Borough Proposal | Conshohocken Theater in the Parks

Proposal: Conshohocken Theater in the Parks Summer Program 2026

Executive Summary

Purpose:

This proposal and the contents therein aim to establish a partnership between Conshohocken Theater in the Parks (CTIP) a Pennsylvania nonprofit organization (EIN: 39-4143633, PA Entity Number: 0014772396) and the Borough of Conshohocken

Mission Statement:

CTIP’s aims to provide the Borough community with accessible, inclusive, and resonant live storytelling reflecting the times we live in and the place we call home. From May through September, CTIP’s program looks to serving the community by celebrating Conshohocken’s parks as the vibrant cultural spaces they are, and championing the power of performance in nature.

Goals & Strategic Pillars

CTIP aims to leave audiences with a sense of catharsis and meaningful conversation long after the curtain falls. Our strategy is built on six core pillars:

1. Promote Colloquial Storytelling

We reinterpret classical theater through a Conshohocken lens, making timeless stories more accessible and relevant to our community. By grounding performances in local culture and current issues, we foster deeper connections between the audience and the material.

2. Facilitate Generational Conversations

CTIP encourages intergenerational engagement among cast, crew, and audiences. We create space for shared life experiences across age groups, empowering young people to learn from older generations and vice versa—both onstage and behind the scenes.

3. Lead with Environmental Sustainability

We are committed to preserving the natural beauty of our park venues. CTIP productions are designed to minimize environmental impact by avoiding damage to local flora and fauna, using sustainable materials and practices, leaving every site as found—or better. We understand any damage to public property will be the responsibility of our organization to return to the state in which we received it.

4. Champion Education and Outreach

CTIP connects theatrical storytelling to educational disciplines, especially for junior participants in the Colonial School District. Our programming aligns with:

English Language Arts: Exploring the literary context of plays and musicals, including the historical and thematic relevance of the works.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math):
- Set Design & Construction: Applying engineering and mathematical principles in age-appropriate ways.
- Special Effects: Using biology and chemistry for makeup, props, and effects.
- Sound & Lighting: Demonstrating physics through real-world applications.
History, Social Studies & Civics: Examining the cultural and political relevance of each production, both in its original context and today.

5. Personify Diversity and Accessibility

We believe theater should be a space where everyone belongs. CTIP ensures inclusive participation and audience experience through:

Physical Accessibility

Routes: Accessible options to seating and restrooms as available in applicable venues
- CTIP acknowledges the responsibility for providing portable restroom units to serve applicable participants/spectators at the final determined location.
Seating: Integrated wheelchair-accessible and companion seating
Parking: ADA-compliant spaces and drop-off zones with curb ramps
Restrooms: ADA-compliant portable toilets with turning space and grab bars

Sensory & Communication Accessibility

FM systems or hearing loops
Open or closed captioning
Audio description for visually impaired attendees
ASL interpretation for select performances or upon request

Digital & Pre-Event Accessibility

WCAG-compliant website and registration platform
Accessibility request options during ticketing
Inclusive language and symbols in marketing
Event info available in large print, braille, and audio formats

Staff Training & Community Engagement

Disability etiquette training for staff and volunteers
Feedback tools (surveys, comment cards) for attendees with disabilities
Partnerships with local disability organizations for outreach and guidance

6. Integrate All Art Forms

CTIP showcases the full artistic tapestry of Conshohocken, both on and off stage:

Collaborate with local artisans for scenic, prop, costume, and set design
Feature local visual artists in pre-show exhibitions
Host craft fairs or bazaars led by artists who contributed to the productions

Cultural and Community Benefits

CTIP offers a no-cost, community-centered arts experience that is accessible to residents of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. By eliminating tuition, dues, and participation fees, CTIP ensures equitable access to cultural enrichment, particularly for families seeking affordable summer programming.

Inclusive Access:

CTIP is free for all participants and attendees, removing financial barriers to arts education and entertainment. It offers an affordable alternative to summer camps, especially for working families and underserved youth.. CTIP will file for all necessary insurances and provide the Borough a thorough record of all State-required clearances for volunteers, performers, and staff working with or in contact with children.

Youth Development:

Theater participation improves academic performance, reduces dropout rates, and fosters leadership and social skills. Students involved in the arts are more likely to engage in community service and win academic awards.

Economic ROI:

Pennsylvania’s arts sector contributes $30 billion annually to the state economy, supporting over 175,000 jobs. In Greater Philadelphia, arts activity generates $1.9 billion and supports 23,000+ jobs.

Community Engagement:

Local theater builds civic pride and social cohesion. Nearly 90% of audiences say arts activities inspire neighborhood pride and help preserve cultural heritage.

Local Identity:

CTIP celebrates Conshohocken’s character by staging performances in public parks. With a population of 9,200 and a median age of 31.7, CTIP bridges generational gaps through shared cultural experiences.

Small Business Support:

Performances increase foot traffic to nearby restaurants, cafes, and shops, boosting local commerce and economic vitality.

Environmental Stewardship:

CTIP protects park ecosystems by designing productions that leave no trace, enhancing public appreciation for shared green spaces.

Cultural Preservation:

By involving local artists in scenic, costume, and set design, CTIP promotes regional craftsmanship and storytelling, preserving Conshohocken’s cultural heritage.

Youth Engagement:

Free summer programming provides structured, supervised environments that reduce idle time and promote positive peer relationships, contributing to safer public spaces. CTIP will provide all liability insurance and childcare provisions, where required.

Senior Citizen Well-being:

Theater participation improves cognitive function, reduces isolation, and enhances emotional health. CTIP offers seniors meaningful opportunities for creative expression and intergenerational connection.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

Youth Participation: 75–100 annually
Audience Attendance: 750 - 2,500 per season
Volunteer Engagement: 25–40 annually
Local Economic Impact: $78,000+ in first year
Educational Integration: 1–3 curriculum-aligned workshops
Outreach Growth: 7–10% annual increase
Diversity Metrics: 2+ age groups, 3+ racial/ethnic backgrounds
Environmental Impact: Zero permanent damage
Community Satisfaction: 85%+ positive feedback
Senior Engagement: 12–15 annually
Youth Safety: 5–8% increase in structured summer arts participation

CTIP is not just a theater program, it is a catalyst for community connection, youth empowerment, and cultural celebration in Conshohocken.

Who We are: Our Board

Artistic Director/Producer and President: Kevin Stackhouse

Vice President: Hillary Wilson

Secretary: Open; candidate pending

Treasurer: Open; candidate pending

Communications, Public Relations, and Marketing: Mary Krause

Strategic Partnerships and Oversight Officer: Tina Sokolowski

Borough Council Liaison: Liliana Cianciaruso

Sports Leagues’ Liaison: Liliana Cianciaruso

Arts League Liaison: Liliana Cianciaruso

Program Structure and Scheduling

In 2026, CTIP intends to produce one mainstage musical and one children’s show. Auditions for both shows would begin on or around March 2026 with rehearsals beginning in April 2026. The children’s show will run for two weekends within the earlier half of the summer (any available weekend between May – June). The Mainstage musical will run for four performances beginning the last weekend in July through the first weekend of August.

Rehearsals are three hours long for the mainstage show and two hours for the children’s show. Rehearsals will be held Tuesdays – Thursdays except for the week prior to the performances, called “tech week,” where participants will be expected to participate in daily rehearsals Monday through Saturday. CTIP understands rehearsal space will be unavailable for the Borough to provide and mentions rehearsal protocol and timing within this document to provide an overview of the breadth and depth of our scope to ensure, in good faith, CTIP’s capacity and subject matter expertise for executing on this program and our initiatives.

This timeline is tentative and contingent on space availability for both rehearsals and performances.

Proposed Show Schedule

The schedule below offers two potential timeframes for the Children’s Show and two for the Mainstage, including the logistics associated with their execution. Please note the below are recommendations and our performance schedule is contingent on space availability. Therefore, the below should be reviewed as recommendations rather than a formal request of CTIP.

Children’s Show

For clarity, the Children’s Show will be double-cast and each cast is structured to perform once per show weekend. For safety reasons, we do not expect any participant to perform twice in one day, and the shows selected are under one hour in length. Please refer to the tentative Site Plans below for more information on safety.

Load-in: 2 hours prior to the first performance
Cast arrival: 1 hour prior to first performance
Load-out complete: 1 hour after audience exit from final performance

Scenario 1: May 16 – 23

Scenario 2: June 20 -27

Mainstage Show

For 2026, the Mainstage show is meant to be as low-tech as possible

Load-in: 2 hours prior to the first performance
Cast arrival: 1 hour prior to first performance
Load-out complete: 1 hour after audience exit from the performance

Scenario 1: July 17 - 25

Scenario 2: July 24 – August 1

This scenario is CTIPs preference.

Stipulations

The following stipulations will apply to all participants performing in CTIP’s productions.

Minimum age requirement: With rare exception, as determined by the Board, participation is permitted at 8 years old.
Right to dismissal: CTIP administers a “three-strike” policy. Any participant, regardless of age, who does not uphold our values or shows mutual respect for their peers may be dismissed from the program for the season, as follows:
- First infraction: Intervention by a member of the production staff to inquire about the root cause of the infraction and provide a solution plan to avoid in the future
- Second infraction: Verbal warning of a dismissal; coaching for further support
- Third infraction: Immediate dismissal
Attendance policy: For CTIP’s mainstage production, participants are expected to attend 80% of the rehearsal schedule. If participants are unable to make this commitment, CTIP reserves the right to dismiss participants from production. For junior members of the Mainstage cast, they will be provided the alternative of participating in the children’s show. CTIP will always do its due diligence to remove any mitigating circumstances preventing the participant from attending rehearsals.
One show per performer policy: To personify diversity, CTIP enacts a one-show-per-performer policy, meaning, any person performing in a mainstage show cannot perform in the children’s show. This policy does not apply to any performance offering outside our children’s show or mainstage musical (ie, cabarets, talent shows, promotional opportunities, etc)
Parental/legal guardian consent and presence: Participants between the ages of 8 and 14 will be required to provide written parental/guardian consent for participating in a CTIP production via our audition form, including their phone number and address. The address is a safety requirement in the event carpools are arranged for drop-off and pick-up purposes. Additionally, parents/legal guardians will be required to attend a minimum of two rehearsals per production.
Production staff meetings: Production staff may require a meeting outside of rehearsal times. Production meetings will not occur during scheduled board meetings and no official vote or notion will be carried out during production meetings. These meetings will not include members of the subcommittees.
Injury and general liability insurance (including child abuse and molestation): CTIP will purchase additional liability insurance and adopt Council’s fiscal solvency practices for the procurement of liability insurance.
Non-nepotism policy: CTIP will not show nepotism to family members of participants as it relates to casting. However, special mainstage considerations are given to siblings for logistical reasons.
Clearances for all production staff: All staff working with any person under 18 years of age will be required to submit child abuse clearances, criminal background check, any state-required clearances and FBI fingerprint
Allergy and emergency information

Rehearsals for children’s shows will occur on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, and mainstage shows will occur on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays and run from 6:00pm -9:00pm. Children participating in the mainstage show will be dismissed at 8:00pm.

Locations

Performance Venue(s)

Minimum Requirements

To achieve the goals of CTIP, the location(s) of performances must meet the following minimum criteria:

Sloped audience space as well as level “ground-floor” space for people with disabilities. A “slope” for all intents and purposes refers to any elevation higher than ground level within close proximity to the playing space not exceeding 45 degrees
Drivable (within five minutes) to a contingency venue if one is needed due to unforeseen circumstances.(CTIP is responsible for the securing of a contingency venue, and it is included in the scope to provide a complete picture of the Theater in the Parks program
Access to a power source (preferably multiple) for lighting and sound equipment. CTIP will provide alternatives
Safe for pedestrian travel
Ambulance accessible in the event of its need
Parking in proximity (Maximum 400 yards away). CTIP acknowledged parking is not guaranteed, promised, nor reserved for audiences.
Precisely 100 yards from baseball outfields, should the performance space be in proximity a baseball field
Open restrooms, either portable or a component of the park. If portable, CTIP will provide.
Partial shade for audience comfort
Stage/platform space: 30 feet long and 20 feet wide
Capacity: 300 – 500 audience members per performance

In addition to the above requirements, there are distinct considerations for children’s shows. Children’s shows would take place between 1:00 – 3:00pm, depending on typical traffic. Requirements include:

Access to playground equipment for audience members with young children
Space for overhead covering for performers (ie, a fold-up tent, or canopy)

Please note, any child participating in non-Children’s shows will not require the same accommodation.

CTIP will work with the Borough to determine a site plan for the public area/park in which they deem appropriate for performances. Below in the Proposed Performance Venues section is an example of a base-level site plan based on the above requirements.

Time Considerations

To take full advantage of natural light and to avoid interruption, non-Children’s performances will begin one hour prior to sunset for the specific time of year, please see the chart below:

Time of Year - Performance Time

May: ~7:00pm

June: ~7:30pm

July: ~7:30pm

August: ~7:00pm

September: ~6:30pm

Borough Personnel

Police: In partnership with Recreational Services, CTIP requires police support before, during, and after performances on an as needed basis.
- Before performances: Monitor the performance venue to prevent the defacement, or theft of equipment and materials, and disruption of rehearsals once we are permitted to use the venue(s) for them
- During performances: Prevent performance disruption and park goers not attending the performance have an ample, safe, and clear channels to playground equipment, sporting fields, or pavilions.
- After performances: Execute timely exit/evacuation procedures
Waste Management/Park Maintenance: In alignment with CTIP’s goal of environmental sustainability, we acknowledge the parks we perform in are parks first and must be returned in a condition for broader public use. CTIP participants and committees will be responsible for the removal or proper (within reason) disposal of waste materials after each performance. Likewise, will rely on personnel from waste management or park maintenance in supervisory roles to ensure we have adequately carried out this initiative.

Proposed Performance Venues

Below is the breakdown of four potential venues of interest to CTIP, including their pros and cons. For further clarity, a “con,” is not a criticism of the park itself, but of its capacity to be a performance space and meet the needs and/or goals of CTIP.

MAINSTAGE OPTION: Mary Wood Park

Address: Hallowell St &, E 6th Ave, Conshohocken, PA 19428

Mary Wood Park is CTIP’s best option and most feasible. It’s generous shade, accessibility to various local businesses and heavy foot-traffic provide an ideal environment for seamless community engagement. To turn this location (depicted below) into a performance venue, we would utilize the two oak trees left of the Gaga court as its length extending into a playing space of 20 feet. This allows for amble audience space on three sides of the stage. For our first year, CTIP will not purchase a physical platform and perform directly on the ground if Mary Wood Park is chosen. The best part about this space is it remains separate and unobtrusive to all walking paths and playground equipment.

*CTIP acknowledges this is a tentative plan and contingent upon further discovery after Borough Council has approved CTIP’s requests provided below. Please note, except for Diagram Items 1, 2, 3, and 4, all other items are not fit to scale.

Key:

1: Playing space (CTIP will not have a formal platformed stage for 2026). The performance will be on the ground.

2: Technical booth (A 6 ft by 6 ft tent to house all sound and lighting equipment) with access to a power source.

3: Remote technical booth: A folding table in proximity to the Gaga court mainly for wireless lighting effects and microphones. No power source needed.

4: Backstage space: For 2026, this will not be a formal structure, but space in line with the central path of the park

5: Lighting equipment battens: 8 ft tall max, fastened by pig iron, covered with sandbags, and outlined with environmentally friendly spray paint during daylight and light strips in the evening for safety.

6: Speaker poles: 8 ft tall max, fastened by pig iron, covered with sandbags, and outlined in environmentally friendly spray paint during daylight and light strips in the evening for safety.

= Ground lighting equipment (max 6 inches fall, partitioned from audience space by environmentally friendly spray paint.

All electrical equipment will be inspected by a fire marshal at the expense of CTIP and be covered with OSHA-approved safety equipment.

Storage of the CTIP materials mentioned in the above diagram will be stored by a third party.

CHILDREN’S SHOW OPTION: Aubrey Collins Park

Address: Hallowell St &, E 6th Ave, Conshohocken, PA 19428

Aubrey Collins Park is included in this proposal exclusively as a children’s theater venue. With its closeness to residential space, it would only be used during the daytime, to comply with noise ordnances.

As a performance venue, CTIP would not provide a stage, but supply a folding tent large enough to house the sets and protect the performers from the sun. The picture below identifies where performances would be located.

Key:

1: Playing space (CTIP will not have a formal platformed stage for 2026). The performance will be on the ground and covered by a tent for children’s shows.

2: Technical booth (A 6 ft by 6 ft tent to house all sound and lighting equipment) with access to a power source.

3: Speaker poles: 8 ft tall max, fastened by pig iron, covered with sandbags, and outlined in environmentally friendly spray paint for safety.

4: Backstage tent: For 2026, this will not be a formal structure, but a 10 ft by 10 ft tent with curtains.

5: Stanchions: CTIP will procure 4-6 stanchions (source to be determined)

All electrical equipment will be inspected by a fire marshal at the expense of CTIP and covered with OSHA-approved safety equipment.

Storage of the CTIP materials mentioned in the above diagram will be stored by a third party.

Additional Options for Future Consideration

While the above spaces are CTIP’s first consideration as they are billed as parks, the organization is open to additional recreational spaces, including the pop-up park located by Tomato Shack, (2 Harry Street), which would be ideal for Shakespeare, and student-run productions.

Risk Management and Safety

CTIP is committed to the safety and well-being of all participants, audience members, and volunteers. The following measures will help ensure a secure, accessible, and responsive environment:

Weather Contingency Plans

• Performances will be scheduled with seasonal weather and sunset times in mind.

• In case of severe weather, events will be rescheduled or moved to nearby indoor venues (e.g., St. Mary & St. Mercurius Church).

• Temperature will be monitored; shaded areas and hydration stations will be available.

• CTIP will stay informed via local weather services.

Crowd Control and Security

• CTIP will work with Conshohocken Police for safe venue access and emergency support.

• Signage and walkways will separate performance areas from other park spaces.

• Volunteers will be trained in basic safety and emergency procedures.

Insurance and Liability

• Liability insurance will cover performers, staff, and audience members.

• All staff must complete background checks and child abuse clearances.

Health and Environmental Safety

• CTIP will monitor mosquito activity and provide insect repellent.

• First aid kits and CPR-trained staff will be present.

• Waste will be properly disposed of, with venues restored post-event.

Requests of Conshohocken Borough Council and Recreation Services

To bring the CTIP program to life, the following requests are respectfully submitted to the Conshohocken Borough Council. These requests reflect the program’s alignment with the Borough’s values of civic engagement, cultural enrichment, and environmental stewardship, and are made in good faith by a group of residents and arts advocates seeking to contribute meaningfully to the community.

Access to Public Spaces for performances
CTIP seeks permission to use designated Borough parks and facilities for:

Performances in parks such as Mary Wood Park and Aubrey Collins Park, all selected for their accessibility, safety, and community relevance.

All activities will comply with Borough regulations, ADA standards, and CTIP’s leave-no-trace environmental policy.

Digital Visibility and Community Engagement
CTIP requests that the Borough help spread the word through its media outlets to:

Post audition materials and production updates.
Share rehearsal and performance schedules.
Provide accessibility information and community engagement opportunities.

Additionally, CTIP requests that its programming be included in the Recreation seasonal newsletters as applicable. This presence will ensure transparency, broaden participation, and support CTIP’s outreach goals.

Monetary Contribution

CTIP requests $4,000 to cover the costs of the performance licenses for the shows in our 2026 season (The Prince of Egypt and Disney’s The Lion King Jr.)

CTIP will provide the Borough Council with the Annual Report (on or around August 31, 2026) detailing the allocation of this contribution for their intended purpose and comply with all fiduciary requirements associated with the contribution. CTIP recognizes Borough Council has the right to request and receive a copy of the 501C3 annual review and confirmation of good standing with the IRS within each year of operation.

These requests are made with the utmost respect for the Borough’s governance and with a shared vision of enhancing Conshohocken’s cultural landscape. CTIP is designed to be a no-cost, high-impact program that celebrates local identity, supports small businesses, and fosters intergenerational connection. With the Borough’s support, CTIP can become a cornerstone of summer programming and a model for community-driven arts initiatives.