Safe Harbors NYC, Dominican Artists Collective (DAC), and JAG Productions have joined Noor Theatre as companies-in-residence at New York Theatre Workshop (NYTW). The collaborations are part of the Off-Broadway company's efforts to built long-term relationships with theatre ensembles, collectives, and small companies.
As part of the residencies, NYTW will collaborate with DAC, a collection of storytellers that looks to dismantle systemic oppression through art, on a series of master classes; and with Safe Harbor NYC, an arts initiative focused on the development and production of Indigenous performing arts in NYC, on the third annual Reflections of Native Voices Festival, a two-week event of theatre, music, and native dance performances by Indigenous artists from across the country. Both DAC and Safe Harbor join NYTW following earlier collaborations, including NYTW's presentation of The Cooking Project, a short film created by members of DAC, in November 2020; and the first and second annual Reflections of Native Voices Festivals.
Vermont-based JAG Productions, a multi-generational and multi-racial theatre company centering Black artists and community organizers, joins the NYTW family after building a relationship through its annual residency at Dartmouth College, and will be the New York theatre's first non-NYC based company-in-residence.
"I have dreamt about expanding the work of JAG and building into NYC ever since I started the company,” shares JAG Founder and Producing Artistic Director Jarvis Green. "Finally, after five years of rising and falling, the moment is here. Finally. Last year the board and staff committed to expanding our artistic development and presence in New York City as part of our strategic vision to establish greater ties with New York-based theatres and the artist community. So, I am beyond thrilled to begin this process with the support, wisdom, and guidance of the endlessly brilliant folx at New York Theatre Workshop. The timing of this opportunity is divine and a thrilling moment for all of us at JAG!"
NYTW's companies-in-residence program was established in 2005, giving smaller companies artistic and institutional support, mentorship by NYTW staff members, access to free rehearsal and performance space, supplies, office space, and connections to the theatre community. Past companies-in-residence include Five Lesbian Brothers, Red Bull Theater, SITI Company, Tectonic Theater Project, Theater Mitu, and Elevator Repair Service.
“NYTW's workshop and residency programs strive to make deep connections with artists who are generating theatre from a multiplicity of starting points, engaging expansively with theatrical forms, and investing in community," says NYTW Director of Project Development, Workshops, and Residencies Rachel Silverman. "Safe Harbors, DAC, and JAG are all brilliant examples of collectives with a deep commitment to these ideals. The entire NYTW community is enriched by this collaboration, and we are excited for all that is to come."
