Florida Studio Theatre Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Florida Studio Theatre holds the following mission: To make theatre affordable and accessible to as many people as possible; to present theatre that challenges with as much gusto as it entertains; to create a public forum for the issues of our day that will foster positive change in our community and beyond; to operate within and for the public trust.
- Income
- $14.6 million
- Spending
- $11.8 million
- Spent on programs
- 85%
- Reserves
- 20.4 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 54%
- Employees
- 308
- Volunteers
- 307
- Highest pay
- $230,329, managing director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 90 out of 100. Higher than 72% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $10m to $100m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 20.4 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 6% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 19% of income.
Income trend
5 of 15Income fell 21% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1585% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 10 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 34% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $10m to $100m).
Independent board
25 of 259 of 10 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 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 (3)
- $7.8 million spent. Theater Productions: Mainstage is FST's flagship program, producing the best contemporary American theater by presenting plays that speak to a living, evolving, dynamically changing world. Stage III is dedicated to the presentation of socially significant productions, stimulating audiences by presenting challenging content to audiences who might not otherwise participate in theatrical events. In accordance with its mission point "to make theatre affordable and accessible to as many people as possible," FST staunchly believes that theatre should not be a privilege of the few, but should benefit everyone. FST is able to maintain reasonable ticket prices; the average amount that a person will pay for a 3-play subscription to the Mainstage series is $79, or $26.33 per show. (Expenses $ including grants of $)(Revenue $ 88,903)
- $1.6 million spent. Cabaret Concessions: FST Cabaret was established to develop new audiences who might not otherwise participate in theatrical events. Offering restaurant and beverage service, the Cabaret provides a relaxed, inviting atmosphere for people who are new to the performing arts. Its warm, welcoming space reduces social barriers to theatre and encourages communication and intimacy.
- $753,186 spent. Education and Touring: The Write a Play touring program impacts students in grades K-12, with a special emphasis on underserved youth throughout Florida. During the course of a school year, FST's tours inspire 47,000 children and teens to write their own original plays through the Write a Play arts in education initiative each year. FST's education program offers children and adults a wealth of opportunities to discover their creativity. Classes are offered each week to students aged 5-95 in theatre, dance and music. Accessibility is ensured through programming for financially disadvantaged, physically and mentally challenged youth and adults. FST's "Children's Scholarship Program" provides about 15% of youth with full or partial tuition waivers, and adult work/scholarships in which prices are reduced in exchange for volunteer hours with the theatre, and are available to those with a need. (Expenses $ including grants of $)(Revenue $ 88,903)
Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
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.
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.
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.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending September 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since March 1974.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
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.