In 1982, a group of actors assembled to explore improvisation, at that time an art form on the outer fringes of theatre. The desire to share improvisation’s unique interaction with a live audience, led to weekly performances for adults in New York City, to the development of an award-winning schools program, & eventually, to the formal incorporation of Freestyle Repertory Theatre. Since its foundation, the company has been led by artistic director Laura Livingston & executive director Michael Durkin; & guided by its mission:

  To explore the art of improvisational theatre & to take it to as wide an audience as possible.

  At present, FRT is focused exclusively on its programs for children & families. We feel a theatre company must present only its best work to children, for the same reason that one hopes children are fed only the best food: to nourish them as they grow – in this case, to nourish a developing understanding & appreciation for theatre.

  Every year our ON-SITE PERFORMANCES introduce thousands of students to the excitement of live theatre at their schools & community centers. Hundreds receive in-depth improv instruction in their classrooms through our RESIDENCIES PROGRAM. Our FAMILY PERFORMANCES for the general public bring children & parents into neighborhood theatres. In our TEEN EDITION, dedicated high school groups learn to collaborate with each other to perform in their own improv show.