Meet Randi Berry, Executive Director @ IndieSpace
Randi is an indie theater maker with an arts advocacy and commercial real estate background. She is the co-founder of Wreckio Ensemble Theater Company, The Indie Theater Fund and IndieSpace. Randi has worked on over $11B in commercial real estate transactions and has created programs resulting in thousands of artists receiving funding, free real estate consulting services, rehearsal space and opportunities for professional growth. Select awards include: NYIT Indie Theater Champion, The Ellen Stewart Award, Indie Theater Person of the Year, member of the Indie Theater Hall of Fame and a Citation for Service by the New York City Council.
Q: What made you become an entrepreneur? How did you make that decision to quit your job and start building IndieSpace?
A: I spent a lot of time working in commercial real estate while building my own theater company. The split focus and constant pull back and forth was difficult and made it nearly impossible to grow my art practice. I did learn a tremendous amount though and found myself constantly evaluating what I did have access to through my real estate work that could enhance my theater making. I rehearsed in the vacant spaces of the buildings we were selling, I invited my co-workers and clients to my shows, I created galas just for them etc. I learned how to hustle. That type of hustle was only possible, though, because of my proximity to power and my privilege. I decided to finally stop the back and forth when I had my child. I was home with them, feeling a bit isolated and felt pulled to use my skills and resources to serve the community of artists that I love so much. I needed to create something that would help other artists that were struggling to balance the incredible pull to make art and the need for survival in this city. Something that I could do from home, carve my own path in and that would address so many of the inequities I experienced when trying to finance my own work.
Q: If someone is trying to finance / fund their impact ventures what advice would you give them? What’s the most important thing to consider?
A: Center your values, know who you are, what matters to you and what service you are bringing to the world. Lead with that ALWAYS. That is what people respond to. Your WHY. If there is a real need for that, people will eventually come. Balancing your authentic drive with the need to take care of yourself is always the challenge.
Q: In your opinion, is it better to focus on the big picture or take it day by day?
A: You need to do both. You need to lay out the big picture so you know what your day to day is leading you towards. Spending some time at the beginning of the year to set some goals and lay out a plan for yourself helps you align your day to day. If you are spending too much of your day to day on things that aren’t bringing you close to those goals, its time to re-evaluate.
Q: Where can we find you? How can we connect with you?
LinkedIn: Click to connect
Instagram: @randib1234 @indietheaterfund
Twitter: @indietheater, @indiespacenyc
Facebook: – indiespacenyc, indietheaterfund