Jeff Whiting, CEO of Open Jar Studios, has launched a new non-profit aimed at supporting artists and developing theatre. The Stage Door Foundation will look to carry out that mission through a number of programs.

Among those programs are opportunities for subsidized space rental, offering Open Jar Studios' spaces for as low as $5 an hour for qualifying artists; a show accelerator that will provide developing projects with up-front investments; and a number of grants and scholarships for onstage and backstage artists.

"In my position at Open Jar, I often get a front-row seat to witness the strong talent in our community, and I’ve become very aware of the gap in the support needed to help the next generation of art find its way down the development pipeline," says Whiting in a statement. "My hope is that the foundation will begin to bridge that gap and have a direct impact in supporting the creative voices which need to be heard in our Broadway community."

More information can be found at StageDoor.org.