Lake Worth Playhouse

What Lake Worth Playhouse does

Lake Worth Playhouse is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community theater founded in 1953 and currently in its 74th operating season, based in Lake Worth Beach, Florida. It operates out of the historic 1924 Art Deco Oakley Theatre and serves approximately 24,000 patrons per year across roughly 90 performances. Its programming is delivered across multiple tiers: a Main Stage season, limited engagements, a Black Box series, radio plays, a film series, and a new play development program called Square One. Educational and outreach offerings include School Time student matinees, summer camps, adult and children's classes, and community outreach, with a paid staff of 11–50 supported by an extensive volunteer base.

The organization operates as a hybrid producing and presenting venue. It generates earned revenue from ticket sales, facility rentals, advertising sales, and tuition-based classes, and partners with local restaurants to sell dinner-and-show packages. Contributed revenue is structured through a multi-tier donation ladder running from $250 to $25,000, alongside corporate sponsorships and institutional grants — including support from the State of Florida Division of Arts and Culture. These revenue lines, combined with the small paid headcount and absent financial disclosure, are consistent with a mid-sized regional nonprofit rather than a commercial entertainment operator.

Architecturally, the Playhouse's offering is anchored by a single 100-year-old physical asset and almost seven decades of continuous institutional history. The combination of earned and contributed income, the broadening content surface (stage, radio, film, new plays), and the education/outreach vertical positions the organization as a community-embedded cultural utility rather than a scalable commercial enterprise. The available evidence supports a stable small-scale operation; it does not support claims of rapid expansion or commercial-scale monetization.

Name

Lake Worth Playhouse

Legal name

Lake Worth Playhouse

Website

https://lakeworthplayhouse.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1953

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Lake Worth Playhouse is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community theater in Lake Worth Beach, Florida, founded in 1953 and operating from the historic 1924 Oakley Theatre, presenting roughly 90 live performances plus film, radio, educational, and new-play programs to about 24,000 patrons annually.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Performing Arts

NAICS

Theater Companies and Dinner Theaters (711110), Performing Arts Companies (7111)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Community & Amateur Theatre (MPAGABAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Musical Theatre (Non-Broadway/Fringe) (MPAGABAG), Regional & Repertory Theatre Companies (MPAGABAB)

Keywords

• Community theater productions
• Performing arts education
• Live stage performances
• Independent film screenings
• Theater rental services

Headquarters

HQ city

Lake Worth

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: The primary revenue stream comes from selling tickets to Main Stage productions, Limited Engagements, Black Box Series, Radio Plays, Film Screenings, and Special Events. Ticket prices range from $9 for films to $100 for premium fundraising events. Student rush tickets available at discounted rates.
2. Donations and Fundraising: As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, the theater relies on individual donations categorized into tiers: Ensemble ($250+), Supporting Cast ($500+), Leading Role ($1,000+), Directors Circle ($2,500+), Producers Guild ($5,000+), Marquee Club ($10,000+), and Spotlight Society ($25,000+). Memory and honor gifts, and employee matching gift programs are also available.
3. Sponsorships: Corporate and organizational sponsorships for season, individual shows, opening nights, educational programs, and facility improvements. Season sponsors ($25,000), musical sponsors ($5,000), play sponsors ($2,500), opening night sponsors ($1,500), summer camp sponsorships, and seat donation programs (Take-a-Seat at $1,500 per seat).
4. Dinner & Show Packages: Partnership with local restaurants for combined dining and theater packages at various price points ($66-$116), providing revenue share or convenience fees while enhancing customer experience.
5. Education Programs: Revenue from summer theater camps ($900 for 4-week camp, $200 per week for weekly themes), classes for adults (tap classes at $60/month, acting classes at $275-$325), and classes for kids (musical theater, improv, audition prep at $275-$325).
6. Facility Rentals: The theater rents its Main Stage and Stonzek Studio Theatre spaces to outside presenters and community groups. Rental rate sheets are available for event production bookings.
7. Advertising: Local businesses advertise in playbills distributed to 24,000 annual patrons across 90 performances. Advertising options include business card ($250), quarter page ($425), half page ($850), full page ($1,300), and inside/back covers ($1,900).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Lake Worth Playhouse is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community theater that produces and presents live theatrical performances across its Main Stage and 60-seat Stonzek Studio Theatre, including a season of Broadway-style musicals and plays, Black Box Series, Radio Plays, and independent film screenings. The organization also delivers performing arts education through summer camps and classes for adults and children, and supports community engagement through outreach programs, dinner-and-show packages, and facility rentals.

Product overview

Lake Worth Playhouse is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community theater offering a diverse portfolio of theatrical productions and arts education programs. The organization operates the historic Oakley Theatre building (constructed 1924) with two performance spaces: the Stephanie Smith Main Stage for large-scale productions and the 60-seat Stonzek Studio Theatre for intimate performances. Core offerings include the Main Stage Season (musicals and plays like In The Heights, Falsettos, A Chorus Line, Come From Away), Black Box Series (contemporary plays in an intimate setting), Radio Plays (classic radio drama adaptations), and Film Series (independent and foreign films). Education programs encompass Summer Show Camp, Summer Theatre Camp (ages 6-15), Classes for Adults (tap, improv, acting), Classes for Kids (musical theatre, audition prep, improv), and Outreach Programs (youth workshops, complimentary tickets for nonprofits). Additional services include Dinner & Show Packages with partner restaurants, accessibility accommodations, and Square One (new play development program).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Stonzek Studio Theatre: An intimate 60-seat black-box theatre within the Lake Worth Playhouse complex, used for independent films, alternative programming, and the Black Box Series.

Products and services

• Main Stage Season The flagship theatrical season featuring Broadway-style productions including musicals and plays performed on the Stephanie Smith Main Stage. Targeted at theater enthusiasts and performing arts patrons in the Lake Worth Beach and Palm Beach County community.
• Limited Engagements Variety performances presented by community artists and touring groups including plays, comedy shows, concerts, documentary screenings, and special presentations. Targeted at patrons seeking diverse entertainment beyond traditional theater.
• Black Box Series Thought-provoking plays by nationally and internationally established playwrights performed in the intimate 60-seat Stonzek Studio Theater with minimal technical arrangements, focusing on story, writing, and acting.
• Radio Plays Classic radio drama adaptations presented in the style of golden-age radio theater, featuring atmospheric sound effects and richly drawn characters, including productions such as Dracula, Rebecca, and Casablanca.
• Film Series (Stonzek Studio Theatre) Palm Beach County's premiere venue for independent films, featuring an intimate black-box theatre equipped with an extra-large viewing screen and HD projection for daily independent and foreign film screenings.
• Square One: 1st D.R.A.F.T. New Play Development A collaborative new play development program designed to take original one-act plays from concept to fully staged production over 6-8 months, culminating in 3-4 plays selected for full production.
• School Time Shows Field trip and family-friendly daytime productions for school groups (K-12, homeschool) featuring literature-based theatre, music, character education, and audience participation including shows like The Wind In The Willows, House At Pooh Corner, and Casey At The Bat.
• Summer Show Camp Intensive 4-week camp for ages 8-15 culminating in a Main Stage production, including Mary Poppins Jr. featuring 5 performance opportunities. Tuition: $900.
• Summer Theatre Camp (Weekly Themes) Weekly theatre camp for ages 6-10 with themed weeks including Broadway, Disney, Star Wars, Play Writing Workshop, and more. Tuition: $200 per week.
• Classes for Adults Adult education programs including Beginning Tap, Intermediate Tap, From Page to Stage (one-act performance class), and Introduction to Improvisational Comedy. Taught by Joanne DePrizio for tap classes.
• Classes for Kids Youth education programs including InterACTions (ages 11-17), Audition Prep for Young Performers (ages 7-14), Improv for Kids (ages 7-14), and Musical Theatre Kids (ages 7-14), with tuition ranging from $275-$325 per session.
• Outreach Programs Community engagement initiatives including Curtains Up (performing arts workshops for underserved youth), Outreach Audiences (complimentary Main Stage tickets for nonprofit organizations), and Outreach Awareness (connecting show themes with community organizations).
• Dinner & Show Packages Dining packages at partner restaurants (Mario's, Dave's Last Resort, Victoria's Pisco Lounge, Paradiso Ristorante, The Irish Brigade, Pomona) combined with show tickets, ranging from $66-$116 per person.
• Accessibility Services Accessibility accommodations including wheelchair accessibility, infrared listening systems with free headset loans (ID required), and seating assistance for patrons with visual impairments.
• Theater Facility Rentals Theater rents its Main Stage and Stonzek Studio Theatre spaces to outside presenters and community groups. Rental rate sheets available for event production bookings through the Executive Director.

Quantifiable outcome

• Serves 24,000+ patrons annually across 90 performances
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Mario's Lake AveminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAuthentic Italian restaurant located next door to the Stonzek Studio. Partner for Dinner & Show packages at $66 per person. Opens at 4 PM for evening shows.
• Dave's Last ResortminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSports bar and restaurant across from the Playhouse, opens at 11 AM. American cuisine and seafood. Dinner & Show package at $70. Voted top 25 A-List by WPBF.
• Victoria's Pisco LoungeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerElegant Peruvian cuisine restaurant one block west of Playhouse. Opens 11:30 AM. Dinner & Show package at $85.
• Paradiso RistoranteminorGTM or Marketing PartnerElegant restaurant in downtown Lake Worth attracting patrons from nearby Palm Beach. Dinner & Show package at $116 including appetizer, main course, and dessert. Short walk from Playhouse.
• The Irish BrigademinorGTM or Marketing PartnerCozy Irish pub atmosphere in downtown Lake Worth. Dinner & Show package at $85. Short walk from Playhouse.
• PomonaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNew restaurant concept from owners of Ravish in Lantana. Fresh and fun vibe with seasonal rotating menu by Chef Johnny DeMartini. Dinner & Show package at $66.
• Prime Time Palm Beach CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Prime Time Palm Beach County for Curtains Up outreach program providing performing arts education through introductory workshops to underserved youth. Also major donor ($25,000+ Spotlight Society tier). Workshops culminate in Main Stage performances.
• South Florida PBSminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for community events. Hosted 'On the Town in the Palm Beaches: Set Jetting' screening event on June 25, 2026.
• Church of Our Savior MCCminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLGBTQ+ church sponsoring documentary film 'Slice of Life: The American Dream. In Former Pizza Huts.' Hosted in a former Pizza Hut building.
• Beyond the Box EntertainmentminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting partner for The Limit: A Tribute to The Eagles concert on February 5, 2027.
• Laff Productions Inc.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting partner for Man of 1000 Voices with Rick Michel on December 13, 2026. Proceeds support Wounded Warrior Project.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre: Nonprofit professional theater in Coral Gables, FL producing musicals, children's theater, and education programs in a historic venue. Comparable as a Florida community theater with parallel Main Stage season, youth programming, and donor-supported operating structure.
• TheatreSquared: Nonprofit regional theater in Fayetteville, AR with a Main Stage season, black-box programming, and substantial new-play development and education initiatives. Comparable as a community-anchored theater combining production, new-work development, and learning programs.
• Florida Studio Theatre: Sarasota-based nonprofit regional theater running multiple subscription series (Mainstage, Cabaret, Stage III, etc.) alongside education and children's programming. Directly comparable in multi-format season programming and parallel revenue model.
• Maltz Jupiter Theatre: Professional nonprofit regional theater in Jupiter, FL operating a season of musicals, plays, and children's programming in an owned venue. Directly comparable as a Florida-based community/professional theater with similar subscription, education, and donor-driven model.
• Gulfshore Playhouse: Nonprofit professional theater in Naples, FL producing a Main Stage season and education/outreach programs. Comparable as a Florida community/regional theater with subscription series, donor tiers, and youth education programming serving an affluent local audience.
• Palm Beach Dramaworks: Professional nonprofit theater in West Palm Beach producing a Main Stage season of plays and musicals for Palm Beach County audiences. Directly comparable given the overlapping geography, subscriber base, and producing-theater operating model.

Others

• Broward Center for the Performing Arts: One of the largest performing arts venues in the US, located in Fort Lauderdale. Comparable as a Southeast Florida nonprofit venue serving the same donor and patron demographic, but presenting touring productions at scale rather than producing its own Main Stage season.
• Carbonell Awards: Regional theater awards body covering South Florida professional theater, of which the Lake Worth Playhouse is an active participant (artistic staff have received nominations). Relevant as an industry-ecosystem peer that shapes reputation, recognition, and competitive benchmarking for Florida community theaters.

Regional players

• The Wick Theatre: Professional regional theater in Boca Raton, FL focused primarily on large-scale musicals and cabaret. Comparable as a Florida-based nonprofit producing theater serving the same affluent South Florida audience, though with a narrower programming format.

Broad incumbents

• Kravis Center for the Performing Arts: Large regional performing arts center in West Palm Beach presenting touring Broadway, music, dance, and education programs. Comparable as a Palm Beach County nonprofit venue competing for the same donor and audience pool, though operating at materially larger scale and as a presenting house rather than producing theater.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/LWPlayhouse
• Facebookfacebook.com/lwplayhouse

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Lake Worth Playhouse