Orlando Shakespeare Theater Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
TO ENRICH OUR COMMUNITY WITH ENGAGING PROFESSIONAL THEATER, INSPIRING EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES AND THOUGHT-PROVOKING NEW PLAYS.
- Income
- $5.0 million
- Spending
- $5.2 million
- Spent on programs
- 75%
- Reserves
- 5.3 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 57%
- Employees
- 129
- Volunteers
- 304
- Highest pay
- $124,843, mgn director thru 11/2024
Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 78 out of 100. Higher than 58% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
20 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 5.3 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 3% of what it owns.
Living within its means
8 of 15Spending exceeded income by 3% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 24% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1575% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 7 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 65% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 2531 of 31 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 May 31, 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)
- $486,650 spent. Orlando Shakespeare Theater's production of What the Constitution Means to Me invited audiences into a deeply personal and timely exploration of the U.S. Constitution through the lens of lived experience. Blending history, storytelling, and civic dialogue, the production sparked meaningful conversations about democracy, individual rights, and the ongoing evolution of our nation's founding document. The show resonated strongly with audiences, particularly students and first-time theatergoers, reinforcing OST's commitment to producing bold, relevant work that engages the community in thoughtful reflection and discourse.
- $1.1 million spent. A Christmas Carol continued as one of Orlando Shakespeare Theater's most beloved holiday traditions, welcoming audiences of all ages to celebrate the spirit of generosity, redemption, and community. This festive production combined vibrant performances, rich storytelling, and seasonal charm to create a warm and accessible theatrical experience for families and longtime patrons alike. As both a cultural cornerstone and a key driver of audience attendance, A Christmas Carol remains central to OST's mission of bringing classic stories to life while fostering connection and joy during the holiday season.
- $2.3 million spent. Orlando Shakespeare Theater's production of Cabaret delivered a powerful and provocative theatrical experience, immersing audiences in the volatile world of 1930s Berlin as political unrest and personal freedoms collide. Through striking performances and an intimate staging, the production examined themes of identity, complacency, and the cost of indifference in the face of rising extremism. Cabaret challenged audiences while showcasing OST's artistic range and commitment to presenting daring, socially resonant work that speaks urgently to both history and the present moment.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 31, 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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending May 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since November 1989.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 7, 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.