named programs · 5 · from sources
What they call their work
Chasing Happy
Original theatrical production developed and performed by Pulse Ensemble Theatre
Harlem Summer Shakespeare
Annual free outdoor Shakespeare productions in Harlem and surrounding areas, featuring diverse casts and contemporary settings while preserving original text
Jacob's Room
Original musical with book, music and lyrics by Darryl Curry, produced by Pulse Ensemble Theatre
Seminars and Workshops
Educational programs introducing new talent and playwrights, including youth theater workshops and school tours
W.E.B. Du Bois: A Man for All Times
Original play written and directed by Alexa Kelly, performed on tour in New Jersey schools
activities · 4 groups
What they do
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New Play Development Programs 1 activity
- Developing new theatrical works through its Playwrights’ LabThe organization operates a Playwrights’ Lab that develops new scripts through in-house development, readings, and workshops. This includes full productions of original works such as "Chaos Theory" and "Strings Attached," which were created and refined through the Lab’s developmental support system.
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Professional Theatrical Production 1 activity
- Producing and staging theatrical works, including Shakespearean plays and new scriptsPulse Ensemble Theatre produces and stages two major theatrical productions annually: a summer Shakespeare site-specific outreach production and a new script developed through its Playwrights’ Lab. These include contemporary adaptations of Shakespeare’s works—such as Romeo and Juliet, The Taming of the Shrew, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, As You Like It, Macbeth, Twelfth Night, and The Tempest—often reimagined with modern themes, settings, or social dynamics, while preserving original language. Productions have been staged at venues including Riverbank State Park, Theatre Row, and The Barrow Group Performing Arts Space.
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Youth Theater Arts Education 1 activity
- Providing training and skill development for theatre artistsPulse Ensemble Theatre offers private and group coaching in acting, voice, movement, directing, and public speaking, and runs an Apprentice Program, workshops, and classes to support actors, playwrights, and directors in developing their craft. It also provides free outreach programs focused on artist training.
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Uncategorized 1 activity
- Touring educational and original theatrical productionsThe organization tours original and educational productions regionally and internationally, including performances of "W.E.B. Du Bois: A Man for All Times" across New Jersey, Massachusetts, New York, and at festivals such as the New York International Fringe Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland.
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financials · form 990EZ · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$25K
Contributions & grants$11K44%
Program service revenue——
Investment income——
Other revenue$14K
expenses
Total expenses$21K
Program expenses91%
Admin / overhead9%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$3K
Grants paid out—
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$61K
Cash$45K
Investments$0
Liabilities$21K
Net assets$42K
Liquid reserves26.1 mo
3 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue -91.0%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
board members · 1
- TOM HERMAN — DIRECTOR
relationships · 33
Who they work with
- 59E59 Theaters Partner — Performance venue in New York City for "W.E.B. Du Bois: The Man and His Times" in 2012.
- Alexa Kelly Partner — Directed the 2006 production of Romeo and Juliet
- Alexa Kelly Partner — Director of "Strings Attached" production.
- Amnon Kabatchnik Partner — Collaborated with director Amnon Kabatchnik for the production of "Ladies in Retirement".
- Backstage.com Partner — Provided promotional coverage or review for the production of A Midsummer Night's Dream.
- CARNEGIE CORPORATION OF NEW YORK Funder — Sponsor of the 2005 production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream"
- CON EDISON Funder — Sponsor of the 2005 production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream"
- Carole Buggé Partner — Playwright of "Strings Attached," produced by Pulse Ensemble Theatre.
- Councilman Robert Jackson Funder — Provided public funding and support for the Harlem Summer Shakespeare productions.
- Councilman Robert Jackson Government — Provides support for the Harlem Summer Shakespeare program
- Edinburgh Festival Fringe Network — International festival where Pulse Ensemble Theatre presented work, expanding reach beyond the U.S.
- Indian American Arts Council Partner — Co-supported the production of "Chaos Theory" in celebration of the Mayor’s Festival on Immigration.
- Lorraine Smyth Partner — Photographer documenting performances for promotional and archival purposes.
- Materials for the Arts Funder — Provided material resources for the Harlem Summer Shakespeare productions.
- Materials for the Arts Partner — Supplies materials for the Harlem Summer Shakespeare program
- NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS Funder — Sponsor of the 2005 production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream"
- New York City Department of Cultural Affairs Funder — Provided financial and logistical support for the Harlem Summer Shakespeare productions.
- New York City Department of Cultural Affairs Funder — Provides financial and cultural support for the Harlem Summer Shakespeare program
- New York State Council on the Arts Funder — Provided financial support for the Harlem Summer Shakespeare productions.
- New York State Council on the Arts Funder — Provides financial support for the Harlem Summer Shakespeare program
- RIVERBANK STATE PARK Partner — Host venue for the outdoor production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" as part of the Harlem Outreach Project
- Riverbank State Park Government — Hosts the Harlem Summer Shakespeare performances at its amphitheater
- Riverbank State Park Partner — Hosted Pulse Ensemble Theatre's outdoor production of "The Taming of the Shrew" in summer 2013.
- Riverbank State Park Partner — Hosted Pulse Ensemble Theatre's production of "The Tempest" at its Amphitheater.
- Riverbank State Park Partner — Hosted the Harlem Summer Shakespeare performances at its amphitheater and provided venue support.
- Riverbank State Park Partner — Outdoor performance site for Shakespearean and original works in Harlem, New York.
- SHAKESPEARE THEATRE ASSOCIATION Network — Pulse Ensemble Theatre is a member of the Shakespeare Theatre Association.
- SHAKESPEARE THEATRE ASSOCIATION Network — Pulse Theatre is a member of the Shakespeare Theatre Association.
- Scott Wynn Partner — Photographer documenting performances for promotional and archival purposes.
- THE LINCOLN CENTRE Partner — Provided support for the 2005 production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream"
+ 3 more
strategies · 4
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Inclusive and Socially Significant Theatre Programming 102 orgsmethodology: socially-significant-theatreBy producing theatre that centers women, uses inclusive casting, and addresses socially significant themes such as justice and equality, the organization expands representation and promotes civic reflection, because diversifying narratives and centering underrepresented voices increases relevance and deepens audience engagement with pressing societal issues.shared approach: Theater as Civic Dialogue →
- Contemporary Reinterpretation of Classical Texts 52 orgsmethodology: contemporary_reinterpretationBy reinterpreting Shakespearean and classical works through contemporary social, political, and cultural contexts—while often preserving original language—the organization makes these texts more accessible and relevant to modern audiences, because grounding classical themes in current realities enhances audience engagement and deepens understanding of shared human experiences.shared approach: Contemporary Reinterpretation for Relevance →
- Youth and Community Engagement Through Accessible Classics 52 orgsmethodology: youth-engagement-through-classicsBy adapting classical works with abridged formats, urban settings, physical comedy, and immersive techniques, the organization makes theatre engaging for youth and local communities, because lowering barriers to entry—through format, setting, and performance style—increases accessibility and fosters lasting connections with new audiences.shared approach: Contemporary Reinterpretation for Relevance →
- Ensemble-Based Artistic Development and Production 33 orgsmethodology: ensemble-based_theatre_productionBy using an ensemble-based model for theatre-making and providing structured support through initiatives like a playwrights’ lab, the organization fosters artistic innovation and cohesive performance, because sustained collaboration and investment in artists strengthen creative output and community connection.shared approach: Artist-Centered Creation →