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ALMOST FAMOUS THEATRE COMPANY FOUNDATION

PARADISE VALLEY, AZ · EIN 815199277 · Form 990 · FY2021 · NTEE A65 · Arts, Culture & Humanities · Small ($100K-$1M) · almostfamoustheater.com
revenue
$242K
expenses
$205K
net assets
$70K
employees
0
volunteers
50
program ratio
93%
mission · from form 990

ALMOST FAMOUS THEATRE COMPANY TRANSFORMS LIVES ONE ROLE AT A TIME AND BRINGS JOY TO THE COMMUNITY THROUGH THE SHARED EXPERIENCE OF LIVE THEATER.

profile · synthesized from sources

Almost Famous Theatre Company transforms lives through live theater by providing performance opportunities for aspiring actors of all ages. Based in Phoenix, the organization produces plays and musicals that engage local audiences while fostering artistic growth and community enrichment. Founded in 2012 by experienced casting directors, it emphasizes inclusion, training, and partnerships with local nonprofits.

named programs · 3 · from sources

what they call their work

Community Outreach Program
Partners with nonprofits to support at-risk youth, donate theater supplies, and bring performances to seniors and schools
Gutenberg the Musical
2-man musical spoof about printing press inventor Johann Gutenberg, performed as part of the 2025-2026 season at Herberger Theater Center
Youth and Adult Theater Training
Provides coaching and performance opportunities for aspiring actors through rehearsals and live productions, developed by veteran casting directors
activities · 2 groups

what they do

  • Youth & Family Theatrical Productions 13 activities
    • Actor participation in productions
      Richard Doria has performed in multiple Almost Famous Theatre Company productions, including lead roles in Art (2013) and supporting roles in Unnecessary Farce (2015), Curtains (2018), and Guys and Dolls (2019).
    • Choreography for musical theater productions
      Janet Jones has choreographed musical productions since the company's inception, including Nunsense, Young Frankenstein, 9 to 5, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Title of Show, Gypsy, South Pacific, Curtains, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Guys and Dolls.
    • Executive and production management
      Provides planning, production resources, and executive oversight for theater operations through the role of Executive Producer, ensuring organizational continuity and production capacity.
    • Leadership and creative direction in theater production
      Engages experienced artistic leaders including directors, music directors, and choreographers who have led numerous productions since the company's inception. Jan Williams has directed over 30 productions; John Luke Osorio has served as music director since 2014; Janet Jones has choreographed multiple musicals since the company began.
    • Leadership and creative direction in theater production
      Provides executive, directorial, musical, and choreographic leadership through long-standing artistic staff, including over 30 productions directed by Jan Williams, music direction by John Luke Osorio since 2014, and choreography by Janet Jones since the company's inception.
    • Leadership in theater production and direction
      Engages key artistic leaders including Jan Williams, who has directed over 30 productions, Garth Williams, who has produced live theater experiences for aspiring actors, and Richard Doria, who serves as Executive Producer providing planning and production resources.
    • Music direction for theatrical productions
      John Luke Osorio has served as music director since 2014, leading musical direction for productions including Young Frankenstein, 9 to 5 the Musical, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, South Pacific, Curtains, Seussical Jr., Little Mermaid Jr., and Guys and Dolls.
    • Producing Live Theater Performances
      The organization produces and stages live plays and musical theater productions in Phoenix and Scottsdale, with scheduled performances for upcoming seasons, including specific shows like "Gutenberg the Musical."
    • Production of live theater performances
      Produces and presents live plays and musical theater productions in Phoenix and Scottsdale as part of its ongoing seasonal programming, with documented seasons from 2012–2013 through the planned 2025–2026 season.
    • Production of live theater performances
      Produces and stages live plays and musical theater productions in Phoenix and Scottsdale, with a continuous season schedule from 2012-2013 through the planned 2025-2026 season. Specific productions include "Gutenberg! The Musical" in March 2026 and a history of staging titles such as "Young Frankenstein," "9 to 5 the Musical," "Curtains," and "Guys and Dolls."
    • Production of live theater performances
      Produces and presents live plays and musical theater productions in Phoenix and Scottsdale, with a continuous season schedule from 2012-2013 through the planned 2025-2026 season.
    • Staging of specific theatrical works
      Staged and presented performances of "Gutenberg! The Musical" in March 2026, with scheduled performances from March 26–29, 2026, as part of its production season.
    • Staging of specific theatrical works
      Staged and presented performances of "Gutenberg! The Musical" in multiple seasons, including scheduled performances from March 26–29, 2026.
  • Youth Performing Arts Camps & Classes 4 activities
    • Artistic Development and Training
      The organization coaches actors for participation in studio showcases and provides live theater experiences for aspiring actors, contributing to their artistic development.
    • Artistic coaching and development for actors
      Provides coaching to actors for participation in studio showcases and theatrical productions, supporting artistic development as part of its theater programming.
    • Artistic development and coaching for actors
      Provides artistic development and coaching for actors, including preparation for studio showcases and participation in full productions, supporting aspiring performers through hands-on theater experience.
    • Artistic development and coaching for actors
      Provides coaching and artistic development for actors, including preparation for studio showcases and performance opportunities in full productions.
financials · form 990 · fy2021
revenue
Total revenue$242K
Contributions & grants$142K59%
Program service revenue$107K44%
Investment income$40%
Other revenue$-7K
expenses
Total expenses$205K
Program expenses93%
Admin / overhead5%
Fundraising3%
Salaries & benefits$0
Grants paid out$590
Largest expense lineFacilities
balance sheet
Total assets$100K
Cash$69K
Investments$0
Liabilities$30K
Net assets$70K
Liquid reserves4.0 mo
3 years on record · 2019–2021 · YoY revenue +299.8%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2021

who runs it

board members · 5
  • CAROLYNN RUSSELL — DIRECTOR
  • GARTH WILLIAMS — PRESIDENT
  • JAN WILLIAMS — SECRETARY
  • LUCIEK MKRDICHIAN — TREASURER
  • MARJANI TAYLOR — DIRECTOR
relationships · 12

who they work with

  • Arizona Humane Society Partner — Partnership helped facilitate the adoption of one dog at the end of every show.
  • Arizona Women's Board Partner — Partnered to promote kidney health following the theme of diabetes in Steel Magnolias.
  • Cocopah Middle School Partner — Supported their theatre arts program by donating set pieces and microphones for a school production.
  • Cowgirls Historical Foundation Partner — Listed as a non-profit partner.
  • Florence Crittenden Partner — Listed as a non-profit partner.
  • Herberger Theater Center Partner — Presented "Gutenberg the Musical" at The Kax Stage as part of a collaborative presentation.
  • Herberger Theater Center Partner — Venue for the "Gutenberg! the musical" performance.
  • Jewish Family and Children’s Service Partner — Listed as a non-profit partner.
  • John Wayne Foundation Partner — Collaborates with Almost Famous Theatre Company on community impact initiatives
  • National Kidney Foundation of Arizona Partner — Listed as a non-profit partner.
  • Renewal Performing Arts Partner — Listed as a non-profit partner.
  • The Phoenix Theatre Company Partner — Richard Doria facilitated the current venue relationship with The Phoenix Theatre Company, where he served as a board member for seven years.