Wellesley Theatre Project Inc. General Information 98 R Central Street Wellesley, MA 2482 (781) 235155 Website www.wellesleytheatreproject.org Organization Contact Hillary Drew info@wellesleytheatreproject.org Year of Incorporation 212 1
Statements & Search Criteria Mission Statement Wellesley Theatre Project empowers youth with life skills learned through exceptional performing arts education, and then challenges them to become citizen artists -- improving the quality of life in their local and global community by emphasizing collaboration, cultural and social understanding. Background Statement Wellesley Theatre Project is a nonprofit organization that provides young people the opportunity to study and experience theater and performing arts through classes, fully realized productions, workshops, master classes, and summer camps lead by theatrical professionals and degreed educators. Within an inclusive and motivating environment, teaching artists apply a holistic approach to teaching the theatre arts which connects students to every aspect of performance (acting, singing, dancing, etc.); including behind the scenes design and technology, direction and production, and creative writing. Regardless of ability or experience, Wellesley Theatre Project inspires students to strive for their own personal best; empowering them with confidence and social skills they may not necessarily receive in conventional academic or extracurricular activities. Wellesley Theatre Project encourages students to apply their knowledge and techniques learned through the theatre arts to develop Artistic Citizenship which emphasizes collaboration, cultural and social understanding and giving back to the community. Multiple opportunities for performance outreach is built into WTP curricula. Wellesley Theatre Project provides a unique opportunity for self discovery, problem solving and taking risks in a safe and supportive environment. Students learn and develop important life skills and foster confidence that will become an integral part of their personal growth, which will serve them well in their future disciplines and professions; helping them find their path in our local and global community. WTP was formed to meet the demand from the community. There were limited opportunities for elementary students to learn about and participate in performing arts - outside of instrument and dance lessons. The Wellesley Public School Performing Arts Department s Learning goals are incorporated into WTP s elementary school aged program, providing a head start and early exposure to this celebrated and successful programming in our school community. As a result, WTP believes it will encourage increased participation rates in the WPS classrooms, and strengthen an already successful middle and high school program. 2
Impact Statement Accomplishments Since incorporating in January, 212, Wellesley Theatre Project has much to celebrate. -WTP founders drafted articles of incorporation, assembled a team of passionate board members, and began the first stage of Year One planning. -WTP Team completed a business plan complete with program and revenue goals for the next three years. -WTP wrote and submitted IRS Form 123 to obtain exempt status. WTP received approval and was designated a 51 (c) 3 organization. -WTP launched a grass roots fundraising campaign to cover start up costs for year one. The campaign was a success and provided required funding needed to begin summer camp operations. Additionally, early funding made it possible to sign a lease for permanent year-round classes beginning September, 212. Goals Program- Meet programmatic goals with a focus on quality educational opportunities for youth. Raise Awareness/ Profile in Community - Continue to utilize all communication avenues to spread the word of WTP classes, productions, outreach in the community. Reach Enrollment Goals - WTP seeks to build on success of summer camps and meet enrollment goals for each Fall and Spring class. Reach Revenue Goals to fully support programs directed by the mission. - WTP will create and implement a successful development plan, which will include creation of a membership program, and solicitation strategies for individuals, businesses, foundations, state and local grants, and other revenue generating programs. WTP will seek donations to cover business expenses as well as provide students with need based scholarships. FY213 contemplates an understanding that first year donors may lower their annual commitment year two, but also accounts for new donor growth in local community support in the areas of grants, individuals, and businesses. Earned revenue goals will be met through enrollment, ticket sales, advertising and sponsorship income. Needs Statement Increase Revenue - Meet enrollment and fund development goals in order to meet monthly lease obligations, general operating (staff, teaching artists), and production expenses. Increase Community Awareness - Continue to share news of WTP to community. WTP seeks to increase articles/mentions in the press, online sources, and word of mouth. Meet year one operational and programming goals, designed directly from the mission, with a motivated and skilled staff. Volunteers - Expand on current pool and develop a thriving, committed and passionate volunteer base. Successfully prepare new leased space for year round classes and rehearsals by Fall 212. (Install flooring, move-in, etc.) Service Categories Theater Youth Development Programs Performing Arts Geographic Areas Served 3
Wellesley Theatre Project is located in Wellesley, MA. Classes and production camps began June 212. While the highest percentage of students are from Wellesley, enrollment included youth from all over the MetroWest area. Children enrolled were from towns including: Wellesley, Needham, Natick, Weston, Sudbury, Hull, Waban and Newton. Please review online profile for full list of selected areas served. 4
Programs Theatre Classes Description Creating high quality, fully realized productions to share with the public will always be a large component of Wellesley Theatre Project. However, the training that earns you those productions is just as important. Need based scholarships are available to cover all or part of tuition. WTP offers age specific training classes after school. Experienced students and first time actors will hone their skills and through the study of improvisation, singing, dancing, stage combat, and overall performance skills. WTP students will gain a competitive edge when it comes to auditioning for other productions, and most importantly, top notch programs at conservatories and universities across the globe. Two Semesters, 12- Weeks each (Fall, Spring) Mini- terms, 4-weeks each, (Fall, Spring) Curriculum offering may include: Acting, Musical Theatre, Improvisation Theatrical Design, Technical Production Stage Combat, puppeteering Budget Category Population Served Arts, Culture & Humanities, General/Other Theater Arts Instruction K-12 (5-19 years), Children and Youth ( - 19 years), Families Program Short Term Success * Program Long term Success * Program Success Monitored By * Examples of Program Success * 5
Productions Description A hallmark of the organization is its emphasis on educational theatre arts components in addition to high quality production opportunities. Budget Production Classes: (September - June) 12- Weeks each (Fall, Spring) Students will explore their creativity and expand their acting, singing, and dancing skills. From audition preparation to Opening Night, all students will explore what it takes to produce a stage show. Need based tuition scholarships are available. Production Rehearsals - including group and individual coaching sessions with the director, musical director and choreographer. Each session concludes with a fully realized production professionally produced and ticketed for the public at a venue such as Wellesley Middle School auditorium. Category Population Served Arts, Culture & Humanities, General/Other Theatrical Performances K-12 (5-19 years), Families, General/Unspecified Program Short Term Success * Program Long term Success * Program Success Monitored By * Examples of Program Success * 6
Theatre Arts Camps Description 3-Week Musical Theatre Intensives open to 2 nd -12 th Grade- Students will explore their creativity and expand their acting, singing, and dancing skills. From audition preparation to Opening Night, all students will explore what it takes to produce a stage show. A typical day will include: General theatre arts classes (acting, character development, dance) Production Rehearsals - including group and individual coaching sessions with the director, musical director and choreographer. Each camp concludes with a fully realized production professionally produced and ticketed for the public at a venue such as Wellesley Middle School auditorium. 1- Week Theatre Arts Camps for students PreK to 1st grade. PreK to 1 st grade Using well loved stories, children learn acting basics, beginning theatre, movement, and arts and crafts. On last day of camp, students will have a chance to share their new skills with family and friends. Budget * Category Population Served Arts, Culture & Humanities, General/Other Theater Arts Instruction Children Only (5-14 years), K-12 (5-19 years), Families Program Short Term Success * Program Long term Success * Program Success Monitored By * Examples of Program Success * Workshops and Master Classes Description Budget Workshops and master classes are offered for a variety of ages involving different areas of study throughout the year taught by industry professionals. Category Population Served Arts, Culture & Humanities, General/Other Theater Arts Instruction K-12 (5-19 years), Families, General/Unspecified Program Short Term Success * Program Long term Success * Program Success Monitored By * Examples of Program Success * 7
Community Outreach Description Touring and Community Outreach WTP seeks a broad range of community engagement experiences. Activities may include: a youth touring program that offers free performance opportunities to the community. Venues may include libraries, festivals, schools. field trip opportunities for schools offering cultural experiences to children who may not have been previously exposed to theatre arts programming. WTP may provide mini-curricula and study guides to teachers to continue the learning experience in the classroom. a community outreach program that consists of WTP staff visiting schools to teach, and provide hands on experience for students. Playwriting contest conducted within the schools with opportunities for students to perform original works. ReActing: Citizen Artists in Action will feature WTP students who will choose a charitable nonprofit organization to partner and showcase each year. Budget * Category Population Served Arts, Culture & Humanities, General/Other Performing Arts Children and Youth ( - 19 years), Families, General/Unspecified Program Short Term Success * Program Long term Success * Program Success Monitored By * Examples of Program Success * 8
Management CEO/Executive Director Executive Director Term Start Jan 212 Email Ms. Hillary C Drew hillary@wellesleytheatreproject.org Experience With a BA in Theatre from University of Central Florida, Hillary has a decade of experience working professionally as a teaching artist, director, producer, and youth theatre program director in Colorado and Florida. In these capacities, Hillary took a leadership role in her community as an arts advocate and was instrumental in growing existing programs both artistically and administratively. Her work with community outreach, marketing efforts and grant preparation, was critical to both the organizational impact on the community, but also its ability to be sustainable. Hillary began her love for theatre at the age of three. Knowing the positive impact it brought into her life, her passions grew into a desire to share this art and her skills with the next generation. Hillary is very excited to begin a new journey at WTP, and becoming a part of the Wellesley Community. I believe that the theatre arts further one s character, understanding, and growth as an individual. My goal as an educator is to inspire students to create, explore, think critically, have an understanding of what s going on around them and enjoy every minute of it! Senior Staff Mr. Benjamin Dixon Rush Title Artistic Director/ Co-Founder 9
Experience/Biography For over 2 years, Ben has worked in all aspects of the theatre as a performer, director, designer, technician, carpenter, and youth educator. Ben attended Florida School of the Arts majoring in Acting and pursuing his Associate in Science degree. Later, he formally expanded his knowledge in Technical Direction with a B.F.A. from University of rth Carolina School of the Arts. As a performer, Ben grew into such roles as Romeo (Romeo and Juliet), Cervantes/Quixote (Man of La Mancha), Harold Hill (The Music man), James Leeds (Children of a Lesser God - Best Actor, SETC 27), and the title role in Shakespeare's Macbeth (Best Actor, District V Thespians 27). Ben was honored to be a part of the nationally cast World Premiere of RAGTIME: School Edition, and featured on the Original Cast Recording of that production. Ben worked professionally in Orlando as a stunt performer at Universal Studios Orlando as well as an actor with regional houses such as Florida Children's Repertory Theatre, Orlando Rep, and Mad Cow Theatre. As a child of educators, Ben followed his own desire and dream to teach. Ben began by working with high school students as a technical design consultant. Then, he directed and taught both youth and adults through performance camps, classes and productions with various Orlando organizations. Ben furthered his practical experience with the commercial technical side of the performing arts while working with PRG. Ben co-founded Wellesley Theatre Project to pursue his passion for teaching and he looks forward to training the next generation of artists. www.benjamindrush.com "Life is all about choices, and so is art. By playing a character, creating a dance, or designing a world; an artist can and will affect themselves as well as others. My goal is to allow our students to take ownership over the art and the world it exists in. By doing so, they hone a craft and learn valuable life skills- all while gaining the courage to find their voice, make their choice, as a Citizen Artist." Staff Information Full Time Staff Part Time Staff Volunteers Contractors Retention Rate 2 5 2 1% Staff Demographics - Ethnicity African American/Black Asian American/Pacific Islander Caucasian 2 1
Hispanic/Latino Native American/American Indian Other Staff Demographics - Gender Male Female Unspecified 1 1 Formal Evaluations CEO Formal Evaluation CEO/Executive Formal Evaluation Frequency Senior Management Formal Evaluation Senior Management Formal Evaluation Frequency nmanagement Formal Evaluation n Management Formal Evaluation Frequency Yes Annually Yes Annually N/A Plans & Policies Organization has a Fundraising Plan? Organization has a Strategic Plan? Years Strategic Plan Considers Yes Yes Date Strategic Plan Adopted Jan 212 Does your organization have a Business Continuity of Operations Plan? Management Succession Plan? Organization Policy and Procedures ndiscrimination Policy Whistleblower Policy Document Destruction Policy Is your organization licensed by the Government? Registration Permit? 3 Under Development Under Development Yes Exempt Exempt Risk Management Provisions Accident and Injury Coverage Commercial General Insurance 11
Commercial General Liability Business Income Liquor Liability Corporal Punishment Liability Special Event Liability Workers Compensation and Employers' Liability Workplace Violence Collaborations Whether through classes or rehearsals, WTP will emphasize collaboration, and promote cultural and social understanding as it relates specifically to the piece they are studying. In the initiative, ReActing: Citizen Artists in Action, WTP will choose another charitable nonprofit organization to partner and showcase each year. From that, students will create and devise a production or installation influenced by the organization. ReActing will also meet regularly to do a service projects within the community. From the start, WTP founders reached out to the Wellesley Public School Department of Performing Arts, and incorporated their learning goals into the organizations mission and curriculums. WTP has a cooperative and complementary relationship with Wellesley Public Schools. Elizabeth Perry, Director of Performing Arts for the Wellesley Schools, supports the WTP initiative and together they collaborated on a free master class led by a Broadway actor. Wellesley Theatre Project has already reached out to all the area drama and music teachers offering free tickets and invitations for future collaborations. WTP participated as a sponsor in the June PMC Kids Ride and they facilitated a craft/entertainment table at the Wellesley Mother s Forum June event. Comments CEO Comments Wellesley Theatre Project s principals and founders are made up of Teaching Artists- theatre professionals and degreed educators; along with experts in theatre operations, design and technical direction. WTP also has a growing and deeply committed board of directors who volunteer their expertise in financing, fund development, marketing and theatre management. With decades of experience on stage, behind the scenes and in front of the house the WTP management understand what it takes to run a theatre company and stage fully realized productions. 12
Board & Governance Board Chair Board Chair Mr. Michael J Scholl Company Affiliation Alteris Term Jan 212 to Email michaeljscholl@gmail.com Board Members Name Affiliation Status Susan Cable NA Voting Ms. Hillary C. Drew Wellesley Theatre Project Voting Ms. Belinda Harter Scholl & Vandervoort Consulting Voting Mr. Benjamin Dixon Rush Wellesley Theatre Project Voting Mr. Michael J. Scholl Alteris, a member of Argo Group Voting Ms. Elizabeth D. Scholl Scholl & Vandervoort Consulting Voting Jill Woods NA Board Demographics - Ethnicity African American/Black Asian American/Pacific Islander Caucasian 5 Hispanic/Latino Native American/American Indian Other Board Demographics - Gender Male Female Unspecified 2 3 Board Information Board Term Lengths Number of Full Board Meetings Annually Written Board Selection Criteria? Written Conflict of Interest Policy? Percentage Making Monetary Contributions 2 4 Under Development Yes 1% 13
Percentage Making In-Kind Contributions Constituency Includes Client Representation 1% Standing Committees Development / Fund Development / Fund Raising / Grant Writing / Major Gifts Finance 14
Financials Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Start Sept 1, 211 Fiscal Year End Aug 31, 212 Projected Revenue $121,147. Projected Expenses $96,128. Endowment? Credit Line? Reserve Fund? Months Reserve Fund Covers Detailed Financials Revenue and Expenses Fiscal Year 218 217 216 Total Revenue -- -- -- Total Expenses -- -- -- Revenue Sources Fiscal Year 218 217 216 Foundation and Corporation -- -- -- Contributions Government Contributions $ $ $ Federal State Local Unspecified Individual Contributions -- -- -- Indirect Public Support -- -- -- Earned Revenue -- -- -- Investment Income, Net of Losses -- -- -- Membership Dues -- -- -- Special Events -- -- -- Revenue In-Kind -- -- -- Other -- -- -- 15
Expense Allocation Fiscal Year 218 217 216 Program Expense -- -- -- Administration Expense -- -- -- Fundraising Expense -- -- -- Payments to Affiliates -- -- -- Total Revenue/Total Expenses -- -- -- Program Expense/Total Expenses -- -- -- Fundraising Expense/Contributed Revenue -- -- -- Assets and Liabilities Fiscal Year 218 217 216 Total Assets -- -- -- Current Assets -- -- -- Long-Term Liabilities -- -- -- Current Liabilities -- -- -- Total Net Assets -- -- -- Short Term Solvency Fiscal Year 218 217 216 Current Ratio: Current Assets/Current Liabilities -- -- -- Long Term Solvency Fiscal Year 218 217 216 Long-Term Liabilities/Total Assets -- -- -- Top Funding Sources Fiscal Year 218 217 216 Top Funding Source & Dollar Amount -- -- -- Second Highest Funding Source & Dollar -- -- -- Amount Third Highest Funding Source & Dollar Amount -- -- -- Capital Campaign Currently in a Capital Campaign? Capital Campaign Anticipated in Next 5 Years? Yes Comments Foundation Staff Comments This is a new nonprofit organization and, as such, has no financials posted. The nonprofit has posted their Form 123 for review, which is their application for 51(c)(3) status; on page nine, the document details the nonprofit's anticipated revenue for the next three years. Created 4.29.218. Copyright 218 The Boston Foundation 16