Support Structures

Here at Flux, we very much hope that you’ll consider making a donation to support our work (so we can continue sharing moments like these with you). But it’s also important to acknowledge that no theatre company goes it alone, and there are organizations that improve the conditions of the field for all theatres. We have to support the structures that support our work.

To that end, here is a (by no means comprehensive) list of some of the organizations worth your support:

The New York Theatre Experience: You most likely know them from nytheatre.com, but Martin and Rochelle Denton do so much more – podcasts, publishing plays, artist features and most recently,the iTunes for plays project, Indie Theater Now. They not only shine a far more inclusive light on the diversity of NYC theatre than any other media outlet, but also serve as a connector of artists.

New York Innovative Theatre Awards: The IT Awards, like nytheatre.com reviews, are peer driven, and this serves two important purposes. It increases the likelihood that a greater diversity of excellence will be recognized, and indeed, every year, I hear about a whole bunch of new companies. It also (like the nytheatre.com reviews) serves to introduce artists to the work of their peers that they might otherwise miss.

The Alliance of Resident Theatres/New York: A.R.T./NY serves the field through grants, training, connection opportunities and advocacy, and their funding for small theatre organizations makes them uniquely vital. Check out their history page to see the profound impact this organization has had on the field since 1972.

Network of Ensemble Theatres: Flux loves NET! Our participation in their national conferences profoundly changed our approach to making theatre. If you’re an Indie Theatre company working within the ensemble model, I strongly recommend joining NET. The opportunity to learn from other organizations working within Ensemble models is invaluable, and you’ll feel connected to a nationwide movement rethinking the role of artists within institutions.

Theatre Communications Group: In my relatively new role as Associate Director of Communications at TCG, I’ve been overwhelmed by the dizzying number of ways we touch the field. Check out some I AM THEATRE videos,  read some recent stories on the TCG Circle, watch this 50th anniversary video and you’ll begin to get a sense of our reach. I feel lucky to work here, and believe in our mission more deeply every day.

It’s also important – especially after the closing of Manhattan Theatre Source’s building – to remember to support the presenting organizations and rental spaces making a difference to the work of smaller theatres. For Flux, we’re so grateful towards The Gym at Judson and the hospitality they have already shown towards Menders; and the BFG Collective is off to having a wonderful experience at The Secret Theatre.

Beyond Flux, organizations like The Horse Trade Theater, The Brick Theater and the Bushwick Starr are doing an exemplary job of presenting truly emerging artists and companies, and are well worthy of your support.

There are so many deserving theatre companies out there (and I try to give to as many as I can!), but it’s also important to pull the frame back and remember that all of us are made stronger by the work of organizations like those above. Here’s to moving the whole field forward in 2012!