In the old Archive Building in Greenwich Village is a place where independent theater is being nurtured, and new, budding performers are supported. IRT is a grassroots laboratory, giving space and opportunity to the upcoming generation of artists in New York City.

IRT Theater was launched in 2007 with the goals of giving student artists a chance to work with professionals and to offer development and performance opportunities for deaf artists and audiences. Currently IRT has two main missions: the first is to support and encourage independent artists including those who are deaf. The second, established in 2012, is the Westside Experiment, which is designed to nurture the upcoming generation of theater artists through its educational program. The Experiment is a teen acting laboratory that matches students with working theater artists so they can learn about their craft while also creating original theater art at IRT.

Teens from grades 6 to 12 can participate in the Young Actor’s Laboratory, which has two sessions this summer: Session 1: July 8-21 and Session 2: July 22-August 4. The cost is $600 per session with tuition assistance available for qualified applicants. For more information call IRT at: 212-206-6875. IRT is located at 154 Christopher St., buzzer 3B.