EITC and Open Stage
Open Stage is dedicated to developing students' skills, knowledge, and appreciation of the process of acting and the making of theatre.
About
Open Stage is a designated Educational Improvement Organization (EIO). An EIO is a non-profit organization approved by the Department of Community and Economic Development to receive EITC funding based on the educational value of its youth programs.
​
To donate, please contact Finn Kelly, Operations Manager, at finn@openstagehbg.com or 717-232-6736 ext 102.
​
What is the EITC program?
The Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program offers substantial tax credits to businesses that contribute to approved non-profit organizations in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
​
Does my business qualify for the EITC program?
If your business operates in Pennsylvania and is subjected to any of the following taxes, you are eligible to participate in the EITC program:
-
Personal Income Tax
-
Capital Stock/Foreign Franchise Tax
-
Corporate Net Income Tax
-
Bank Shares Tax
-
Title Insurance & Trust Company Shares Tax
-
Insurance Premium Tax (excluding unauthorized, domestic/foreign marine)
-
Mutual Thrift Tax
-
Malt Beverage Tax
-
Surplus Lines Tax
​
For more information on the EITC program, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development or visit their website.
Which Open Stage programs are eligible for EITC funding?
By supporting Open Stage through the EITC program, your business will be helping to ensure that the educational power of high-quality live theatre is accessible to students in our community. The following programs are eligible for EITC funding:
​
Theatre Classes at The Alsedek Theatre School:
At The Alsedek Theatre School, Open Stage’s educational wing, students ages 8-18 are provided with a well-rounded theatrical education by our staff of professional teaching artists that culminates in live performances of a play, musical, or revue. Classes are held twice per year and conform to curriculum requirements established by the PA Department of Education. In class, students grow as future supporters of the arts, increase their poise and confidence, learn to work as a team, and grow in an environment of mutual respect and support. EITC funds will support scholarships for students in need of financial assistance as well as production costs, including but not limited to royalties, costumes, props, and set construction materials.
Student Matinees through Open Stage on Tour:
Our approved EITC program includes our touring student matinee series, Open Stage on Tour, of which includes shows such as A Christmas Carol and Anne & Peter. For the past 25 years, our student matinees were presented as a field trip, requiring schools to arrange transportation, cover travel expenses, and navigate scheduling challenges. However, budget cuts and transportation shortages were making it increasingly difficult for our local schools to participate, especially those with more limited resources. By shifting our model and taking the performances directly to the students, we’re eliminating those barriers and making high-quality arts education more accessible, more affordable, and more equitable for schools and families across Central Pennsylvania. EITC funds will support touring our student matinees at low-to-no cost to interested schools as well as production costs related to eligible productions, including but not limited to artist fees, costumes, props, and set construction materials.
I want to support Open Stage through the EITC program, where do I start?
Please contact Finn Kelly, Operations Manager, at finn@openstagehbg.com or 717-232-6736, ext 102.