Our Mission

CO/LAB Theater Group is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing Creative Opportunities without Limits And Boundaries. CO/LAB offers individuals with developmental disabilities a creative and social outlet through theater arts.

Through our programming, we encourage actors to collaborate as an ensemble and discover their individual voices. CO/LAB creates a safe, judgment-free, and neuro-diverse environment that allows participants the opportunity to express themselves both in class and on stage. We seek to honor and celebrate every individual.

CO/LAB aims to offer financially accessible programs to all. All of our CO/LAB:core programming is offered at low to no cost to participants. We aim to provide access to all those who want to participate, regardless of financial background.

Our History

CO/LAB was founded in 2011 by four Syracuse graduates—Laura Borgwardt, Becky Leifman, Arielle Lever, and Sarah Olbrantz—who participated in a similar program while at Syracuse. Upon moving to NYC, they searched for but could not find a comparable organization, and decided to form their own. CO/LAB has since expanded from one pilot class of 13 actors to a full schedule of theater classes for individuals with developmental disabilities. In the intervening years we have reached over 1,000 individuals with developmental disabilities through our programs and have developed dozens of original musicals and ensemble-created theatrical performances.

Our Values

All of our work is guided and inspired by the following core values:

  • We believe all are welcome. We foster a community with open doors that is supportive of people with all abilities, beliefs, and backgrounds.

  • We honor and celebrate each individual for who they are. We value everyone's unique contribution to our ensemble at large.

  • We set the bar high, artistically and administratively. We are ambitious. We learn, grow, and thoughtfully apply our knowledge.

  • We listen carefully, encourage new ideas, and collaborate with team members.

  • We empower generous, honest, passionate, joyful people to lead the organization.

CO/LAB’s first performance in 2011.

CO/LAB’s first performance in 2011.