Amelia Community Theatre

Overview

Amelia Community Theatre is a nonprofit organization founded in 1981 to provide community benefit through theatrical and artistic experiences. It is categorized under the Arts, Culture, and Humanities sector, with a focus on theater arts. The organization is designated as a 501(c)(3), making donations tax deductible.

History

Amelia Community Theatre began its operations by staging its first production, "Butterflies Are Free," a Tony Award-winning drama, in May 1981. The second production, "Duet Macabre," was presented in October of the same year. Initially, performances were held at various local venues, including the Fernandina Beach High School auditorium. In 1988, ACT acquired a vacant school board building at 209 Cedar Street, which became its first permanent home, now known as Studio 209. The first show in this building was "Dracula" in 1990.

In response to growing attendance, ACT embarked on a capital campaign to build a new performance space adjacent to its Cedar Street property. This effort led to the opening of the Main Stage in 2010, a 7,500 square foot building with an auditorium capacity of up to 186 patrons. During the 2020 pandemic, ACT adapted by livestreaming performances to provide theater experiences at home, showcasing its resilience and community commitment.

Mission and Operations

The mission of Amelia Community Theatre is "to enhance the quality of life of our local (and extended) community by providing excellent, innovative theatrical and artistic experiences through presentation, participation, and education." This is achieved through a variety of activities, including staging productions for both adults and children. Over its history, ACT has produced more than 300 shows.

As a volunteer-based organization, ACT relies heavily on community involvement for its operations. Volunteers participate in various aspects of theater production, including performing, stage management, set design, technical support, and front-of-house services.

Financials

In recent years, the organization's revenues have included substantial contributions and income from program services. For example, in 2023, ACT reported revenues of approximately $351,000, with contributions making up about 37.3% and program services accounting for around 60.7% of the total revenue[2]. The organization's total assets have been valued at around $1.69 million, with liabilities of approximately $184,000 as of 2023[2]. Amelia Community Theatre does not list executive compensation, reflecting its volunteer-driven structure[2].

Governance and Leadership

The theater is governed by a board of directors, which oversees its operations and strategic direction. Key roles in the governance include leadership positions such as president, treasurer, and secretary, who work together to ensure the fulfillment of ACT's mission[4].

Community Impact

Amelia Community Theatre plays a significant role in enhancing the quality of life in its local community by fostering cultural engagement and artistic expression. It provides opportunities for individuals to participate in theater, promoting community cohesion and creativity. The organization's commitment to presenting high-quality theatrical experiences has made it a cherished part of the region's cultural landscape.

[1] https://www.ameliacommunitytheatre.org/history [2] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/592141019 [3] https://www.ameliacommunitytheatre.org/about [4] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/59-2141019 [5] https://www.ameliacommunitytheatre.org/get-involved