Spoleto announces free Festival access to local nonprofits through Open Stage Door (Charleston, SC)

Spoleto Accepting Applications for Open Stage Door  

Program provides free Festival access to local nonprofits

March 21, 2024 (Charleston, S.C.) — Spoleto Festival USA, America’s premier performing arts festival, is now accepting applications for the 2024 Open Stage Door program. Through this community engagement initiative, Spoleto distributes complimentary tickets to laudable Charleston nonprofit organizations and their constituents. Applications are now open at spoletousa.org. 

Community-based organizations, social service agencies, and other nonprofit groups serving the greater Charleston area are invited to request tickets by submitting a brief application describing their services. In the past 10 years, Spoleto Festival USA has provided more than 5,000 complimentary tickets to a variety of organizations in the greater Charleston area such as the Jenkins Institute for Children, My Sister’s House, Charleston Music Teacher Association, and We Are Family. 

“By fostering connections with our community, we are inspiring a deeper appreciation for the performing arts.” says Mena Mark Hanna, Spoleto Festival USA General Director and CEO. “For the last 48 years, Spoleto has not only brought incredible performances to Charleston, but has played a role in preserving historic landmarks, initiating educational programs, and providing access for underserved communities in an effort to give back to the Charleston community.” 

For more information about Open Stage Door and to apply, visit spoletousa.org. This initiative is made possible by the generous support of BMW Group Plant Spartanburg.  

SPOLETO FESTIVAL USA

Spoleto Festival USA was founded in 1977 by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Gian Carlo Menotti, who sought to create an American counterpart to the annual Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy, which he had founded in 1958. Now in its 48th year, Spoleto Festival USA is internationally recognized as America’s premier performing arts festival. For 17 days and nights each spring, Spoleto Festival USA fills Charleston’s historic theaters, churches, and outdoor spaces with performances in opera; theater; dance; and chamber, symphonic, choral, and jazz music. Spoleto’s mission is to present programs of the highest artistic caliber while maintaining a dedication to young artists, a commitment to all forms of the performing arts, a passion for contemporary innovation, and an enthusiasm for providing unique performance opportunities for established artists. Beyond its role as a launching pad for young talent, Spoleto also serves as a catalyst for cultural change and has aided in Charleston’s flourishing as a top arts and culture destination. With General Director & CEO Mena Mark Hanna at its helm, the 2024 season takes place from May 24 to June 9 in various locations on the downtown peninsula. Spoleto Festival USA is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization.