Cast of The Diamond, Photo by Emmanuel Abreu, courtesy of People's Theatre Project

It was just 15 years ago that MA graduate Mino Lora was inspired to use theatre as an outlet to uplift the voices of immigrants, young people, and people of color in Washington Heights and Inwood. With a modest savings and a rich passion for the performing arts, Lora launched People’s Theatre Project (PTP)—now the largest performing arts organization in Upper Manhattan.

“I knew theatre was the perfect vehicle for building a culture of peace in my beloved neighborhood,” said Lora, who grew up in Washington Heights after emigrating to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic.

“When I first started PTP, some volunteers and I canvassed 200 people to find out what role the arts had in their lives. Eighty-five percent of respondents said they had never been to the theatre, while 90% said ‘Claro!’ in response to the invitation to perform with People’s Theatre Project.” – Mino Lora

PTP Academy Students Perform, Photo by Emmanuel Abreu, courtesy of People's Theatre Project

It was clear to Lora that, despite the talent and diversity of Washington Heights and Inwood, there were limited spaces in the communities to create, rehearse, and perform.

“Having witnessed Mino’s inspiring energy with my own kids, when she was their theatre teacher, it’s not surprising she has taken PTP to a whole new level. People’s Theatre Project is giving immigrant youth and adults an outlet to explore who they are and find out how to use their individual voices to make change for the good in not only their community, Washington Heights, but in the world.” – Kirsten Aiello, Brown Harris Stevens Agent, Actress, and PTP Supporter

PTP Academy students perform We The People, Photo by Gianni Sanchez, courtesy of People's Theatre Project

Behind the curtain, PTP’s staff is as diverse as the talent it showcases. From the board of directors to marketing professionals and stagehands, most identify as first- or second-generation immigrants representing over 20 countries across the Caribbean, Latin and South America, Africa, and Asia.

PTP Academy students perform a creative action in Albany, Photo courtesy of NYIC

Along with a robust calendar of productions being put on throughout the year, PTP offers unique, free programming for youth interested in the performing arts. For example, the Academy Program helps connect students with internships and college opportunities.

"We know that our immigrant youth are the future of our city, and we provide ALL our rigorous youth development and theatre programming to 146 kids completely free to their families. We are currently still raising funds for our annual student scholarship drive. You can see more of the impact of PTP and support our young people here!" – Mino Lora

PTP productions spotlight both devised theatre—created in-house by members—and original plays done in collaboration with the Latinx Playwright’s Circle. The shows pull inspiration from real-life experiences, culture, and community, and the result is a vibrant array of shows and voices—all of which underscore the vital role immigrant youths play in shaping the future of New York City.

Now, with PTP’s soon-to-be-finished, nearly 20,000 square-foot facility, the organization will have the first dedicated flexible theatre space north of 125th Street.

The People’s Theatre: Centro Cultural Inmigrante was designed by immigrant and woman-owned architect firm WorkAC. The state-of-the-art space will open in 2026 and serve as a multigenerational community and civic space. It will comprise four rehearsal studios, a 45-seat studio theatre, a café, box office, and a mainstage theatre that can seat up to 208 people, putting it firmly in the “Off Broadway” category. It will be fully ADA-accessible and, along with full-scale productions, will host community programming like drag story hour, open mics, and intimate acoustic concerts.

“Thanks to investments by Governor Kathy Hochul, our local councilmember and champion Carmen De La Rosa, New York City Council, NYC Economic Development Corporation, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, New York-Presbyterian, and Lin-Manuel Miranda and his family, we have raised over $30 million dollars for our new home. And we are still aiming to raise an additional $7 million in private funds.” - Mino Lora

You can read all about the project and make a donation on PTP’s website here.

"Organizations like the People’s Theatre Project help uphold what makes New York City special: our culture, diversity, and talent. PTP provides such a powerful platform for underrepresented communities in Manhattan, including youth, to share their voices and stories. I cannot recommend their productions enough." - Marsi Gardiner, Brown Harris Stevens Agent, Broadway Producer

If you are interested in joining the People’s Theatre Project, you can reach out to  Mino Lora and her team at [email protected]. Connect with Kirsten Aiello and Marsi Gardiner for your NYC real estate needs.