irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2024
What they reported doing
- #1 primary $258KWP LABFOUNDED IN 1983, THE WP LAB IS A UNIQUE, CAREER-LAUNCHING TWO-YEAR MENTORSHIP AND NEW PLAY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR 15 EARLY-CAREER WOMEN+ PLAYWRIGHTS, DIRECTORS, AND PRODUCERS (FIVE IN EACH CONCENTRATION). THE LAB DISTINGUISHES ITSELF AS THE ONLY PROGRAM IN AMERICA THAT PUTS PLAYWRIGHTS, DIRECTORS, AND PRODUCERS TOGETHER IN THE SAME ROOM. SELECTED THROUGH A HIGHLY COMPETITIVE PROCESS, LAB MEMBERS ALL RECEIVE A VITAL PROFESSIONAL NETWORK, ENTREPRENEURIAL AND LEADERSHIP TRAINING,FREE REHEARSAL SPACE, AND MOST SIGNIFICANTLY, OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION OF BOLD NEW WORK FOR THE STAGE. LAB HAS THREE MAIN GOALS: TO CULTIVATE THE WORK OF WOMEN+ ARTISTS OF ALL KINDS, TO GIVE THEM THE TOOLS THEY NEED TO SUCCEED IN THE BUSINESS, AND TO PRESENT THEIR WORK TO THE WORLD AND THEATER INDUSTRY THROUGH THE BIENNIAL PIPELINE FESTIVAL. THE LAB IS RECOGNIZEDFIELD-WIDE AS THE PLACE TO FIND THE NEXT GENERATION OF THEATER TALENT. IN EVALUATING THE SUCCESS OF THE PROGRAM WE LOOK AT:1). CAREER TRAJECTORY: ARE LAB ARTISTS RECEIVING AWARDS/OTHER RECOGNITION, JOBS AT OTHER THEATERS, COMMISSIONS, ETC. (EX: 2016 ALUM TAMILLA WOODARD WAS HIRED AS WP'S NEW ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR IN 2018, THEN NAMED CO-ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF WORKING THEATER IN 2020 ANDNOW IS THE DIRECTOR OF THE ACTING DEPARTMENT AT THE YALE SCHOOL OF DRAMA; 2016 ALUM RACHEL KARPF WAS HIRED AS WP'S NEW ARTISTIC PRODUCER IN 2018, AND SUBSEQUENTLY IN 2020 WAS NAMED DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING FOR THE NEW YORK TIMES AND THEN NAMED VP OF EXPERIENCE AND LIVE STAGE AT PARAMOUNT; 2012 ALUM STEPHANIE YBARRA WAS APPOINTED ARTISTIC DIRECTOROF BALTIMORE CENTER STAGE AND IS NOW A PROGRAM OFFICER AT THE MELLON FOUNDATION; 2008 ALUM KATORI HALL WAS NOMINATED FOR A 2020 TONY AWARD FOR BEST BOOK - MUSICAL FOR TINA - THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL; 2012 ALUM SARAH RASMUSSEN WAS RECENTLY APPOINTED ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF THE MCCARTER THEATRE; 2010 ALUM RACHEL CHAVKIN WON THE 2019 TONY FOR BEST DIRECTION - MUSICAL FOR HADESTOWN; 2008 ALUM MARIA GOYANES WAS APPOINTED ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF WOOLLY MAMMOTH THEATER);2). PROJECT TRAJECTORY: ARE PIPELINE PLAYS BEING PRODUCED, RECEIVING AWARDS, ETC. (EX. 2018 ALUM SYLVIA KHOURY'S PLAY POWER STRIP PREMIERED AT LCT3 IN 2019; 2016 ALUM SARAH BURGESS' PLAY KINGS PREMIERED AT THE PUBLIC THEATER IN 2018; 2018 ALUM LEAH NANAKO WINKLER'S PLAY TWO MILE HOLLOW HAD ITS SIMULTANEOUS WORLD PREMIERE AT FIRST FLOOR THEATER(CHICAGO), MIXED BLOOD THEATRE/THEATER MU (MINNEAPOLIS), FEROCIOUS LOTUS (SAN FRANCISCO), AND ARTISTS AT PLAY (LOS ANGELES);3). CONTINUED PROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION AMONG LAB MEMBERS (EX. AFTER MEETING IN THE LAB, 2016 ALUM DANYA TAYMOR DIRECTED MARTYNA MAJOK'S 2016 WP PIPELINE FESTIVAL PLAY QUEENS AT LCT3; 2016-2018 LAB COLLABORATORS SYLVIA KHOURY AND TYNE RAFAELI WENT ON TO COLLABORATE ONSYLVIA'S PLAY POWER STRIP AT LCT3 AND SELLING KABUL AT PLAYWRIGHTS HORIZONS AFTER WORKING TOGETHER IN THE 2018 FESTIVAL). IN RECENT YEARS, LAB MEMBERS HAVE BEGUN TO RECEIVE MAJOR CAREER OPPORTUNITIES EVEN BEFORE THE PROGRAM ENDS: IN OUR 2018-2020 COHORT, REBECCA MARTNEZ SIGNED WITH HER FIRST AGENT, RECEIVED THREE MAJOR REGIONAL PREMIERES, AND WAS HIRED AS WP'S ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR BEFORE BECOMING THE COHORT COLLABORATIONS DIRECTOR AT ONE NATION / ONEPROJECT; CANDIS C. JONES WAS TAPPED TO DIRECT A MAINSTAGE PRODUCTION AT THE PUBLIC THEATER (CULLUD WATTAH BY ERIKA DICKERSON-DESPENZA); CHRISTINA (CQ) QUINTANA AND CHARLY EVON SIMPSON WERE EACH HIRED TO WRITE ON NETWORK TELEVISION PROGRAMS; MARIE CISCO WAS HIRED AS APRODUCER FOR LEE DANIELS ENTERTAINMENT; AND CHARLY EVON SIMPSON RECEIVED AN OVERALL DEAL AT HBO, MULTIPLE REGIONAL PREMIERES AS WELL AS HER OFF-BROADWAY DEBUT, AND WON THE 2019 LANFORD WILSON AWARD.
- #2 $25KNEW PLAY DEVELOPMENTSEASON ALSO INCLUDES WP'S PLAY DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS COMMISSIONING NEW WORK, OFFERING DEVELOPMENTAL READINGS AND WORKSHOPS, AND PARTNERING WITH LIKE-MINDED ORGANIZATIONS TO OFFER PUBLIC READING SERIES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. THESE ACTIVITIES HELP SUPPORT OUR ARTISTS'CREATIVE PROCESSES, WHILE FOSTERING THE CREATION OF IN-PROGRESS WORKS FOR THE STAGE BY BOTH EMERGING AND SEASONED PLAYWRIGHTS.
named programs · 2 · from sources
What they call their work
New Play Development
Commissioning, developmental readings, and workshops for emerging and established playwrights. Includes public reading series and partnerships with like-minded organizations to support in-progress theatrical works.
WP Lab
A two-year career-launching mentorship and new play development program for 15 early-career women+ playwrights, directors, and producers. Includes professional training, free rehearsal space, and culminates in the biennial Pipeline Festival. Alumni have gone on to leadership roles at major theaters and awards recognition.
activities · 6 groups
What they do
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New Play Development Programs 4 activities
- Commission new theatrical works from women+ playwrightsCommissions original plays and musicals from women+ playwrights and theater artists, supporting their development through readings, workshops, and public presentations. Currently commissions eight women+ playwrights and theater artists.
- Host developmental workshops and readings for new worksHosts a developmental series of workshops, readings, and public presentations to support the creation and refinement of new theatrical works by women+ artists.
- Operate a two-year residency and mentorship program for women+ theater artistsRuns the WP Lab, a two-year program for early and mid-career women+ playwrights, directors, and producers that provides mentorship, professional network access, entrepreneurial and leadership training, free rehearsal space, and opportunities for development and production of new work. The program has supported over 350 artists since 1983.
- Produce the biennial Pipeline Festival showcasing new playsProduces the biennial Pipeline Festival, which presents five new plays developed and performed by members of the WP Lab. The festival serves as a public platform for emerging women+ theater artists and has been adapted for online presentation when necessary.
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Performing Arts Ticket Access Programs 1 activity
- Offer ticket accessibility programs to increase audience accessImplements multiple ticket access initiatives including $20 rush tickets, pay-what-you-can options, discounted group rates, and a tiered ticket model where higher-priced tickets subsidize lower-cost access. Offers 10 tickets per show at $20 and enables $10 access through donor-subsidized programs.
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Commemorative Brick and Memorial Installations 1 activity
- Operate a seat dedication program to support theater fundingRuns a donor engagement campaign that allows contributors to dedicate theater seats with personalized engraved plaques for a $1,500 donation, supporting venue sustainability.
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Professional Theatrical Production 1 activity
- Produce Off-Broadway theatrical works and developmental projects by women+ artistsProduces a full season of Off-Broadway plays and musicals written and directed by women+ theater artists, including world premieres and revivals. Since 1978, the organization has produced over 600 Off-Broadway plays and developmental projects.
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Subsidized Rehearsal and Performance Space 1 activity
- Provide subsidized rehearsal and performance space for women+ theater artistsOffers an affordable rental program that provides subsidized space for women+ theater artists and companies, including residency opportunities for groups such as Wolfsmouth Players and ThisThistle Media.
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Uncategorized 1 activity
- Host memorial and special events honoring women+ theater leadersConceives and hosts in-person and remote special events, including memorial tributes to foundational figures such as Julia Miles, founder of WP Theater, in collaboration with family and community members.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$2.04M
Contributions & grants$1.65M81%
Program service revenue$297K15%
Investment income$-43K-2%
Other revenue$134K
expenses
Total expenses$2.38M
Program expenses86%
Admin / overhead2%
Fundraising12%
Salaries & benefits$1.40M
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$3.83M
Cash$132K
Investments$1.07M
Liabilities$2.18M
Net assets$1.65M
Liquid reserves6.0 mo
6 years on record · 2019–2024 · YoY revenue +15.2%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 3
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| LISA MCNULTY | PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTO | 40 | $145K |
| MICHAEL SAG | MANAGING DIRECTOR | 40 | $141K |
| CORA THOMAS | PLAYWRIGHT IN RESIDENCE | 40 | $114K |
board members · 16
- BRANDILYN DUMAS — CO-CHAIRPERSON
- CASEY KEMPER — DIRECTOR
- CODY COWAN — DIRECTOR
- DAVID W SINGLETON — TREASURER
- DONNETTA LAVINA GRAYS — DIRECTOR
- JESSICA R JENEN — DIRECTOR
- JOSEPH P PETITO — DIRECTOR
- LAURA EASON — DIRECTOR
- LISA TIMMEL — CO-CHAIRPERSON
- MICHELLE S RILEY — SECRETARY
- MJ KAUFMAN — DIRECTOR
- RACHEL SUSSMAN — DIRECTOR
- SAMANTHA SULLIVAN KINDLER — DIRECTOR
- SANDY ASHENDORF — DIRECTOR
- SERRA EKEN — VICE-CHAIRPERSON
- TAMILLA WOODARD — DIRECTOR
relationships · 39
Who they work with
- Actors’ Equity Association Partner — Signatory to a collectively bargained agreement with Actors’ Equity Association for casting actors.
- Ari Mintz Partner — Photographer for MILK LIKE SUGAR
- C&S International Insurance Brokers Partner — Insurance services provider
- Caitlin McNaney Partner — Photographer for Women of Achievement Gala
- Carol Rosegg Partner — Photographer for JACKIE, COLLAPSE, BETHANY and HOW THE WORLD BEGAN
- Century Direct Partner — Printing services provider
- Chasi Annexy Partner — Photographer for ROOM, WE PLAY FOR THE GODS and WP Lab artist group
- Consulair, Inc. Partner — Printing services provider
- Dirty Laundry Partner — Produced the play "Dirty Laundry" during the 2024–2025 season.
- Emma A. Sheafer Charitable Trust Funder — Provided a grant to support website development
- Ford Foundation Funder — Provided initial grant funding to establish The Women’s Project at The American Place Theatre.
- Gold Rush Creative Partner — Website design and filmography services provider
- JP Morgan Chase Partner — Banking and investment services provider
- Joan Marcus Partner — Additional photography services provider
- Leigh A. Giroux, Dumler & Giroux Partner — Legal counsel
- Lisa Miles Partner — Collaborated with WP Theater to conceive and produce the memorial event for Julia Miles
- Marya Cohn Partner — Collaborated with WP Theater to conceive and produce the memorial event for Julia Miles
- Mellon Foundation Funder — Employer of alum Stephanie Ybarra, indicating a professional connection between WP Theater and the foundation through talent placement.
- Merrill Lynch Partner — Banking and investment services provider
- New Federal Theater Partner — Collaborates with New Federal Theater, a Company in Residence, to present theatrical work
- New Federal Theater Partner — Resident theater company at WP Theater
- Patricia Taylor Partner — Financial services provider
- Paychex Partner — Payroll services provider
- Playwrights Horizons Partner — Co-produced theatrical works with WP Theater.
- Ria Mae Binaoro Partner — Development Manager at WOMEN'S PROJECT & PRODUCTIONS INC who handles inquiries for the seat dedication campaign.
- Rob Rich Partner — Photographer for Women of Achievement Gala
- Sarah Ruhl Partner — WP Lab alum and public supporter of WP Theater
- Schall & Ashenfarb, LLP Partner — Auditing services provider
- Tara Lee Partner — Photographer for Women of Achievement Gala
- The American Place Theatre Government — Hosted WP Theater as an affiliated program in its early years, providing space and institutional support.
+ 9 more
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.
- Career Advancement Through Integrated Artistic and Leadership Trainingmethodology: career_advancement_pipelineBy combining artistic development with entrepreneurial and leadership training in a structured pipeline, the organization advances the careers of Women+ theater artists, because multidimensional professional support increases industry access and long-term sustainability for underrepresented creators.
- Equity Through Sponsored Space and Inclusive Accessmethodology: equity_through_accessBy removing financial and logistical barriers to performance space and audience access, the organization promotes equity, because providing hassle-free participation and subsidized opportunities directly increases inclusion for emerging and marginalized artists and audiences.
- Women+ Centered Artistic Development and Productionmethodology: women_centered_developmentBy creating dedicated platforms for development, production, and premiere staging of new works by Women+ artists, the organization addresses systemic gender inequity in theater and advances underrepresented voices, because institutional support tailored to marginalized creators leads to greater artistic equity and narrative change.