2025 was a landmark year for Off The Lane, filled with heartfelt connection, meaningful growth, and creative momentum. From expanding our core programs to deepening relationships within our artist community, we made huge strides that reflect our values and desired impact on the arts in NYC and beyond. As we look back on what we’ve built and celebrate the accomplishments of our mentors, BOOSTers, and ColLab artists, the energy for what’s next feels bright, bold, and rooted in the original mission that got us here.
Our Mentorship Program has matched 130+ mentees since 2019.
ColLab has supported 80+ artists through 12 original projects since 2022.
BOOST has guided 25+ artists since 2020.
And we’re ready to re-launch our School Partnerships program!
Our year in photos:
Looking back on our progress:
“Every year Off The Lane AMAZES me with all that we can accomplish as a small non-profit. I felt like we were unstoppable this year, and additionally, we got to eat some of the fruits of our labor from previous years. More artists than ever submitted to being part of our programs, from Mentorship to ColLab to BOOST. I was so honored to collaborate with completely new artists, like SMJ and Mackenna Goodrich during small town icons; to making dream collaborations come true by partnering with Next Stop Creatives for PASTEL FEELINGS; to creating a cozy yet spooky *inside* campfire ghost story experience with Ciera Miller’s The Hours We Had.; to leading the Mentorship Program with the best of the best, Christine Schermerhorn, in guiding 25 emerging artists into their brand new artistic careers in NYC.
We have always been scrappy, but we are the most professional, capable, scrappy group of artists in New York City. We explode our resources to reach more artists & more audiences than anyone would ever expect, and I just feel so privileged to be at the forefront of Off The Lane becoming a well-known NYC home for not only emerging and mid-career artists, but also for the newest, most imaginative, immersive and interdisciplinary theatrical experiences in the business. I cannot wait to keep exploding in 2026 😉
Our work continues to be inspired by the Shauna Niequist quote: “People aren’t longing to feel impressed: they’re longing to feel like they’re home. If you create a space full of love and character and soul, they’ll take off their shoes and curl up with gratitude and rest, no matter how small, no matter how undone, no matter how odd.
See you all next year!” –Sophie Brubaker, Producing & Programming Director
Kristal Mallookis, President:
“I am so deeply honored to work alongside the incredible humans who make up Off The Lane.
From our internal team of true unicorns overflowing with passion and love for the work we do, to our BOOSTers, Mentees and Mentors, ColLab artists, and the endlessly talented members of our community, OTL fills my heart every single day.
I could not be more proud of the work we are doing, the art we are creating, and the lives we are uplifting along the way. 2025 was an incredible year of growth, and I am beyond excited for what 2026 has in store for our beautiful nonprofit.”
Jillian Schiralli, President:
“What an amazing year with Off the Lane.
I am constantly proud of the work we do, the art we create and the lives we touch.
The community is growing, the organization is growing and my love for the arts continue to grow because of that!
I’m eternally grateful to be a small part of this talented and compassionate team.
I’m looking forward to another year of community, art and giving back to some more amazing artists! 2026…Let’s do this!”
Ayana Major Bey, BOOST Co-Chair:
“I’ve always been proud to be the co-chair of BOOST but the 2025 BOOSTers made me even prouder.
It is a program I wish that I had when I started my career and to see young artists take full advantage of it is truly rewarding. I understand how overwhelming and hard it can be to pursue a career in the arts, so our program is designed to help with not only goals but intention setting and finding your artistic agency.
The BOOST program is one of a kind and I am honored to co-chair it alongside Jillian Vitko.”
Jillian Vitko, BOOST Co-Chair:
“I gotta say, BOOST just keeps getting better!
This was one of our most successful years––we had five amazing BOOSTers complete the program AND we had our first in-person BOOST Banters, our yearly networking event. It was so wonderful to see connections being made in real time.
I’m so happy to be Co-Chairing this program with Ayana and sharing our wisdom about this crazy business. I’m always inspired talking to newer artists; it’s a reminder of why we’re all here and that this career is a journey. I’m so thankful to be a part of Off the Lane, and I can’t wait to see what next year brings!”
Rachel Sabo-Hedges, School Partnerships Chair & ColLab Artistic Director
Joining OTL this year was both grounding and energizing. Stepping into such a thoughtful, values-driven team made an immediate difference in my life as an artist and a human. Leading programs alongside people who prioritize care, collaboration, and creative risk reinforced why this work matters.
It was especially meaningful to begin laying the groundwork of our newly launched School Partnerships Program. This year felt like a season of planting – building trust, forming relationships, and setting strong roots with schools, educators and all types of artists. It’s exciting to imagine how these early efforts will continue to grow and bloom in the years ahead.
Christine Schermerhorn, Secretary & Mentorship Chair
“Leading The Mentorship Program with my partner in crime (and best giggle buddy there is), Sophie, has been a dream. Every year we expand in new and exciting ways and it really proves to keep us on our toes. We all always find a way to have so much fun with it!
As always, we facilitate every interview with all of the mentees which has led to people finding their way into the BOOST Program. It is so cool to have a conversation with someone who might not be right for mentorship but to give them tangible next steps (especially if they are right for one of our other programs).
Additionally, we had our first cinematographer accepted into The Mentorship Program and he is already living in NYC and hitting the ground running.
When Off The Lane began, I don’t think our president would have imagined that we would be able to help such a wide range of artists! I couldn’t be happier helping to run this program and in 2026 I am excited to see more mentees, have more guest sessions, take more cute graduation selfies, and hear about more artists finding successes that feed their souls!”