named programs · 5 · from sources
What they call their work
Doubt: A Parable
Pulitzer Prize-winning play set in a Bronx Catholic school in 1964, examining moral uncertainty and institutional authority
Fame Jr.
Youth musical production based on the film and television series, following students at New York's High School of the Performing Arts
Over the Tavern
Comedy about a working-class Polish-American family in Buffalo, exploring generational and religious tensions
Season Preview
Free annual event showcasing scenes from upcoming season productions to engage community interest
She Loves Me
Musical set in a 1930s European perfumery, centered on two shop clerks who unknowingly fall in love through anonymous letters
activities · 7 groups
What they do
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Benefit Events for Arts and Culture 1 activity
- Conduct fundraising activitiesRaises funds through 50/50 raffles during performances and a Building Fund that offers engraved brick pavers and gold stars in recognition of donations of $150 and $500, respectively.
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Event and Production Volunteer Coordination 1 activity
- Engage volunteers in theater operationsProvides volunteer opportunities in ticketing, program distribution, concessions, set construction, and prop assistance. Board members are also required to volunteer for at least two performances per show.
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Live Music Performances & Concerts 1 activity
- Host community performance events and previewsOrganizes and presents community events such as seasonal previews featuring scenes from upcoming shows, open mic nights, cabaret, and comedy club events. Also hosts one-person concerts and talk shows featuring local theater figures.
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Performing Arts Ticket Access Programs 1 activity
- Manage audience subscriptions and ticketingOffers season subscriptions with Flex-Pass tickets, online and phone purchasing, gift certificates, and advance seat reservations. Subscribers receive benefits including voting rights and invitations to special events.
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Performing Arts Venue Rental 1 activity
- Operate and maintain a theater facilityOwns and operates a theater building at 1108 State Street in Utica, NY, including box office services, seating for walk-in patrons, and ongoing maintenance supported by a Board of Governors. The facility is used for performances, board meetings, and donor recognition programs.
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Professional Theatrical Production 1 activity
- Produce and present live theatrical performancesStages a seasonal lineup of live theater productions, including musicals and plays such as "Fame Jr.," "She Loves Me," "Over the Tavern," "Doubt: A Parable," "Prelude to a Kiss," and "Chasing Manet," at its theater facility in Utica, NY. The organization conducts open auditions and offers in-person and online ticket purchasing for performances.
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Podcast and Radio Production 1 activity
- Produce original digital and audio theater contentCreates and maintains an online library of original video and audio programs, including video monologues inspired by art, audio performances in the style of old-time radio, and original horror stories, accessible 24/7. Also launched "Players Theatre At Home," a subscription model for remote access to performances.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$73K
Contributions & grants$21K28%
Program service revenue$50K69%
Investment income$5951%
Other revenue$2K
expenses
Total expenses$88K
Program expenses84%
Admin / overhead16%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$0
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineFacilities
balance sheet
Total assets$1.06M
Cash$60K
Investments$0
Liabilities$2K
Net assets$1.06M
Liquid reserves8.1 mo
4 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +13.3%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
board members · 6
- JAYDE O'DONNELL — JUNIOR BOARD MEMBER
- JONIE DEPERNO-ZAHAS — DIRECTOR
- KAYSEY HINKLE — DIRECTOR
- MICHELE BUDAY — DIRECTOR
- STEPHEN DEGRACE — DIRECTOR
- TAMMY ARNOLD — DIRECTOR
relationships · 11
Who they work with
- Bing Partner — Partners with Bing's Give program to receive donations through user searches.
- Facebook Network — Has a presence on Facebook to connect with the community.
- Hailey O’Hern Partner — Choreographer for Fame Jr.
- Ilion Little Theatre Partner — Collaborates through shared regional theatre leadership and featured appearances on Play Date with Art and Bonnie.
- John Krause Partner — Music Director for She Loves Me
- Kelly DeGrace Government — President of Players of Utica, serves as point of contact for organizational inquiries and tours.
- Mia DeBernardis Partner — Director and Music Director for Fame Jr.
- Richard K. Stoodley Partner — Director for She Loves Me
- Rome Community Theatre Partner — Collaborates through shared regional theatre leadership and featured appearances on Play Date with Art and Bonnie.
- Stephen Wagner Partner — President of Players of Utica and featured performer and director across multiple productions.
- Trevor Jones Partner — Choreographer for She Loves Me
strategies · 3
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.
- Community-Engaged Theatre Productionmethodology: community-engaged_theatreBy involving local actors and volunteers in the creation and performance of original theatrical works, the organization strengthens community ownership and cultural relevance, leading to deeper engagement and sustained participation because authentic local representation fosters connection and investment.
- Hybrid Access Model for Theatrical Contentmethodology: remote_access_subscriptionBy offering both in-person and remote digital access to theatrical content through subscriptions and digital platforms, the organization expands audience reach and inclusivity because combining physical and virtual channels removes geographic and logistical barriers to participation.
- Inclusive Casting and Equitable Access to Performancemethodology: inclusive_castingBy using open and inclusive casting practices, the organization increases equity in access to artistic roles, which in turn broadens community participation and representation because removing barriers to entry enables diverse voices to shape and lead cultural programming.