In order for your donors to receive a tax deduction, your theater company must receive tax-exempt status from the IRS. The application for filing is Form 1023; the instructions will guide you as to what additional documents are required. You must also file with the state as a nonprofit corporation; that is done through the state government.
If you are able, I would suggest that you receive assistance from a local attorney with nonprofit experience.
Answered on Jan 19th, 2012 at 1:26 PM