Creating theater that challenges and changes the world
I.R.D productions is a 501c3 non-profit theater organization
MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to create politically challenging, diverse theatre at low cost or free of charge for New York City audiences with our Low Cost, Free Theater Initiative.
Programs
The Low Cost, Free Theater Initiative
Many individuals who value the arts and want more exposure simply cannot afford the cost of high theater tickets due to financial adversity. By establishing the Low Cost, Free Theater Initiative in 2023, our organization has served these demographics of individuals and allowed them to have access to more mainstream theater art in New York City.
The New Playwright Program
The New Playwright Program was launched in 2024 and gives writers of color, as well as writers from other marginalized groups a chance to have their plays workshopped, then performed in a staged reading, or a fully staged production. Writers who demonstrate a unique way of telling stories, and who tell narratives that challenge the political and social norms of the current society we live in will be selected for this program.
If interested in submitting work for this program email:
Give a brief synopsis about the play and how many characters are in it. After reading the synopsis, if interested, applicants will be invited to submit a full script.
Note: All plays must be full length, no one acts or 10min plays will be accepted.
ISAAC DEAN
Artistic Director and Founder of I.R.D Productions Non-Profit Theater Organization
HEAD OF BOARD
Isaac Dean is a union member of Stage Directors, and Choreographers Society (SDC), and also a member of Actors Equity Association (AEA). He received performing arts training at the William Inge Center for the Arts and at The Hart Theater School. He then finished up his Bachelor of Arts degree at (KU) Kansas University. For the past fifteen years he has worked as a professional New York City based writer, director, actor, and producer, and has had memberships with various acting companies such as Rising Sun Theater Company, Riant Theater Company, Magis Theater Company, and The Complete Theater Company. He has performed in numerous shows on New York City theater stages. Some of his notable roles performed include Macduff in the Shakespeare play Macbeth, Nat Turner in The Prophet, Velma in Case Closed The Dorian Corey Story, and Austin in True West.
THERESA LEWANDOWSKI
BOARD MEMBER
Theresa Lewandowski, originally from New Jersey, now resides in the fast-paced, infinitely versatile city of NYC which fuels her aspirations and complements her love for the arts. Theresa holds both an associate degree and a bachelor's degree from Brooklyn College, with her associate degree in art history and her bachelor's degree in finance and business development. Blending her artistic passion with financial expertise, Theresa is very proud to serve as an active board member for I.R.D Productions.
MELISSA ERICKSON
BOARD MEMBER
Melissa Erickson is a proud member of Actors Equity Association (AEA). Her professional stage management and production assistant credits include New York National Tours: (Are You My Mother, Miss Nelson is Missing, Pete the Cat) Film: Key Production Assistant (Impractical Jokers), and Off-Broadway: Production Supervisor (20 Seconds), Production Coordinator (Emily Dickinson, Because I Could Not Stop for Death), Assistant Stage Manager (Shake and Bake, Love Labour’s Lost), Production Manager (The Big Bang Theory Musical Parody). Melissa is very pleased with the opportunity to serve as an active board member for I.R.D Productions.
PAST SHOW
(2025)
Blinded By Faith
Written and Directed
by
Isaac Dean
Blinded by Faith tells the captivating story of the negative effects of gay conversion therapy and how damaging it is to the mental, and physical health of individuals who undergo this type of treatment.
Part of the Low Cost, Free Theater Initiative & The New Playwright Program
New York Cities Summer Fest Theater Festival
PAST SHOW
(2023)
True West
by Sam Shepard
Part of The Low Cost, Free Theater Initiative
A special thanks to the Puffin Foundation for their grant support that helped make these productions possible.
Help Our Cause
With artistic grants and donations, I.R.D Productions Non-Profit Theater Organization is able to keep professional theater ticket prices at low cost for New York City theater audiences, as well as gain the funding to pay all artist and support staff involved with each production. By donating to I.R.D Productions, you can help keep our mission of low cost theater alive. No donation is too great or too small, every little bit helps.
