Mission Statement

The League was formed in 2007 to empower, unify, and protect the voices and interests of those who work and enjoy independent theater across the five boroughs of NYC.

What’s Independent Theater?

We consider independent theater to be any theater taking place in a 99-or-less seat theater, or in nontraditional spaces like outdoor spaces, public streets, or bars.

Advocacy Organization

The League is a 501(c) 6 non-profit advocacy organization (a business league). This allows us to endorse specific candidates and legislation.

All-Volunteer, Member-Driven

Our work is performed entirely by volunteers from within the indie community. We do not rely on large funders or membership dues.

History

The League of Independent Theater began as an idea sparked by the First Indie Theater Convocation sponsored by Martin Denton and the New York Theatre Experience.

At that meeting, three artist/producers, John Clancy, Paul Bargetto and John Pinkard, who were inspired by the turnout and frustrated by the lack of organization in this sector, agreed to meet to discuss the possibility of forming a League for Off Off Broadway. After initial meetings, a larger group was formed to create a steering committee to create a new organization.

This included Shay Gines, Abby Marcus, John Pinkard, Leonard Jacobs, Martin Denton, Paul Bargetto, John Clancy, Erez Ziv, and Robert Honeywell. Under the guidance of this steering committee, The League incorporated as a 501 (c) 6 advocacy organization and began recruiting membership.

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