How to Start a Non-Profit Theater

Running a non-profit theater is both challenging and rewarding. A good non-profit theatre is able to give back to the community that supports it through educational programs, opportunities for artistic growth and sheer entertainment. If you love theatre and the feeling of giving back to your community, you might be the right sort of person to start a new non-profit theater.

Things You'll Need

• Business plan
• IRS form 1023
• Performance space
• Storage space
• Actors
• Directors
• Investors
• Technicians
• Costumes
• Stage lights and sound equipment

Instructions

1. Form a corporation online at a website such as LegalZoom.com or by using a local attorney. You will then need to register that corporation with your state's Division of Corporations or Secretary of State's office.

2. File the IRS form 1023 with the federal government to register as a 501(c)3 corporation. You will have to pay a small fee, usually about $300.

3. Open a business account for your corporation at a local bank.

4. Find a location to hold your performances and rehearsals. Some options might include a dance studio, a high school auditorium, an open field or a classroom. You may need to reserve the space months ahead of time, so make sure you take care to reserve the space before you plan your rehearsal schedule

5. Plan your season. How many shows will you put on? How many performances? Will you run in rep? Will you specialize in musicals, drama or classical theatre?

6. Meet with local educators to discuss ways your season can tie in with the curriculum. Plays such as the works of Shakespeare, Copenhagen or "To Kill a Mockingbird" can all tie in with various curriculums. Consider having your actors travel to local schools to teach workshops. Make sure to offer discounted tickets to students, and try to persuade the school to host a field trip to see one of your shows.

7. Hire upper-level talent. This includes a director, a musical director, a choreographer and a technical director. You can advertise these positions through your local arts newspaper or through unified auditions such as UPTA or Strawhat.
   Coordinate with your director and tech director to hire actors and technicians. Again, you can hold your own auditions or attend unified auditions such as UPTA or Strawhat.

8. Obtain investors. Investors can help you pay for any needed costumes, technical supplies or other costs incurred while running your theatre. They will expect repayment in the form of advertising or cash.