Actionplay

What Actionplay does

Actionplay is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2011 and headquartered in New York, NY, that provides inclusive theatre-making programs for actors of all abilities, with a primary focus on autistic and neurodivergent individuals. The organization's core products are AIMS (Actionplay Inclusive Musical Series), a community theatre class for ages 13-22 that teaches participants to write, rehearse, and perform original musicals; the Voices Choir (formerly Actionplay Chorus), an inclusive community choir for amateur and professional neurodivergent singers ages 15+; the Audition Workshop, a Zoom-based acting intensive for autistic, neurodivergent, and disabled actors that culminates in a showcase for Casting Society casting directors; and Training & Professional Development workshops sold to arts institutions, museums, and schools. Programming operates from a 520 8th Avenue training facility near Penn Station (AIMS rehearsals Sundays 10:30am-12pm, October through May) and produces original musicals including NOW'S THE TIME (2026) and Dimensions & Dragons (2025). The methodology centers on a proprietary inclusive theatre-making pedagogy developed since 2011, combining sensory-aware environments, improvisational musical comedy techniques, and disability-inclusion training modules delivered by disabled performing arts professionals.

The business model is a hybrid non-profit funding structure combining earned revenue with philanthropic support. Earned revenue streams include AIMS tuition ($1,500 per full program, payable in two $750 semesterly installments), paid Voices Choir performances booked at venues throughout the tri-state area, and institutional training fees from arts organizations. The remaining operating budget is sourced from individual donations (via givebutter.com/Actionplay), corporate sponsors, and a portfolio of foundation and government grants including A.R.T. New York Small Theatres Fund, New York State Council on the Arts, Taft Foundation, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, Tealight Foundation, Arts for Autism, NEXT for Autism, and TD Charitable Foundation. Financial assistance is available through the Bingledorf Scholarship.

The go-to-market operates across three distinct motions: a community-led motion that leverages word-of-mouth within the neurodivergent and disability community; an event-driven motion that uses public performances at Lincoln Center, the Gershwin Theatre, the Metropolitan Opera, and other major NYC venues to recruit participants and build visibility; and a sales-led motion targeting arts institutions seeking professional development in inclusive practices. The leadership team includes founder and Artistic Director Aaron Feinstein (MFA Theatre, Sarah Lawrence), Founding Music Director Gabriel Lit, Interim Executive Director Jackson Tucker-Meyer (autistic playwright/filmmaker), and a board comprising Heather Walter, Roslyn Weinstein, Marguerite Elisofon, Kerry Magro, Amy Goldwasser, and Aana Anowara. Actionplay is independent with no parent company, no disclosed subsidiaries, no venture or private equity investment, and operates as a standalone 501(c)(3) governed by its board.

Name

Actionplay

Legal name

Actionplay

Website

https://actionplay.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Actionplay is a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 2011 in New York that runs inclusive theatre programs — AIMS, Voices Choir, Audition Workshop, and institutional training — for autistic, neurodivergent, and disabled actors, funded through tuition, performances, donations, and foundation grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Inclusive Theatre & Performing Arts Education

NAICS

Theater Companies and Dinner Theaters (71111), Theater Companies and Dinner Theaters (711110), Musical Groups and Artists (71113), Performing Arts Companies (7111)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Theater & Drama Education (Acting, Improvisation, Musical Theater) (EDAMAAAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Musical Theatre (Non-Broadway/Fringe) (MPAGABAG), Inclusive Classroom Environment & Sensory-Friendly Design Support (EDAKABAJ), Performing Arts (Acting, Improv, Theater) (EDAAAGAE)

Keywords

• Inclusive theatre programs
• Neurodivergent arts education
• Accessible performing arts
• Disability community theatre
• Sensory-aware arts training

Headquarters

HQ city

New York

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Program Tuition: Revenue from participant tuition for programs including AIMS (Actionplay Inclusive Musical Series) and the Audition Workshop. AIMS tuition is $1,500 for the full program, payable in two installments of $750 per semester.
2. Donations and Charitable Contributions: 501(c)(3) non-profit organization funded by individual donors, corporate sponsors, and foundation grants. Donation page available at givebutter.com/Actionplay.
3. Performed Content Licensing and Bookings: The Voices Choir (formerly Actionplay Chorus) is available for paid performances at venues throughout the tri-state area, generating revenue through performance fees.
4. Professional Development Training: Training workshops sold to arts institutions, schools, and organizations seeking to develop inclusive practices. Organizations include Philadelphia Young Playwrights, Brooklyn Children's Museum, and Brooklyn Museum.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

Actionplay delivers inclusive theatre and performing arts programs for neurodivergent and disabled individuals, including the AIMS youth musical theatre program, the Voices Choir for adults, Zoom-based audition workshops, and professional development training for arts institutions. The organization also stages original inclusive productions such as "Now's the Time" and "Dimensions & Dragons." Programs are designed for participants of all abilities, ages, and experience levels, with sensory accommodations embedded throughout.

Product overview

Actionplay is a non-profit organization providing a portfolio of inclusive theater programs. The core offerings include AIMS (a musical theater program for ages 13-22), the Voices Choir (an inclusive community choir for ages 15+), the Audition Workshop (a Zoom-based intensive for disabled actors), and Training & Professional Development workshops for educators and arts professionals. These programs operate as distinct but complementary offerings under one unified mission to create inclusive theater where actors of all abilities can learn, perform, and thrive. The organization also produces original musical productions created by and starring neurodivergent actors.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• AIMS (Actionplay Inclusive Musical Series) A weekly musical theatre program for neurodivergent and disabled youth ages 5-18, providing inclusive training and performance opportunities across beginner through advanced levels.
• Voices Choir An inclusive community choir for neurodivergent and disabled adults, providing group singing and community engagement.
• Audition Workshop A Zoom-based audition preparation workshop supporting neurodivergent and disabled actors through the audition process.
• Training & Professional Development Training, consulting, and professional development for arts institutions on inclusive theatre-making practices, drawing on 13+ years of organizational experience.
• Now's the Time (Production) An inclusive theatrical production staged by Actionplay featuring neurodivergent and disabled performers.
• Dimensions & Dragons (Production) An inclusive theatrical production staged by Actionplay featuring neurodivergent and disabled performers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Conor Tague cast in Law and Order SVU on NBC, demonstrating successful pathway from Actionplay programs to professional television acting.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered strategic and minor.

• Lincoln Center EducationstrategicImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerActionplay staff trained Lincoln Center Education staff in developing compassionate and sensory-aware experiences for autistic children and adults.
• Brooklyn Children's MuseumstrategicImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerActionplay staff trained Brooklyn Children's Museum staff in inclusive practices for serving visitors of all abilities.
• Brooklyn MuseumstrategicImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerActionplay staff trained Brooklyn Museum staff in inclusive practices for serving museum visitors with disabilities.
• Philadelphia Young PlaywrightsstrategicImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerActionplay staff trained Philadelphia Young Playwrights staff in inclusive practices for youth playwrights.
• Greenwich Village OrchestrastrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerPerformance partnership: Actionplay Chorus performed at the Orchestra's annual Holiday Concert for children 'Together in Music' for three consecutive years, including original devised production of Peter and the Wolf.
• Public TheaterstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerJackson Tucker-Meyer consulted on disability inclusivity practices for the Public Theater as an accessibility consultant.
• Theatre for a New AudiencestrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerJackson Tucker-Meyer consulted on disability inclusivity practices as an accessibility consultant.
• New Victory TheaterstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerJackson Tucker-Meyer consulted on disability inclusivity practices as an accessibility consultant.
• New York City Children's TheaterstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerJackson Tucker-Meyer consulted on disability inclusivity practices as an accessibility consultant.
• The TankstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerJackson Tucker-Meyer is Co-Director of t.h.i.n.k. at the Tank, assisting emerging neurodivergent/disabled artists in navigating access to the Tank theater.
• Museum of the Moving ImagestrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerJackson Tucker-Meyer serves on the Steering Committee for the Marvels of Media Festival at the Museum of the Moving Image.
• EPIC PlayersstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerSydney Kurland previously worked with EPIC Players as performer, writer, and teaching artist. Devan Manning serves as Teaching Artist and Mentor with EPIC Players. Both organizations are neuro-inclusive theatre companies in NYC.
• Playwrights HorizonsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSydney Kurland previously worked in community engagement and accessibility at Playwrights Horizons before joining Actionplay.
• Deaf BroadwaystrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerKim Hale is one of the founders and producers of Deaf Broadway.
• Lincoln CenterstrategicChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorActionplay Voices Choir has performed at Lincoln Center.
• Adelphi UniversityminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorActionplay Voices Choir performed at Adelphi University.
• Brooklyn Conservatory of MusicminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorActionplay Voices Choir performed at Brooklyn Conservatory of Music.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Roundabout Theatre Company: Major NYC institutional theatre that has hosted Actionplay voices/performances and partnered through Jackson Tucker-Meyer's work on the Reverb Theatre Arts Festival. Comparable as a venue and institutional partner but vastly larger scale.
• Theatre Development Fund (TDF): Long-established NYC non-profit serving accessibility and inclusion across the broader performing arts sector, including sensory-friendly programming and training. Overlaps Actionplay's institutional training work but at a wider, less specialized scope.
• Public Theater: Major NYC cultural institution that has engaged Jackson Tucker-Meyer as an accessibility consultant. Comparable as an institutional training client and venue but operates at much larger scale and broader mission.

Direct peers

• National Disability Theatre: National network producing professional theatre created by and for disabled artists. Comparable mission of advancing disabled performers into professional pipelines, though at a broader geographic scale.
• The Miracle Project: Inclusive theatre and expressive arts program for individuals with autism and other disabilities, founded by Elaine Hall and co-directed by Actionplay founder Aaron Feinstein. Shares Actionplay's methodology, leadership lineage, and HBO documentary heritage.
• Trusty Sidekick Theater Company: NYC-based inclusive theatre company creating original work for young audiences that centers disability and neurodiversity. Directly comparable target audience (youth with disabilities) and inclusive production approach.
• CO/LAB Theater Group: NYC non-profit creating theatre with individuals with developmental disabilities through acting classes, original productions, and community programs. Highly comparable operating model to Actionplay's AIMS and Voices Choir programs.
• EPIC Players: NYC-based neuro-inclusive theatre company producing original work and education programs with disabled performers. Actionplay team members Devan Manning and Sydney Kurland previously worked there as teaching artists, evidencing direct overlap in mission, geography, and programming model.

Emerging players

• Deaf Broadway: Accessible Broadway-style productions centered on Deaf performers, co-founded by Actionplay choreographer Kim Hale. Comparable focus on disability-inclusive musical theatre with overlapping creative leadership.

Others

• Arts for Autism: Advocacy and funding organization supporting arts programs for autistic individuals; an active Actionplay funder for the Voices Choir. Ecosystem partner and adjacent rather than direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCn1zJP8lEyM23xXvFDyei5g
• Facebookfacebook.com/actionplayarts
• Instagraminstagram.com/actionplayarts/?hl=en
• Xx.com/actionplayarts
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/actionplay

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles19 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Actionplay