY

Photo of board member, Erez Ziv

Erez is a founding partner of IndieSpace and an important figure in the independent theater community in New York City. He has dedicated his 20+year career to theater and arts advocacy, creating a self-sustaining indie theater company called Horse Trade Theater Group. He also founded FRIGID New York, a 501c3 non-profit theater company, and The League of Independent Theater, the only 501c6 political advocacy organization created solely for the independent theater community. Through his work, Erez has changed the face of funding in our sector. Notable accolades include The Ellen Stewart Award in recognition of significant contributions to the Off-Off-Broadway community, and an OBIE award for the annual African American playwrights festival, The Fire This Time. 

Theater LOVE:The Pumpkin Pie Show, The Fire This Time Festival. Lesbian Love Octoagon, Surf Reality, Jackson Sturkey, Telenovela 101.

Erez Ziv
BOARD MEMBER

Special thanks to Benjamin Spradley for providing headshots.

Visit Benjamin’s website here: benjaminspradley.com

Consulting Partners

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Fundraising and Administrative Consulting Benvenuti Arts

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Communications and Website
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Finance and Operations
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The IndieSpace Board of Directors welcome you, smiling in a group photo!