named programs · 3 · from sources
What they call their work
Listening Party
Event series featuring excerpts from new musical works followed by artist-led dialogue and song-teaching, designed to promote empathy and de-escalate polarization through performance.
Play Lab
Residency program providing theater artists with time, space, and resources to develop new, innovative theater projects, culminating in work-in-progress showings and community engagement activities.
Real People Real Stories
Community storytelling program that guides local residents through workshops to develop and share personal narratives, fostering connection and celebrating lived experiences through live performance.
activities · 5 groups
What they do
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New Play Development Programs 2 activities
- Present work-in-progress showings of new theatrical worksHosts public presentations of developing theater projects, including "Clarence, In A Pause: A Listening Party" by Taylor Mac and Heather Christian, and "Be Safe I Love You," a music theater piece based on Cara Hoffman's novel. Events include audience dialogue, participatory song, and post-show discussions.
- Run artist residency and new works development programsOperates Play Lab and other residency initiatives that provide theater artists with time, space, and resources to develop innovative theatrical works. Includes week-long residencies and culminates in public work-in-progress showings and community engagement activities such as open rehearsals and audience discussions.
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Community Festival & Event Production 1 activity
- Host community engagement events and performancesOrganizes public events such as the annual Summer Bash, post-show socials with cast members, and concert performances like "The Lucky Few," fostering community celebration and audience interaction. Includes cash bar events and collaborations with media partners like WGXC to broaden access.
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Literary Events & Workshops 1 activity
- Offer storytelling and performance workshops for community membersProvides free and advanced storytelling workshops using the Real People Real Stories method, enabling local residents and public school students to develop and perform personal narratives. Includes guided feedback from teaching artists and culminates in live performances.
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Event and Production Volunteer Coordination 1 activity
- Organize volunteer programs for performancesManages a volunteer usher program for its performance seasons, engaging community members in event operations and audience support.
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Professional Theatrical Production 1 activity
- Present theatrical performances to the publicProduces and presents professional theater productions, including multi-performance runs of plays such as "Letters from Max," "I'm Almost There," and "A Number" by Caryl Churchill, with scheduled evening and matinee showings. Offers tiered and pay-what-you-wish ticketing options and student discounts to increase accessibility.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$581K
Contributions & grants$510K88%
Program service revenue$77K13%
Investment income$-7K-1%
Other revenue$1K
expenses
Total expenses$327K
Program expenses70%
Admin / overhead27%
Fundraising3%
Salaries & benefits$40K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineProfessional Fees
balance sheet
Total assets$609K
Cash$312K
Investments$0
Liabilities$87K
Net assets$522K
Liquid reserves11.4 mo
4 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +40.2%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAUL RICCIARDI | DIRECTOR | 15 | $12K |
board members · 8
- CATHERINE REDLICH — PRESIDENT
- DANIEL STERNBERG — DIRECTOR
- GAVIN BERGER — DIRECTOR
- JANE PLASMAN — DIRECTOR
- KAREN SMITH — VICE PRESIDE
- SEUNG SUH — DIRECTOR
- STEPHEN FUTRELL — TREASURER
- THOMAS COSTELLO — SECRETARY
relationships · 14
Who they work with
- Ancram Center for the Arts Network — ANCRAM OPERA HOUSE THEATER INC operates under Ancram Center for the Arts, which serves as its parent nonprofit organization.
- Ancram Center for the Arts Partner — Hosts workshops at its facility and shares a programmatic identity with Ancram Opera House Theater Inc.
- Caryl Churchill Partner — Presented the play "A Number" by playwright Caryl Churchill.
- Chris Partner — Point of contact for volunteer coordination.
- Dan Sternberg & Debbie Cooper Funder — Generous supporters of Play Lab 2026
- Dan Sternberg & Debbie Cooper Funder — Generously supported Play Lab 2026.
- Jane Plasman Funder — Provided generous support for the production of "Letters from Max."
- John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Funder — Provided support for the "Clarence, in a Pause" listening party as part of the Defying Boundaries initiative.
- John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Funder — Provided support for the presentation of "Clarence, In A Pause: A Listening Party" as part of the Defying Boundaries: MacArthur Fellows at 45 initiative.
- Mary Herms Funder — Provided generous support for the production of "I'm Almost There"
- Paul Ricciardi Partner — Program director who leads storytelling workshops for the Real People Real Stories program.
- Ryan Marshall Funder — Provided generous support for the production of "I'm Almost There"
- The Farm at Pond Lily Partner — Host venue for the 2026 Summer Bash event.
- WGXC Partner — Community radio station partner for expanding access to programming
strategies · 5
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.
- Art as a Tool for De-escalation and Dialoguemethodology: art_for_empathyBy transforming political polarization into poetic and rhythmic expression through participatory performance, the organization fosters de-escalation and mutual understanding because artistic reframing allows emotionally charged topics to be explored safely and reflectively.
- Artist Innovation Through Supported Residenciesmethodology: artist_residency_for_innovationBy providing time, space, and resources to emerging artists—especially those with unconventional perspectives—the organization cultivates innovation in rural theater because structured support enables experimental and boundary-pushing work that might not otherwise be developed.
- Community Engagement Through Arts-Based Programmingmethodology: arts_based_community_engagementBy using performing arts and community-integrated artist residencies, the organization fosters social connection, empathy, and civic dialogue because shared artistic experiences create meaningful spaces for personal expression and collective reflection.
- Empathy and Connection Through Intimate Storytellingmethodology: intimate_courageous_storytellingBy using intimate, fourth-wall-breaking formats and guided personal storytelling methods like Real People Real Stories, the organization deepens audience and community engagement because exploring emotional and psychological motivations in narrative builds authentic human connection and shared understanding.
- Equitable Access Through Flexible Pricing Modelsmethodology: tiered_pricing_access_modelBy implementing pay-what-you-wish and tiered pricing models, the organization increases audience accessibility and inclusion because financial flexibility reduces barriers and enables participation across variable economic circumstances.