Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 1051 Pontiac Road #707
City: Drexel Hill
State: PA
Postal Code: 19026
Main Phone: 610-321-3535
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.udfoundation.org
Employer ID Number: 23-2934964
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 26, 2024
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Upper Darby Summer Stage 2025
Project Description:

Upper Darby Summer Stage has empowered young people and entertained families for nearly 50 years. The crown jewel of the performing arts in Upper Darby, Summer Stage has been described by the Philadelphia Inquirer as “reach[ing] a level of professionalism and aesthetic excellence that is nothing short of miraculous.”

Over the course of a season, the Summer Stage staff of teachers, theater professionals, and college arts majors introduce students to the fundamentals of theater. Then they hone their craft and share it with the Upper Darby community, performing in one of seven high-quality shows over six weeks. Our Mainstage program produces a Broadway musical that rivals those of Philadelphia’s professional theaters.

Summer Stage introduces countless young people and families to the magic of live theater. Alumni include Emmy Award winner Tina Fey, regional theatre founders and directors, television actors and screenwriters, Broadway performers, technicians, and designers.

Summer Stage is often the first live theater experience for both our audience and participants. Those are formative moments when a lifelong love for theater may be created, and we strive to make them the most memorable and magical.

From the beginning of the participant experience, our mantra is “The Magic Begins with You.” Students are the drivers of their experience and have the opportunity to participate in a variety of different hands-on theater experiences. They are given responsibilities and roles, and are expected to fulfill what they take on. Students move scenery, learn blocking and choreography, and hold real sheet music. We also share with students resources for the stories we tell, and students learn dramaturgy and historic references.

Summer Stage’s first production, The Magic of America, premiered on July 3, 1976, on the eve of the US Bicentennial. In 2025, we’ll celebrate our 50th year, which will include a special alumni performance.

Total Project Budget: $1,021,119

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Earned Income: Ticket Sales $340,000 (potential); Participation Fees $282,000 (potential); Sponsorship & Advertising $75,000 (potential); Concessions $20,000 (potential); Rentals $4,000 (potential) & Fundraising Income: Rosenthal Foundation $125,000 (committed); Other Foundations $140,000 (potential); Individuals $25,119 (potential); Event $10,000 (potential)

Project Duration: 12 months
Geographical Area Served: Upper Darby, PA (outside of Philadelphia) and surrounding region
Age Group To Be Served: There are six offerings for various age groups: Summer Stage Junior (9-13); Children’s Theater & Technical Theater (13-17); Dance Troupe (9-28); Mainstage & Summer Stories (18-28)

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Harry
Contact Last Name: Dietzler
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 610-321-3535
Contact Email: hdietzler@udfoundation.org