named programs · 4 · from sources
What they call their work
Classical Music Season
Annual series showcasing renowned classical musicians and chamber ensembles, launching with performances by artists such as Peter Wiley and Anna Polonsky
In Banning Hall
Larger-scale performances including chamber music, flamenco, burlesque revue, theatrical productions, and vocal ensembles, held in the historic Banning Hall
In The Grace Note
Intimate concert series featuring jazz, folk, soul, and acoustic performances by regional and national artists in a small venue setting
Stand-Up Comedy Series
Nightly comedy events featuring professional comedians including TV performers and local favorites, hosted in an intimate setting
activities · 5 groups
What they do
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Facility Accessibility Improvements 1 activity
- Ensuring physical accessibility and facility improvementsMaintains ADA-compliant access throughout the facility, including accessible entrances, elevators, restrooms, seating, pathways, and parking. Currently planning construction of an ADA-accessible elevator and new building addition with upgraded dressing rooms and backstage storage, with groundbreaking scheduled for late summer 2026. Previously restored the lower level to create The Grace Note performance space and renovated the main hall into a rustic-chic venue with a rebuilt proscenium stage and glass entryway.
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Puppetry and Improv Theater Programs 1 activity
- Hosting public performances and cultural eventsHosts recurring public performances across multiple genres, including stand-up comedy with professional comedians, Opera Uncorked (curated opera with wine pairings), interactive children's theater with audience participation as a Greek chorus, and family musical events featuring live theater organ music and silent film accompaniment. Events are held in both mainstage and intimate venues, with free post-performance ice cream provided to attendees through community donations.
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Performing Arts Venue Rental 1 activity
- Operating a multipurpose community and cultural venueOperates a historic venue in Pine Plains, NY, serving as a center for diversity, culture, and civic life, supporting local economic revitalization through arts and community programming. The facility includes two performance spaces—Banning Hall (200–275 seats) and The Grace Note (80-seat cabaret space)—and hosts a diverse annual calendar of events including concerts, dance, film, theater, comedy, and children's programs.
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Event Venue Rental Services 1 activity
- Providing event space for private and corporate functionsOperates a flexible multipurpose event venue available for private and corporate rentals, accommodating up to 200 guests with floor plans that include a proscenium stage, and up to 300 guests for weddings. Offers facilities for celebrations, organizational events, and individual gatherings.
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Uncategorized 1 activity
- Conducting capital campaigns and securing funding for facility developmentSecured $1.5 million from the New York State Council on the Arts, $750,000 from the State Senate and Assembly, and over $1 million from private donors to support a capital campaign for facility expansion and restoration, including the creation of The Grace Note and planned accessibility improvements.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$961K
Contributions & grants$669K70%
Program service revenue$293K30%
Investment income$00%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$1.22M
Program expenses57%
Admin / overhead32%
Fundraising10%
Salaries & benefits$415K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$5.81M
Cash$349K
Investments$0
Liabilities$900K
Net assets$4.91M
Liquid reserves3.5 mo
4 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +33.0%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRETT BERNARDINI | ED - RESIGNE | 40 | $121K |
board members · 13
- BETH MCLIVERTY — BOARD MEMBER
- BRAD ROLSTON — BOARD MEMBER
- DANIEL FRY — TREASURER RE
- DIANNE WILL — BOARD MEMBER
- DOUG LARSON — BOARD MEMBER
- EILEEN YAJURE — BOARD MEMBER
- GWEN GREENE — PRESIDENT
- HEATHER DELL'AMORE — BOARD MEMBER
- JEANINE SISCO — SECRETARY
- JOSH NATHANSON — VICE PRESIDE
- KATE OSOFSKY — BOARD MEMBER
- ROBERT BURDEN — BOARD MEMBER
- SARAH CHASE — BOD - RESIGN
relationships · 19
Who they work with
- Arm of the Sea Theater Partner — Presents "Estuary Tales: The Life & Times of the Hudson River" at The Stissing Center.
- Artists Partner — Partners with artists to create programs, events, and opportunities.
- Bank of Millbrook Partner — Provides access to a town parking lot behind its building for Stissing Center visitors during construction.
- Fulton and Forbes Wine and Spirits Partner — Presented in partnership with Fulton and Forbes Wine and Spirits in Ancram
- Grumbling Gryphon Partner — Performs "The Myth of Persephone" in collaboration with The Stissing Center’s Summer Children’s Series.
- Gwen M. Greene Partner — President of the Board of Directors, providing leadership governance
- Jeanine Sisco Partner — Secretary of the Board of Directors, providing leadership governance
- Josh Nathanson Partner — Vice President of the Board of Directors, providing leadership governance
- New York State Assembly Government — Provided $750,000 in state funding for the capital campaign.
- New York State Council on the Arts Government — Primary public funder providing $1.5 million in support of the capital campaign.
- New York State Senate Government — Provided $750,000 in state funding for the capital campaign.
- New York Theater Organ Society Partner — Co-presents the "Theater Organ Fun!" event with The Stissing Center.
- Organizations Partner — Partners with organizations to create programs, events, and opportunities.
- Pine Plains Government — Located in and operates within the town of Pine Plains, NY.
- Pine Plains Memorial Hall Inc Government — Implied operational connection as The Stissing Center is located in and serves the Pine Plains community, likely operating within or in partnership with the Memorial Hall.
- Robert Jurgrau Partner — Interim Treasurer of the Board of Directors, providing financial oversight
- Stewart's Shops Funder — Generously donates free ice cream served after performances.
- The Stissing Center Partner — Co-presents events with PINE PLAINS MEMORIAL HALL INC at The Grace Note venue.
- The Stissing Center Partner — Operates as the public programming arm of PINE PLAINS MEMORIAL HALL INC, hosting cultural events and volunteer activities.
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.
- Participatory Arts for Youth Development 351 orgsmethodology: participatory_theaterBy engaging children directly in theater through workshops and active performance roles, the organization fosters creativity and awareness, because hands-on participation deepens learning and personal investment more than passive observation.shared approach: Arts-Based Youth Empowerment →
- Community-Centered Arts Engagement 21 orgsmethodology: community-centered_arts_engagementBy involving community members as volunteers and co-creators in arts programming, the organization fosters deeper connection and sustained participation, because shared ownership increases engagement and strengthens local cultural identity.shared approach: Culture-Led Revitalization →
- Cultural Hub Model for Rural Revitalization 21 orgsmethodology: cultural-economic_developmentBy operating as a cultural hub in a historic building and hosting high-quality artistic experiences, the organization stimulates economic vitality and regional cultural development, because access to the arts attracts visitors, supports local businesses, and reinforces community pride in rural areas.shared approach: Culture-Led Revitalization →
- Membership-Based Community Sustenancemethodology: membership_modelBy using a membership model that emphasizes belonging and shared experience, the organization ensures ongoing community engagement and financial sustainability, because structured inclusion fosters long-term commitment and collective support for the arts.