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Shakesperience Productions Inc

EIN 06-1555859 · Waterbury, CT

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak20 out of 100GovernanceStrong91 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

Points to look into

  • It owes more than it owns.

These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.

What it says it does

THE ORGANIZATION'S PRIMARY EXEMPT PURPOSE AS STATED IN ITS ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION: THE NATURE OF THE ACTIVITIES TO BE CONDUCTED OR THE PURPOSES TO BE PROMOTED BY THE CORPORATION ARE TO FOSTER IN THE GENERAL PUBLIC AN APPRECIATION FOR ALL ASPECTS OF LITERATURE AND THE PERFORMING ARTS BY EDUCATING YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGH WORKSHOPS, PUBLIC AND CLASSROOM PERFORMANCES, SEMINARS, PROFESSIONALLY LED PROGRAMS OF INSTRUCTION AND STUDENT PARTICIPATION, DISTRIBUTION OF EDUCATIONAL TEXT, AND BY ANY AND ALL OTHER APPROPRIATE MEANS.

Income
$298,001
Spending
$351,253
Spent on programs
93%
Reserves
-2 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 59%
Employees
27
Volunteers
30
Highest pay
$78,750, artistic dir

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Weak: 20 out of 100. Higher than 2% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    0 of 35

    Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.

  • Debt

    0 of 20

    It owes 260% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 18% of income.

  • Income trend

    5 of 15

    Income fell 13% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    93% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 1 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 91 out of 100. Higher than 79% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    11 of 11 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (5)
  1. $67,378 spent. SCHOOL RESIDENCY PROGRAMS: SHAKESPERIENCE DESIGNS CUSTOM SCHOOL RESIDENCY PROGRAMS. THESE IN-DEPTH THEATRE-IN-EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS, AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS, CAMPS, AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS LEAD PARTICIPATING STUDENTS THROUGH THE PROCESS OF ADAPTING, REHEARSING AND PERFORMING A PLAY. IN ANYWHERE FROM 5 TO 35 SESSIONS, THESE PROGRAMS CREATE: TEAMWORK BETWEEN STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND THEATRE PROFESSIONALS OPPORTUNITIES FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL TO DEVELOP AND DISPLAY THEIR TALENTS COMMUNITY PRIDE AND SENSE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT WITH A FINAL PERFORMANCE OUTLETS FOR SELF-EXPRESSION AND SELF-DISCOVERY THROUGH ALL THEATRE ARTS STUDENT ACTION AND CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE LANGUAGE ARTS PUBLIC SPEAKING SKILL STRENGTHENING BROAD-BASED CURRICULUM INTEGRATION INCREASED ATTENDANCE ENCOURAGEMENT TO READ "ENHANCEMENT OF STUDENT CHARACTER, RESPECT, AND SELF-ESTEEM LOVE OF LEARNING AND CREATIVE CURIOSITY THIS YEAR, SHAKESPERIENCE CONDUCTED MORE THAN 134 SESSIONS OF RESIDENCY PROGRAMS FOR WELL OVER APPROXIMATELY 100 STUDENTS. SCHOOL RESIDENCY PROGRAMS: SHAKESPERIENCE DESIGNS CUSTOM SCHOOL RESIDENCY PROGRAMS. THESE IN-DEPTH THEATRE-IN-EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS, AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS, CAMPS, AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS LEAD PARTICIPATING STUDENTS THROUGH THE PROCESS OF ADAPTING, REHEARSING AND PERFORMING A PLAY. IN ANYWHERE FROM 5 TO 35 SESSIONS, THESE PROGRAMS CREATE: TEAMWORK BETWEEN STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND THEATRE PROFESSIONALS OPPORTUNITIES FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL TO DEVELOP AND DISPLAY THEIR TALENTS COMMUNITY PRIDE AND SENSE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT WITH A FINAL PERFORMANCE OUTLETS FOR SELF-EXPRESSION AND SELF-DISCOVERY THROUGH ALL THEATRE ARTS STUDENT ACTION AND CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE LANGUAGE ARTS PUBLIC SPEAKING SKILL STRENGTHENING BROAD-BASED CURRICULUM INTEGRATION INCREASED ATTENDANCE ENCOURAGEMENT TO READ "ENHANCEMENT OF STUDENT CHARACTER, RESPECT, AND SELF-ESTEEM LOVE OF LEARNING AND CREATIVE CURIOSITY THIS YEAR, SHAKESPERIENCE CONDUCTED MORE THAN 134 SESSIONS OF RESIDENCY PROGRAMS FOR WELL OVER APPROXIMATELY 100 STUDENTS.
  2. $155,421 spent. SUMMER SEASON: SHAKESPEARE IN THE LITCHFIELD HILLS IS AN IMMERSIVE COMMUNITY EVENT CULMINATING IN FIVE FREE FAMILY-FRIENDLY OUTDOOR "SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK" PRESENTATIONS OF "ROMEO & JULIET (AUGUST 2024)", PRODUCED BY SHAKESPERIENCE PRODUCTIONS, INC. AND FEATURING PROFESSIONAL EQUITY ACTORS TOGETHER WITH OTHER PROFESSIONALS, STUDENTS, AND AMATEUR PERFORMERS. ADMISSION IS FREE FOR THIS ECONOMIC-DRIVING AND COMMUNITY-BUILDING PROGRAM. THE ENSEMBLE INCLUDES A VOLUNTEER STEERING COMMITTEE, PUBLICITY TEAM, EDUCATION INTERNS, BACKSTAGE CREW, USHERS, WARDROBE CREW, SCENIC PAINTERS & CARPENTERS, HOST FAMILIES, AND MORE. THE EVENT IS ANTICIPATED AND PUBLICIZED BY ASSOCIATED PROGRAMS LEADING UP TO THE FINAL PERFORMANCES, INCLUDING LECTURES, DISCUSSIONS, AND FUNDRAISERS. 1300 PEOPLE OF ALL AGES JOINED OUR AUDIENCE FOR FREE PERFORMANCES THEY CALLED IT "INCREDIBLY SPECIAL," "DELIGHTFUL," "FAST PACED,- AND "WORLD CLASS" 190 HOUSEHOLDS DONATED BEFORE THE FIRST PERFORMANCE 14 BUSINESSES SPONSORED IN THE PROGRAM BOOK SUMMER SEASON: SHAKESPEARE IN THE LITCHFIELD HILLS IS AN IMMERSIVE COMMUNITY EVENT CULMINATING IN FIVE FREE FAMILY-FRIENDLY OUTDOOR "SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK" PRESENTATIONS OF "ROMEO & JULIET (AUGUST 2024)", PRODUCED BY SHAKESPERIENCE PRODUCTIONS, INC. AND FEATURING PROFESSIONAL EQUITY ACTORS TOGETHER WITH OTHER PROFESSIONALS, STUDENTS, AND AMATEUR PERFORMERS. ADMISSION IS FREE FOR THIS ECONOMIC-DRIVING AND COMMUNITY-BUILDING PROGRAM. THE ENSEMBLE INCLUDES A VOLUNTEER STEERING COMMITTEE, PUBLICITY TEAM, EDUCATION INTERNS, BACKSTAGE CREW, USHERS, WARDROBE CREW, SCENIC PAINTERS & CARPENTERS, HOST FAMILIES, AND MORE. THE EVENT IS ANTICIPATED AND PUBLICIZED BY ASSOCIATED PROGRAMS LEADING UP TO THE FINAL PERFORMANCES, INCLUDING LECTURES, DISCUSSIONS, AND FUNDRAISERS. 1300 PEOPLE OF ALL AGES JOINED OUR AUDIENCE FOR FREE PERFORMANCES THEY CALLED IT "INCREDIBLY SPECIAL," "DELIGHTFUL," "FAST PACED,- AND "WORLD CLASS" 190 HOUSEHOLDS DONATED BEFORE THE FIRST PERFORMANCE 14 BUSINESSES SPONSORED IN THE PROGRAM BOOK
  3. $89,536 spent. SCHOOL PERFORMANCES AND INTERACTIVE WORKSHOPS: IN-SCHOOL PERFORMANCES AND INTERACTIVE WORKSHOPS ARE SHAKESPERIENCE'S SIGNATURE SERIES OF IN-CLASS PROGRAMS, DESIGNED WITH SEVERAL VERSIONS FOR VARIOUS AGE AND EXPERIENCE LEVELS. TWO ACTORS DEMONSTRATE A HONED TEACHING STYLE TO LEAD THE CLASS THROUGH CURRICULAR LESSONS RELEVANT TO SHAKESPEARE,POETRY, ACTING, FOLKLORE, MYTHOLOGY, EL BARRIO AND SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING. THEY EMPOWER THE STUDENTS WITH TOOLS TO UNDERSTAND AND APPRECIATE CLASSIC TEXTS OR SHAKESPEARE'S LANGUAGE AS THEY PERFORM WITH PROFESSIONAL ACTORS RIGHT IN THEIR CLASSROOMS. TOGETHER THEY FIND THE CHARACTERS AND THEMES RELATABLE TO THEIR OWN LIVES, FOSTERING A SENSE OF COMMUNITY BETWEEN EDUCATORS, STUDENTS, AND TEACHING ARTISTS. SHAKESPERIENCE ALSO PERFORMED DIA DE LOS REYES, AN ORIGINAL THREE KINGS DAY MUSICAL, IN MANY CONNECTICUT SCHOOLS. THIS YEAR, SHAKESPERIENCE PERFORMED MORE THAN 257 INTERACTIVE WORKSHOPS AND PERFORMANCES FOR MORE THAN 11,000 TEACHERS AND STUDENTS. . SCHOOL PERFORMANCES AND INTERACTIVE WORKSHOPS: IN-SCHOOL PERFORMANCES AND INTERACTIVE WORKSHOPS ARE SHAKESPERIENCE'S SIGNATURE SERIES OF IN-CLASS PROGRAMS, DESIGNED WITH SEVERAL VERSIONS FOR VARIOUS AGE AND EXPERIENCE LEVELS. TWO ACTORS DEMONSTRATE A HONED TEACHING STYLE TO LEAD THE CLASS THROUGH CURRICULAR LESSONS RELEVANT TO SHAKESPEARE,POETRY, ACTING, FOLKLORE, MYTHOLOGY, EL BARRIO AND SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING. THEY EMPOWER THE STUDENTS WITH TOOLS TO UNDERSTAND AND APPRECIATE CLASSIC TEXTS OR SHAKESPEARE'S LANGUAGE AS THEY PERFORM WITH PROFESSIONAL ACTORS RIGHT IN THEIR CLASSROOMS. TOGETHER THEY FIND THE CHARACTERS AND THEMES RELATABLE TO THEIR OWN LIVES, FOSTERING A SENSE OF COMMUNITY BETWEEN EDUCATORS, STUDENTS, AND TEACHING ARTISTS. SHAKESPERIENCE ALSO PERFORMED DIA DE LOS REYES, AN ORIGINAL THREE KINGS DAY MUSICAL, IN MANY CONNECTICUT SCHOOLS. THIS YEAR, SHAKESPERIENCE PERFORMED MORE THAN 257 INTERACTIVE WORKSHOPS AND PERFORMANCES FOR MORE THAN 11,000 TEACHERS AND STUDENTS. .
  4. $13,745 spent. OTHER PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS INCLUDE ACTING CLASSES AND THE FALL FESTIVAL HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES.
  5. OTHER PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS INCLUDE ACTING CLASSES AND THE FALL FESTIVAL HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since November 1999.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.