Opening Act Inc.

“Form 990, Part III, Line 4a - Program Service Accomplishments”

“Opening Act, Inc.'s theater programs provide students attending New York City's most under-served pubic schools the opportunity to gain confidence, pride, and the knowledge that they can succeed at anything in life. Opening Act aims to provide a high quality theater program to any New York City school that needs one.”

“Opening Act was founded in 2000 out of a clear need for more after-school and arts programs in New York City's schools. Its founders were actors and educators who knew New York City public school students had too few opportunities to build community, develop leadership skills, and take pride in their accomplishments. They knew they could offer students that opportunity through the medium they loved the most: theater. Opening Act designed its program based on professionalism, high expectations, constant growth, and fun. To date, Opening Act has impacted over 3,000 students at 49 high schools.”

“Although Opening Act's medium is the theater, its results go well beyond the stage. Opening Act students graduate as energized leaders whithin their schools. They value community and commitment and display confidence in themselves and their ability to accomplish anything they set out to achieve. Opening Act's voluntary, weekly, after-school theater programs span a full year and use improvisation, acting games, and writing exercises to help students unleash their creativity, foster collaboration, and develop professional acting technique. Through their artistic achievements, Opening Act students develop leadership and problem solving skills and strengthen their abilities in writing and self-expression. The culmination of each program is an original production, created and performed by the students in professional theaters. Past productions have been performed at The Public Theater, New York Live Arts, and the Signature Theatre.”

“Opening Act specifically targets New York City's highest need schools: those with low graduation rates and an evident lack of arts programming. It offers its programs at no cost to schools so that regardless of fluctuating school budgets, Opening Act remains a consistent and positive force in the lives of its students. Administrative costs are kept low and resources are invested in excellent instruction, making Opening Act's programs professional and cost effective. Opening Act's programs are led by a select group of teaching artists with extensive experience in both theater and education. While many organizations provide short-term "access to the arts," Opening Act's year-long programs give students a sense of ownership, commitment, and community.”

“After management reviewed and approved the Form 990, it was sent to the entire Board via email for a review period. At the end of the review period, the board met and discussed any comments about the Form 990 and formally approved the document's filing at the end of the discussion. The approval of the Form 990 was documented in the meeting's minutes.”

“Conflicts of interest are consistently monitored over time by annual statements disclosing potential interests signed by board members and staff.”

“The compensation arrangement must be approved in advance (before any payment is made) by the Board composed entirely of individuals who do not have a conflict of interest with respect to the compensation arrangement (example: neither the executive whose compensation is being determined nor any of his/her family members may be present during the discussion/debate or participate in the vote). When the Board is considering compensation to covered individuals, it must rely on comparability data that demonstrate the fair market value of the compensation in question. Any discussion and all decisions are documented in board meeting minutes.”

“The salaries of other key employees are determined by the board of directors. Comparable data is presented in the form of the Salary Survey from the Nonprofit Coordinating Committee of New York. Any discussion and all decisions are documented in board meeting minutes.”

“The Federal Forms 1023 and 990, and the NY CHAR500 are available in accordance with Federal and State regulations. The audited financial statements, and the conflict of interest policy are available on Guidestar.”

“Payroll Processing Fees 7591. 5501. 583. 1507.”

“Photography 2500. 2500. 0. 0.”

“Staff Development 11624. 11624. 0. 0.”

“Venue 14752. 14752. 0. 0.”

“Play Outing 2982. 2982. 0. 0.”

“Studeng Winter Gathering 1729. 1729. 0. 0.”

“Postage 1129. 818. 87. 224.”

“Technical Production 250. 250. 0. 0.”

“Miscellaneous 5545. 1320. 2176. 2049.”

“Printing 4200. 3044. 322. 834.”