COLAB Theater Group

CO_LAB Theater Group is a New York City-based nonprofit creating theater by, with, and for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD.)

Founded in 2011, CO_LAB (Creative Opportunities without Limits And Boundaries) offers individuals with I/DD a creative and social outlet through theater arts. Our service model is dictated by our number one organizational value—all are welcome—fostering a judgment-free, neuro-diverse community where actors collaborate as an ensemble, discover their individual voices, and serve as leaders in their community. We meet this promise through free weekly theater classes (CO_LAB Core) that culminate in fully produced work in Off-Broadway venues; on-site residencies (CO_LAB Connect) at schools and agencies across the city; and employing seasoned actors with I/DD (CO_LAB Leaders) to support classes, represent CO_LAB at community events, co-facilitate professional development workshops, and engage in organizational planning.

We're currently seeking support for the launch of CO_LAB Tours, a new initiative that brings high-quality arts programming directly into under-resourced schools serving students with I/DD. The project addresses two sides of the same problem. Adults with I/DD need meaningful creative employment. Students with I/DD need to see disabled adults represented as working artists and leaders—not as recipients of services, but as professionals. CO_LAB Tours aims to bridge that gap by employing eight adult actors with I/DD as professional touring performers while bringing disability-led theater to 800 students across eight schools in grades 3-8. We'll remount The Sensational Senses, an original musical with puppetry, and adapt it for touring. This model builds on the success of our CO_LAB Connect program, which we piloted in 2021 with foundation support; it grew into a thriving program that now serves hundreds annually. Our tiered pricing model (offering up to 90% subsidies) ensures financial barriers never prevent schools and community centers from accessing this work.

For adults with I/DD, professional arts opportunities provide essential tools of self-expression and strengthen self-esteem. For students, seeing disabled adults as working artists opens pathways they may never have imagined. CO_LAB Tours will create artistic exchange in populations too often left out of the cultural conversation, proving that artistry and disability are intertwined strengths.