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Arizona Theatre Company

EIN 86-0211777 · Tucson, AZ

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak45 out of 100GovernanceStrong93 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

ATC's mission is to create world-class theatre about what it means to be alive today - inspiring curiosity and creativity, sparking empathy and joy - bringing all Arizonans together.

Income
$9.1 million
Spending
$8.7 million
Spent on programs
74%
Reserves
-2.7 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 52%
Employees
350
Volunteers
300
Highest pay
$198,262, executive director

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: 45 out of 100. Higher than 15% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    0 of 35

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

  • Debt

    0 of 20

    It owes 100% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 4% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 23% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    74% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 10 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: 93 out of 100. Higher than 56% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    17 of 19 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

    0 of 7

    Reports no 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

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited 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 (3)
  1. $6.2 million spent. Artistic Excellence and Innovation: Setting the gold standard for artistic excellence, Arizona Theatre Company (ATC) is the Official State Theatre of Arizona and the state's only LORT (League of Resident Theatres) professional regional theatre. Under the visionary leadership of Executive Director Geri Wright and Kasser Family Artistic Director Matt August, ATC brings world-class artists together to create exceptional theatrical experiences for Tucson and the Tempe/Phoenix metro area.Beyond the stage, ATC enriches lives through outreach, education, and community engagement, reaching over 300,000 people annually. From mainstage productions to student matinees and the National Latine Playwrights Award and Festival, we believe in the transformative power of theatre to inspire and connect.Join us in celebrating the magic of live performance - where creativity thrives, boundaries dissolve, and communities unite.
  2. $169,684 spent. Education: Arizona Theatre Company provides professional theatre arts programming to students across Arizona through our student matinee program. During the 2024-25 season, this initiative enriched the lives of more than 2,700 students.ATC's student matinee program provides affordable access to live theatre for students from K-12 grades. We offer $1 tickets to Title I schools and discounted tickets to all other student groups, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent young audiences from experiencing professional theatre. Following each performance, students engage in dynamic panel discussions with the artistic team and actors, deepening their understanding of the production. To further enhance the educational experience, ATC provides show-specific study guides and educator resources at no additional cost.
  3. $147,363 spent. Community Engagement: ATC is committed to fostering strong connections and engaging with our local communities. Our community engagement initiatives establish ATC as a vital cultural resource, extending our impact beyond the stage. Through diverse programs, including accessibility programming and audience engagement events, we continuously expand our presence and strengthen our relationship with the community.Each of our productions features special events such as Community Night, Pride Night, and Teacher Preview Night while offering reduced-price tickets to ensure the theatre remains accessible to all. ATC collaborates with more than 50 community organizations, local businesses, and nonprofits, forging meaningful partnerships that enhance engagement, elevate brand awareness, and support community well-being. Examples of these partnerships include Vet Tix, Phoenix Pride, Make Way for Books, Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Valors Veterans.

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 July 1967.

    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.