Overview
What is American Shakespeare Center?
The American Shakespeare Center, situated in Staunton, Virginia, is a distinguished nonprofit organization renowned for its Blackfriars Playhouse. This historic venue, inspired by Shakespeare's original Blackfriars Theatre, has captivated audiences from around the world since its reconstruction in 2001. The Blackfriars Playhouse, a product of extensive research and a construction cost of $3.7 million, is designed to mimic Elizabethan-era theatres. The late Richmond architect Tom McLaughlin and Shakespearean experts, including Andrew Gurr and C. Walter Hodges, contributed to its creation. Today, the Blackfriars Playhouse hosts performances of Shakespeare's works and contemporary pieces, earning praise from publications like the Washington Post for their "shamelessly entertaining" productions. Even amidst the 2020 pandemic, the American Shakespeare Center successfully presented performances for both online and live audiences, garnering recognition as one of the most ambitious responses to the coronavirus by the Wall Street Journal. This nonprofit organization's mission is to enlighten Shakespeare's plays and those of his contemporaries, stimulating personal growth, promoting civil discourse, and fostering a sense of community in Staunton and beyond. The American Shakespeare Center's activities further extend to producing contemporary works and refreshing classic plays, thereby creating a vibrant cultural hub in the Shenandoah Valley.
Official website here: www.americanshakespearecenter.com
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Charity Navigator Rating: 82% (Three-Star out of Four Star rating)
The American Shakespeare Center has received a Three-Star rating from Charity Navigator, indicating a solid performance primarily in accountability and finance, where it scored 93%. The organization boasts a high percentage of independent board members and has received full points in several governance practices, showcasing its commitment to transparency and ethical management. Its program expense ratio is also commendable at 78.09%, reflecting a strong focus on delivering its mission.
User reviews highlight the organization's dual nature—while many praise its artistic output and impact on the local community, there are notable concerns regarding its administrative efficiency. Supporters emphasize the transformational influence of the ASC on both its audiences and the Staunton area’s economy. Critics, however, point out significant administrative challenges, including high staff turnover, cash flow issues, and delays in vendor payments, which detract from its overall effectiveness.
Overall, while the American Shakespeare Center excels in its artistic endeavors and community engagement, potential donors are advised to consider the administrative hurdles the organization faces. Balancing its robust cultural contributions with the need for improved financial management will be crucial for the ASC's sustained success.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator and Great Nonprofits.
Is American Shakespeare Center legitimate?
American Shakespeare Center is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. American Shakespeare Center submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.
Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:
Executive Compensation: $104,609
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $1,332,186
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.americanshakespearecenter.com
What is the mission statement of American Shakespeare Center?
The American Shakespeare Center's mission is centered around illuminating the plays of Shakespeare and his contemporaries, both classic and new. Their objective is to refresh individuals, foster civil discourse, and create a sense of community. This is accomplished through performances in the Blackfriars Playhouse, an indoor theater that replicates Shakespeare's original venue. The center delights audiences from around the world with its productions, which have been lauded as "shamelessly entertaining." Despite the challenges posed by the 2020 pandemic, the American Shakespeare Center managed to safely produce performances for both online and live audiences. Their goal remains to engage audiences and promote understanding of Shakespeare's works and their contemporary counterparts.
Official website here: www.americanshakespearecenter.com
Who is the CEO of American Shakespeare Center?
Clifford Garstang is the Chair of American Shakespeare Center.
Official website here: www.americanshakespearecenter.com
What is the revenue of American Shakespeare Center?
American Shakespeare Center's revenue in 2022 was $2,087,317.
Official website here: www.americanshakespearecenter.com
Who are the executives of American Shakespeare Center and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at American Shakespeare Center during 2022 was $22,450. There are 64 employees and 85 volunteers at American Shakespeare Center.
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Official website here: www.americanshakespearecenter.com
Where can I find the form 990 for American Shakespeare Center?
American Shakespeare Center's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.americanshakespearecenter.com
Learn more at the official website: www.americanshakespearecenter.com
Mission Statement of American Shakespeare Center
The American Shakespeare Center illuminates the plays of Shakespeare and his contemporaries, both classic and new, with a mission to refresh individuals, foster civil discourse, and create community. This nonprofit organization achieves this mission by presenting performances in the Blackfriars Playhouse, an indoor theatre inspired by Shakespeare's original Blackfriars Theatre. The Blackfriars Playhouse, constructed in 2001 after years of research, is designed to replicate the original 16th-century playhouse in London. This unique theatre setting allows audiences to experience live performances in an intimate and engaging environment.
Beyond its performances, the American Shakespeare Center also aims to educate and engage the community. It accomplishes this by presenting contemporary works alongside Shakespeare's classics and by providing opportunities for audience interaction and participation. During the pandemic, the center continued its mission by safely producing both online and live performances, demonstrating its commitment to delivering quality entertainment and educational experiences.
In summary, the American Shakespeare Center serves as a platform for the exploration and celebration of Shakespeare's works and the art of theatre. By illuminating these plays and fostering civil discourse, the center strives to create a sense of community and inspire individuals, both within and beyond its performances.
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Impact
July, 2024
The American Shakespeare Center has a significant impact on the cultural landscape by illuminating the plays of Shakespeare and his contemporaries, both classic and new. Through their performances and programs at the Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton, VA, they refresh individuals, foster civil discourse, and create community. Their work reaches audiences from around the world, providing them with engaging and entertaining theatrical experiences. In addition, the Center's innovative response to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, including online and live performances, has been commended for its ambition and dedication to the arts.
This information is meant to be a general summary of American Shakespeare Center. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.
Financials
This financial information is from Propublica.
Other financial information:
This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.
- Investment Income: $1,409
- Program Service Revenue: $1,101,556
- Gross Receipts: $2,109,837
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $2,626,073
- Total Liabilities: $1,893,557
- Net Assets: $732,516
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Programs
Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.
ADMISSIONS
Revenue
$865,156
EDUCATION
Revenue
$208,710
MISCELLANEOUS
Revenue
$27,690
Organization Details
Founding Year
1988
Phone
(540) 888-5588Principal Officer
Clifford Garstang
Main Address
20 S NEW ST 4TH FLOOR, STAUNTON, VA, 24401
NTEE Category
Code: A65Z - Arts
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