Spoleto Festival USA to Provide Free Access to Charleston Area Nonprofit Organizations

Applications Now Open for Open Stage Door Initiative

April 3, 2025 (Charleston, SC) — Spoleto Festival USA is now accepting applications for the 2025 Open Stage Door program. Through this community engagement initiative, Spoleto distributes complimentary tickets to service-oriented nonprofit organizations and their constituents. Applications are now open at Open Stage Door – Spoleto.  

Community-based organizations, social service agencies, educational groups, and other nonprofits serving the greater Charleston area are invited to request tickets by submitting a brief application describing their services.  

“Through Open Stage Door, we’re fostering genuine connections between individuals and the art itself,” says Spoleto Festival USA General Director & CEO Mena Mark Hanna. “This initiative inspires a deeper appreciation that goes beyond entertainment and gives back to our Charleston community by creating shared, unforgettable experiences.” 

In 2024, more than 300 complimentary tickets were distributed to more than 20 organizations in the Charleston area including Ansonborough House, We Are Family, Youth Empowerment Services, and HEART Inclusive Arts Community. 

“Open Stage Door has been an important and impressive part of our programming at HEART each year,” says HEART Executive Director Sisi Garland. “Not only does it give us access to high-caliber artistic productions that we would not otherwise be able to afford, but it has created an environment where we feel welcomed and wanted. Having the Open Stage Door program in our city sends the message to us – and everyone in our city – that Spoleto welcomes all audiences and that they care about our comfort and creative enjoyment.” 

For more information about Open Stage Door and to apply, visit spoletousa.org/openstagedoor. 

Open Stage Door is sponsored by BMW Group Plant Spartanburg. Additional support is provided by Sven and Kristin Lindblad and Ann and Michael Tarwater.  

This program is part of Spoleto Festival USA’s Education and Community Engagement programs, which are made possible with major lead support from Suzan D. Boyd and M. Edward Sellers. Additional generous support is provided by BMW Group Plant Spartanburg, The Good Neighbour Fund, Carol H. Fishman, and the South Carolina Arts Commission. Support is also provided by Vernon Drew and Leslie Aucoin, Kathleen and Bob Carroll, Sven and Kristin Lindblad, the Henry & Sylvia Yaschik Foundation, and Ann and Michael Tarwater. 

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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 2025 season takes place from May 23 to June 8 in various locations throughout Charleston. Spoleto Festival USA is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization.  

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