Theatre 167 & The Caffe Cino Fellowship Award

In 1958 when Joe Cino opened the doors of his Caffé and invited members of a burgeoning arts scene to use the 10 by 10 foot stage as their playground, it started a revolution. Theatre artists, poets and musicians, puppeteers and clowns, playwrights and directors, dancers and actors all found a home at the Caffé Cino. It was a place that valued diversity, encouraged experimentation an collaboration and often witnessed groundbreaking work that pushed at the very boundaries of the theatrical art form. The recipient of the 2015 Caffé Cino Fellowship Award shares these qualities.

Theatre 167 receives the 2015 Caffé Cino Fellowship Award

Theatre 167 was born in one of the most unique and diverse neighborhoods in the world, Jackson Heights, Queens – where 167 different languages are spoken on a daily basis. This company of artists embraced the character of their home and dedicated their company to investigating the cultural and artistic intersections, boundaries and borders of storytelling. Through productions like 167 Tongues, You Are Now the Owner of this Suitcase, The Church of Why Not and Jackson Heights 3AM, Theatre 167 derives inspiration from their multiracial, multicultural, multilingual, multifaith community to explore how both individual and collective perspectives enrich the theatrical experience.They perform their work in venues throughout New York City, playing to: what one critic called “the most diverse audience I’ve ever seen.” 

Their works have been presented as part of the World’s Fair Play Festival, The Theatre: Village Festival and has even been reimagined as an immersive theatrical exhibit for the Queens Museum. Like Joe Cino, Theatre 167 strives to create a nurturing space where artists come together to create work that elucidates their experiences and reflects their society. Through collaboration they work to build a new “artistic language” that celebrates and amplifies the voices of their community.

The recipients of the Caffé Cino Fellowship also receive a grant to be used towards an Off-Off-Broadway production. Theatre 167 used that money to help fund their production of  You Are Now the Owner of This Suitcase, which will run April 9th - May 1st at the West End Theatre. Read more about this project.

In addition to the grant, this last year, we initiated a new and powerful tradition by passing on Joe Cino's ring. Joe Cino’s ring has become something of a legend and has passed through the hands of some of the most influential artists in our community including: Joe, Lanford Wilson, Kenny Burgess, Magie Dominic, Doric Wilson, Daniel Talbott, Martin Denton and Rochelle Denton and the Founders of the New York Innovative Theatre Awards. This ring is a symbol of the circle of our community and has become an article of faith – faith that each new recipient will carry on the traditions of the Caffé Cino in their own endeavors.

From this time forward, Joe Cino’s ring will be passed each year from one Fellowship Award recipient to the next. We hope that it will serve to remind us of our rich artistic heritage and the independent spirit that binds us together. 

Check out You Are Now the Owner of This Suitcase and join us in supporting this incredible theatre company by making a donation.


The Caffe Cino Fellowship Award grant is funded in part by the Donn Russell Fund.

Theatre 4the People & Spit&Vigor receives Donn Russell Fund Grant

Spit&Vigor Productions and Theatre 4the People are two companies whose clearly defined social and political views drive their work. Spit&Vigor is dedicated to empowering the actor as a full collaborator in the artistic process. As such, they “aim to give a platform for actors to realize their full creative potential.” Theatre 4the People employs courageous artists to investigate human conflicts and strives to make their productions economically accessible to everyone.

Sara Fellini and Adam Belvo accept the award for Outstanding Premiere Production of a Play

Creative partners from these organizations teamed up in 2015 to collaborate on the new play In Vestments by Sara Fellini. The result was an intense, frenetic and engaging work that left audiences feeling like they had experienced something powerful.

Theatre 4the People's production of In Vestments

In Vestments received the Outstanding Premier Production of a Play Award in 2015. The award included a grant from the Donn Russell Fund. The grant will be used to support the upcoming production of The Execution of Mrs. Cotton by Sara Fellini, which will premiere in June at the I.R.T. Theater.


Congratulations to Theatre 4the People and to Spit&Vigor for receiving a Donn Russell Fund grant! 

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Smith Street Stage receives Donn Russell Fund Grant

Since they first presented Romeo and Juliet in 2010, Smith Street Stage has endeavored to make each of their productions “deeply meaningful as well as broadly accessible.” This means not only employing rigorous theatrical skill and grounding classic text in familiar human experiences; but also presenting these complex works usually for free and in a public park. Their annual residency at Carroll Park has become a highly anticipated summer series for Brooklyn residents and they have developed a loyal following.

“An experience like no other, Smith Street Stage delivers passionate, spectacular plays for humans of all ages. Professional actors and artists collaboratively put together plays that are always entertaining and make you feel like you are part of something special!” 
                                                                    ~ Cynthia V. from Astoria

Smith Street Stage receives the 2015 Outstanding Revival of a Play Award

Smith Street Stage received the Outstanding Revival of a Play Award for Much Ado About Nothing in 2015. As a part of that award, they were also the recipients of a grant from the Donn Russell Fund. That money will be used to support their 2016 season, which kicks off in June with a production of The Tempest directed by Artistic Director, Beth Ann Hopkins.

Smith Street Stage's production of Much Ado About Nothing

“The talent of Smith Street and their incredible collaborative energy was the best part of working with this company, both as a choreographer and a performer. The focus and commitment to clarity of storytelling is incredible.” ~ Mary Cavett

“I am honored to work alongside so many talented and eager artists, on such spirited, fresh and exuberant work.” ~ Patrick Harvey

“This group of brave, smart, funny and generous storytellers are brilliant.” ~ Alexandra Henrikson

“I believe Smith Street Stage is reaching beyond entertaining Brooklyn with free Shakespeare. Working with this company was a beautiful reminder of why we as artists do what we do. I was proud to be a part of that; igniting a passion and love for Shakespeare.”  ~ Lauren Pennline

Congratulations to Smith Street Stage, Inc. for receiving a Donn Russell Fund grant! 

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New Stage Theatre receives Donn Russell Fund Grant

Under the direction of Artistic Director Ildiko Nemeth, New Stage Theatre Company creates some of the most visceral and visually evocative work currently gracing OOB stages. By bringing together artists from around the world, their goal is to employ a universal expression of art that overcomes the limitations of language, customs or theatrical conventions. The results are often stunning and garner raves from critics and audiences alike. 

"Ildiko Nemeth, in helming New Stage Theater Company’s current production of the work, infuses it with a warmth and groundedness that brilliantly compliment its absurd, intellectual elements; her insightful and precise direction elicit from the actors dynamic and nuanced performances." 
              ~ Dmitry Zvonkov, Stage and Cinema (reviewing Garden of Delights)

New Stage Theatre Company receives 2015 Outstanding Performance Art Production Award

In 2015 New Stage was presented with the Outstanding Performance Art Production Award for Night by Charles Mee. As a part of that award, they received a grant from the Donn Russell Fund. The grant was used to support their current creation, Electronic City by Falk Richter which is playing from March 18th until April 3rd at Theater for the New City. Make sure to check out NSTC's signature style in this new complex and striking production.

New Stage Theatre Compnay's production of Night

 "Working with the NSTC is like working in a family, everybody knows everybody and it is always a great pleasure, every year, to get back together and build something together."
                                         ~ Isabelle Duverger

"I always enjoy working with New Stage. They are very adventurous, amazing theatre makers and the greatest bunch of people." ~ Federico Restrepo

"Working with New Stage allows me to explore new ways of using space and visual imagery as a tool for narrative storytelling. It is always a great experience and journey with some extraordinary artists." ~ Laia Carera

Congratulations to New Stage Theatre Company for receiving a Donn Russell Fund grant! 

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Astoria Performing Arts Center receives Donn Russell Fund Grant

Astoria Performing Arts Center (APAC) was founded in 2001 and is celebrating its 15 Year Anniversary on March 21st. 

APAC receives the 2012 Caffe Cino Fellowship Award. Photo by Anton Nickely

During its 15 years, APAC has received many awards including the New York Innovative Theatre Awards the Caffe  Cino Fellowship Award in 2012 and the Outstanding Production of a Musical Award in 2015 for Merrily We Roll Along. As part of the Outstanding Production Award, APAC is also the recipient of a grant from the Donn Russell Fund.

These funds will be used to support APAC's comprehensive repertoire which includes revivals and premieres of plays and musicals, as well as developing new works through readings and workshops.

They use theatre to engage with and contribute to their community by offering free annual community programs, including: a summer performance camp for children, an after school playwriting program for middle school students, and a performance program for Queens residents over the age of 60. They are one of the most diverse and respected companies working Off-Off-Broadway and a company that truly knows the meaning of the word “community”. However, they aren’t just a part of the community; they create community, attracting theatre artists and enthusiasts from throughout the city and growing a loyal audience following.

   * See photo captions below

APAC has become an integral part of the Indie Theatre scene; working with hundreds of theatre artists, and participating in community organizations and events. This adventurous company pushes the limit of what theater can achieve, and consistently produces thrilling and outstanding work.

“I adored working with the entire team of In the Bones at APAC -- everyone brought something beautiful and profound to the process!” ~ Mel House

“I loved getting to work at APAC. They are so giving and smart and fun, that every rehearsal was a joy to be a part of.” ~ Emily Koch

“I have worked for the Astoria Performing Arts Center and know the high quality of work that they produce. Dev Bondarin is a spectacular director, she is smart and collaborative, she challenges you to get outside of your comfort zone, but also makes sure you feel safe.” ~ Rachel Rhodes-Deve

Congratulations to Astoria Performing Arts Center for receiving a Donn Russell Fund grant!

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* Photos of APAC's productions of Merrily We Roll Along and In The Bones (Photos by Michael Dekker) and Photo from 2015 IT Awards Nominee Announcement (Photo by Meredith Jones)

Donn Russell Fund Reipients

In 2015 the Innovative Theatre Foundation was blessed to receive an endowment from an incredible champion for OOB, Mr. Donn Russell. With this money we have created the Donn Russell Fund. We are so excited that through the fund, we are able to support some of the incredible artists and companies working in Indie Theatre.

This year we have provided grants to seven theatre companies. Over the next few weeks, we will tell you a little bit more about this deserving artists.

 Donn Russell 1972


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