Since 2021, Theatre of the Oppressed NYC (TONYC) has been in the process of instituting democratic workplace practices, and in 2024 we became a worker self-directed nonprofit. Our worker-members, currently consisting of Jokers and administrative staff, share decision-making power and collectively steer TONYC. This means that every key decision is made through a series of proposals, discussions, and votes, before being enacted. 

Our excitement to have accomplished this step toward worker power is mixed with heaviness looking at the decisions we have had to make together. TONYC has been navigating a tumultuous funding landscape since returning to in-person programming post-COVID lockdowns, and last year we had to reduce programming and say goodbye to two incredible colleagues. Now, we are ready for the very real possibility that things will only get worse. Our people are under attack - as evidenced by executive orders to deny the existence of transgender people, legislation to yank 501c3 status, the regressive new NEA guidelines, and Trump’s hostile takeover of the Kennedy Center. Simultaneously, we are seeing the urgent need for our work - which connects people from disparate communities around the city and offers a platform for solidarity and movement building. 

This month, our worker-members gathered to proactively plan a financial response that will allow TONYC to pursue our mission through a time of incredible uncertainty. Balancing our staff’s individual needs, organizational capacity, and ability to deliver Theatre of the Oppressed programming to our community, we weighed a series of proposals - including the potential for additional layoffs - before voting to reduce hours for all administrative staff members from now through the summer. 

This has not been an easy decision. During a period when our desire is to increase output, this will put a strain on staff capacity. Further, for full-time administrative staff, this means navigating personal financial difficulties. We have chosen to keep people employed and postpone the major disruption of halving our administrative team, as we await spring funding decisions and the potential cash from the Employee Retention Tax Credit owed to us from the IRS. While the decision was a hard one, we are still finding time to celebrate the successful process of making it collectively. Rather than a single individual making a unilateral decision, our worker-members were able to spend time weighing options, asking questions, and considering proposals. 

Through this process, we have reaffirmed our commitment to our work, our community, our city, and to you. We are grateful to be fighting alongside you in working toward a more just world. 

Apply by 2/21: Introduction to Building Forum Theatre

Our 2025 Level 1 training will introduce participants to TONYC’s process of creating forum theatre performances. This training is for community organizers, artists, and community members who plan to apply Forum Theatre to engage groups in action toward social change. 

Part 1 - Online April 7, 14, 21 (Monday evenings from 5:30p-8:30p)

Part 2 - In-Person April 26-27 (Saturday &  Sunday from 12-5:30p + an optional Saturday Social for unfacilitated questions, networking and fun!)

Rates for the full training are on a sliding scale between $300-$700. You can apply to pay based on your financial means, the value you wish to receive, or your desire to support. Applications are due February 21. Confirmation of your application status will be sent by February 28.

P.S. Save the date for an online training in Legislative Theatre, on May 9th!

Move in with us!

We are looking for a performing arts non-profit to rent one of our rooms, a set of desks, or arrange a space share. Is this you? Or someone you know? Come by for a visit!

In the meantime, we’re taking bookings. Check out the full information at www.tonyc.nyc/rentals

Save the date for Fall Fight-Raiser