named programs · 3 · from sources
What they call their work
ARTCOOP
Proposed permanent performing arts center to provide affordable performance and rehearsal spaces for small theater and dance companies in NYC
Spark Musical Theatre Festival NYC
Specialized festival within the Spark series focused on new short and full-length musicals, offering development and performance opportunities
Spark Theatre Festival NYC
Bi-annual three-week festival presenting new, self-produced works by emerging artists in a 99-seat theater, featuring talkbacks and audience feedback
activities · 3 groups
What they do
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Professional Theatrical Production 1 activity
- Development and production of new playsDevelops and produces new plays, including world premieres presented in repertory engagements. The organization has premiered over 5,000 works over three decades, with recent programming including three world premiere plays in a two-month run at the 28th Street Theatre in Fall 2023.
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New Play Development Programs 1 activity
- Production and support of emerging theatre artists through festival programsHosts the Spark Theatre Festival NYC and Spark Musical Theatre Festival NYC, three-week festivals that provide emerging and established artists with opportunities to present polished work-in-progress performances. The festivals feature plays, musicals, solo shows, and dance, with over 60 performances presented in recent editions. Participating artists receive at least one performance slot, theater space, stage management, front-of-house staff, technical resources, and audience feedback through moderated talkbacks.
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Uncategorized 1 activity
- Distribution of box office revenue to participating artistsDistributes 50% of box office revenue to artists participating in its festival programs, supporting their financial sustainability while maintaining a requirement for audience engagement through a ticket-buyer guarantee based on show runtime.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$223K
Contributions & grants$102K46%
Program service revenue$115K52%
Investment income$00%
Other revenue$6K
expenses
Total expenses$179K
Program expenses91%
Admin / overhead8%
Fundraising2%
Salaries & benefits$28K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineFacilities
balance sheet
Total assets$31K
Cash$22K
Investments$0
Liabilities$4K
Net assets$28K
Liquid reserves1.4 mo
3 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue -47.7%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Adams | Artistic Direct | 35 | $26K |
board members · 6
- Caytha Jentis — Board member
- Cheryl Howard — Board member
- Mark Barres — Chairman
- Pamela Weiler Grayson — Vice President
- Roger Cooper — Treasurer
- Roland Dib — Board member
relationships · 8
Who they work with
- ARTCOOP Partner — Collaborating to develop a permanent performing arts center for small theatre and dance companies in New York City.
- Actors’ Equity Association Government — Allows Equity actors to participate in festival productions under specific agreements, with artists responsible for compliance and paperwork.
- Backstage Magazine Network — Recognized as Best Off-Off Broadway Theatre Company in NYC for Actors to Work With by Backstage Magazine.
- Blanchette Hooker Foundation Funder — Foundation supporter of Emerging Artists Theatre.
- NYC Cultural Affairs Government — Municipal cultural agency providing support to Emerging Artists Theatre.
- NYMF Network — Features works that have connections to or have emerged from the New York Musical Festival (NYMF).
- New York State Council on the Arts Government — Government arts council providing support to Emerging Artists Theatre.
- Paul Adams Partner — Contact person for Emerging Artists Theatre and point of contact for ARTCOOP initiative.
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.
- Audience-Engaged Development Cycle 48 orgsmethodology: work-in-progress talkbackBy integrating talkbacks and audience feedback after work-in-progress performances, the organization helps playwrights refine their work, because direct audience response generates actionable insights that improve artistic quality and audience resonance.shared approach: Artist-Centered Incubation →
- Incubation of New Theatrical Works 48 orgsmethodology: new-works-incubationBy providing development and production platforms for original plays, the organization enables emerging artists to bring bold, new works to stage for the first time, because early-stage support increases the likelihood of artistic refinement and long-term viability.shared approach: Artist-Centered Incubation →
- Affordable, Sustainable Artist Space 22 orgsmethodology: affordable-space-for-emerging-artistsBy offering affordable and reliable performance space to small theatre and dance companies, the organization supports the longevity of emerging artists in New York City, because access to low-cost infrastructure enables sustained creative development and organizational stability.shared approach: Affordable Space Provision →
- Audience Guarantee Model for Financial Sustainabilitymethodology: audience-guarantee modelBy requiring artists to bring one paying audience member per minute of performance time, the organization aligns artist incentives with audience development, because shared responsibility for attendance ensures financial sustainability and promotes grassroots outreach.
- Equity-Centered Artist Support Modelmethodology: equity-centered artist supportBy eliminating financial barriers to participation and sharing 50% of box office proceeds with artists, the organization increases access and sustainability for emerging creators, because equitable revenue sharing and free entry promote inclusion and long-term artist engagement.