Introducing 2026 Artist in Action Fellow Kallan Dana

Update
March 6, 2026
Kallan Dana in front of a decorative grid background and a logo reading "Control"

The Action Lab welcomes playwright Kallan Dana—Artist in Residence at Working Theater—as a 2026 Artists in Action fellow. In this interview, she shares insights into her new play “Control,” exploring the pressures faced by air traffic controllers balancing high-stakes work and personal life.

Kallan Dana in front of a decorative grid background and a logo reading "Control"

We are excited to continue building out our Artists in Action program in 2026, which now welcomes Kallan Dana, Artist in Residence at our anchor partner, the Working Theater, as its newest fellow. Kallan is a playwright originally from Portland, Oregon. Her plays include Lobster (The Tank/Needy Lover, Best Theater of 2025 in The New Yorker and Vulture/New York Magazine) and RACECAR RACECAR RACECAR (The Hearth/A.R.T. NY). She is a New Georges affiliated artist and 2025 Audrey Resident, and a recipient of the 2025 National Theatre Conference Paul Green Award. She co-founded the artist collaboration group TAG at the Tank and makes theater with her company Needy Lover. Our team recently sat down with Kallan to learn more about her work-in-progress, ‘Control’, which follows a group of air traffic controllers grappling with the challenges of balancing high-stakes jobs and personal pressures. Take a look at this video to learn more!

The Action Lab spark logo

Check Out The Video!

More Images

No items found.

More From This Initiative

No items found.

More Highlights

Young organizers rally in New York City, using a megaphone and holding signs calling for investment in students, safer schools, and greater youth power.
Report
Update
Video
Press
August 16, 2026

Urban Youth Collaborative Joins The Action Lab

Urban Youth Collaborative Joins The Action Lab

Urban Youth Collaborative joins The Action Lab, launching a new chapter of youth organizing, political education, and leadership development across New York City.

Cover artwork for the Latinos Out Loud podcast featuring host Rachel La Loca, Artist In Action Fellow at The Action Lab, interviewing filmmaker Luis Ortiz.
Report
Update
Video
Press
July 14, 2026

Rachel La Loca Talks Storytelling, Culture, and Community with Luis Ortiz

Rachel La Loca Talks Storytelling, Culture, and Community with Luis Ortiz

Artist In Action Fellow Rachel La Loca sits down with filmmaker Luis Ortiz for a powerful conversation on Latino storytelling, cultural leadership, and creating platforms that amplify community voices.

The Rachel portrait on white orange background
Report
Update
Video
Press
July 14, 2026

The Action Lab NY x latinos out loud presents: Luis Ortiz, creating voces out loud

The Action Lab NY x latinos out loud presents: Luis Ortiz, creating voces out loud

This episode is brought to you by The Evergreen Initiative at The Action Lab NY, whom recently appointed Rachel La Loca as an Artist In Action Fellow! Our guest is Luis Ortiz, who has been giving filmmakers a conduit for their stories for decades.

Panelists speak during the Real Utopias: Decommodifying Housing convening, hosted by The Action Lab and NYU's Urban Democracy Lab, exploring democratic approaches to affordable social housing.
Report
Update
Video
Press
July 2, 2026

Real Utopias Convening Explores the Future of Social Housing and Democratic Power

Real Utopias Convening Explores the Future of Social Housing and Democratic Power

The Action Lab and NYU's Urban Democracy Lab convened organizers, researchers, and movement leaders to explore bold strategies for expanding social housing and strengthening democratic community power.

Closed storefront gates with the title text "empty storefronts, high rents"
Report
Update
Video
Press
July 1, 2026

Policy Report | Empty Storefronts, High Rents

Policy Report | Empty Storefronts, High Rents

The Action Lab's Small Business United coalition has released a new report, Empty Storefronts, High Rents, examining one of New York City's most visible and persistent challenges: vacant storefronts that sit empty while independent businesses struggle to afford commercial rents.

Cover for the report "'Just Cause' Job Protections" from GAME CHANGERS: Economic Policies for a Working America
Report
Update
Video
Press
July 1, 2026

Policy Report | ‘Just Cause’ Job Protections

Policy Report | ‘Just Cause’ Job Protections

For the first time in decades, U.S. workers are organizing to replace the at-will employment system with just cause job protections.

top