The Under the Radar Festival (UTR) is a big event for experimental theater fans.
Every January, New York City hosts this festival, full of bold performances from artists all over the world.
And this is far from your average theater—this place is about new ideas, creative talent, and powerful stories.
If you’re already into theater or just want to try something different, UTR is worth a visit.
Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting festival, its history, and what makes it so special.
- The Under the Radar Festival brings artists from 17+ countries to New York City, sharing creative and exciting performances.
- Backed by strong supporters like online casinos and trust funds, the festival thrives with the resources to feature world-class artists and venues.
- Despite financial setbacks, the festival continues to grow, hosting over 180 performances annually and uniting global voices in experimental theater.
The History of Under the Radar
UTR started back in 2003 under the name Fresh Terrain.
It was a small festival co-produced by the University of Texas and New York’s Performance Space 122.
And even then, it featured unique artists like Big Art Group and Ann Carlson.
In 2005, the festival moved to St. Ann’s Warehouse in NYC and became a week-long event.
And the big change came in 2006 when The Public Theater joined as a partner.
With Mark Russell leading the way, the festival grew and brought in performers from Brazil, Australia, and the Netherlands.
By 2007, UTR expanded to two weeks and became a must-see event in New York City, mixing local and international talent.
What Makes This Festival Stand Out
Since its beginning, UTR has featured 104 productions from over 17 countries.
It’s known for giving space to artists who take creative risks and do things differently.
Some of the standout performers include:
- Reggie Watts is famous for mixing music and comedy in his performances.
- Nature Theater of Oklahoma is known for its fresh take on storytelling.
- Elevator Repair Service is a group that reimagines classic works in creative ways.
UTR also helps new talent shine.
Many performers have started their careers here and connected with audiences and international producers.
The Team That Brings the Festival to Life
A lot of people work behind the scenes to make UTR happen.
Founder Mark Russell has been a major force in experimental theater for over 35 years.
He’s joined by Kaneza Schaal, who creates powerful, multi-layered performances, and Meropi Peponides, an expert in group storytelling.
ArKtype, a production company run by Thomas O. Kriegsmann and Sami Pyne, also plays a big role in running the festival.
They work to keep everything organized and bring in bold, exciting performances.
Who Helps Fund the Festival
Putting on a festival this big isn’t cheap, and UTR has some interesting supporters.
Traditional funders like The Andrew Foundation and The Esther T. Charitable Trust greatly help.
However, UTR also gets funding from unexpected sources, such as online casino companies.
One major partner is Nettikasinot Ilman Rekisteröitymistä, which helps pay for venues and performers.
Some people question the connection between gambling companies and the arts.
UTR organizers explain that casinos employ creative people like writers and designers, making them natural partners.
With this funding, UTR can keep growing and offering amazing performances.
The 2024 Success and What’s Next in 2025
The 2024 UTR festival was a huge success from January 5 to January 21.
It included 17 productions at 11 venues across Brooklyn and Manhattan, with over 180 performances.
And most of the shows sold out.
The 2025 festival is planned for January 4 to January 19, and it’s expected to be just as exciting.
Performances will occur at well-known venues like Lincoln Center, La MaMa, and NYU Skirball Center.
Tickets go on sale in November, and they’re sure to sell out quickly.
A Performance You Shouldn’t Miss
One of the highlights from 2024 was “Loss,” a performance by Ian Kamau and Roger McTair.
It explored grief in Afro-Caribbean communities using music, storytelling, and video.
The show created a deep, emotional experience for the audience.
Schedule for Loss:
- January 9 @ 8 PM
- January 10 @ 8 PM
- January 11 @ 2 PM & 8 PM
Venue: The Apollo Stages at The Victoria, 233 West 125th Street, NYC
Find Out Why the Under the Radar Festival Is Worth It
As we’ve seen today, the Under the Radar Festival (UTR) is much more than a theater event.
It’s a place where people come together to enjoy bold ideas and creative performances from all kinds of artists.
UTR gives a stage to performers from all backgrounds, whether experienced professionals or new voices breaking through.
The festival challenges what people think theater can be, so it’s fresh and exciting every year.
For almost 20 years, UTR has been a part of New York City’s arts scene.
Its focus on creativity, teamwork, and showcasing new ideas makes it one of the city’s most talked-about events.
If you love theater or want to try something new, UTR is an event you’ll enjoy.
The shows are full of powerful stories and extraordinary moments you won’t forget anytime soon.
Don’t wait—grab your tickets, bring a friend, and experience the incredible performances at UTR.
