Out of Hand Theater, Inc. Market Research Report
Background
Overview
Out of Hand Theater, Inc. is a non-profit theater company based in Atlanta, Georgia, established in 2001. The organization leverages the arts to address social issues, aiming to create a more just world through programs that combine theater and film with information and conversation.
Mission and Vision
The company's mission is encapsulated in the equation: Art + Information + Conversation = Real Social Change. They believe that theater can do more than entertain; it can disrupt systems, disarm fear, and connect strangers across differences. Their vision includes a world where all individuals are valued equally, historical injustices are recognized and repaired, and resources are provided according to need.
Primary Area of Focus and Industry Significance
Out of Hand Theater operates at the intersection of art, social impact, and civic engagement. By producing theater-based programs that address pressing societal issues, they have become a significant entity in the arts and social justice sectors. Their innovative approach has garnered national attention, including recognition as The New York Times' Best Theater of 2020.
Key Strategic Focus
Core Objectives
The organization's primary objectives include:
- Community Engagement: Utilizing theater to foster dialogue and understanding on social issues.
- Social Justice Advocacy: Addressing topics such as racial equity, homelessness, and public health through artistic expression.
- Educational Outreach: Providing arts education to underserved communities to bridge opportunity gaps.
Specific Areas of Specialization
Out of Hand Theater specializes in:
- Shows in Homes: Producing one-act plays on community issues performed in private residences, followed by discussions.
- Equitable Dinners: Facilitating small-group conversations over meals to discuss racial equity and other pertinent topics.
- Community Collaborations: Partnering with local organizations to create theater-based projects that amplify voices and drive action.
- Educational Programs: Offering free arts education through initiatives like Creative Kids and the Community Impact Lab.
Key Technologies Utilized
While the organization primarily focuses on live theater, they have incorporated digital platforms for virtual events, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, to continue their mission of community engagement.
Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted
Out of Hand Theater primarily targets:
- Underserved Communities: Providing arts education and engagement in high-poverty areas.
- Social Justice Initiatives: Addressing systemic issues such as racial inequity, homelessness, and public health crises.
Financials and Funding
Funding History
As a non-profit organization, Out of Hand Theater relies on a combination of grants, donations, and partnerships to fund its operations. In the fiscal year 2024, the organization reported revenue of $1 million and expenses of $1.02 million, with total assets amounting to $385,000.
Total Funds Raised
The organization has consistently secured funding from various sources, including government grants, private foundations, and individual donors. Notable supporters have included the Georgia Council on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
Notable Investors
While specific investors are not publicly disclosed, the organization has received significant support from foundations such as the John H. & Wilhelmina D. Harland Foundation, the Rich Foundation, and the Zeist Foundation.
Intended Utilization of Capital
Funds are utilized to support various programs, including:
- Production Costs: Expenses related to staging performances and events.
- Educational Initiatives: Funding for arts education programs like Creative Kids and the Community Impact Lab.
- Community Outreach: Costs associated with community collaborations and engagement activities.
Pipeline Development
Key Pipeline Candidates
Out of Hand Theater's pipeline includes:
- Shows in Homes: Annual productions addressing community issues.
- Equitable Dinners: Ongoing series focusing on racial equity and social justice.
- Community Collaborations: Partnerships with local organizations to create theater-based projects.
- Educational Programs: Continuous development of arts education initiatives for underserved communities.
Stages of Development
These programs are in various stages, from conceptualization to execution, with annual cycles for Shows in Homes and Equitable Dinners, and ongoing collaborations and educational initiatives.
Target Conditions
The organization addresses conditions such as:
- Racial Inequity: Through discussions and performances on racial justice.
- Homelessness: By highlighting challenges related to housing insecurity.
- Public Health Crises: Addressing issues like vaccine hesitancy and HIV stigma.
Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones
Specific timelines vary by program, with annual events like Shows in Homes and Equitable Dinners, and ongoing collaborations and educational programs.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Proprietary Technologies
The organization does not publicly disclose proprietary technologies.
Significant Scientific Methods
While not a scientific organization, Out of Hand Theater employs methodologies such as:
- Community-Based Participatory Research: Engaging community members in the creation and execution of programs.
- Theater as a Tool for Social Change: Utilizing performance to address and discuss societal issues.
AI-Driven Capabilities
There is no public information indicating the use of AI-driven capabilities within the organization.
Leadership Team
Key Executive Profiles
- Ariel Fristoe: Artistic Director and Co-Founder. Fristoe has been instrumental in shaping the organization's mission and programs.
- Thomas Brazzle: Managing Director and Co-Founder. Brazzle oversees the organization's operations and strategic initiatives.
- Adria Kitchens: Director of Equity and Activism. Kitchens leads the organization's efforts in promoting social justice and community engagement.
Leadership Changes
No significant leadership changes have been publicly reported in recent years.
Competitor Profile
Market Insights and Dynamics
The non-profit theater sector in Atlanta is competitive, with several organizations vying for funding and audience engagement. Out of Hand Theater distinguishes itself through its unique approach of integrating theater with social justice initiatives.
Competitor Analysis
Key competitors include:
- Alliance Theatre: A prominent regional theater known for its diverse productions.
- Theatrical Outfit: Focuses on producing thought-provoking plays.
- Actor's Express: Specializes in contemporary theater.
Out of Hand Theater's emphasis on community engagement and social impact sets it apart in this landscape.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
Significant Collaborations
Out of Hand Theater has partnered with various organizations, including:
- National Center for Civil and Human Rights: Collaborated on Equitable Dinners.
- Georgia Department of Public Health: Partnered on the Equitable Vaccines program.
- ACLU of Georgia: Worked together on productions addressing social justice issues.
These partnerships enhance the organization's capacity to address complex social issues through collaborative efforts.
Operational Insights
Strategic Considerations
Out of Hand Theater's focus on community-based programs and social justice initiatives provides a distinct competitive advantage. Their ability to adapt to changing funding landscapes, as demonstrated during the suspension of the Equitable Vaccines program due to federal funding cuts, showcases resilience and commitment to their mission.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
Strategic Roadmap
The organization plans to continue expanding its programs, with upcoming initiatives such as:
- Prisontown: A 2026 Shows in Homes production addressing immigrant detention.
- We Hold These Truths: Community conversations on American identity and civic polarization.
- Say Their Names: Addressing the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous peoples.
