A memorandum of understanding puts a nonprofit Foundation in charge of Upper Darby’s Summer Stage, writes Pete Bannan for the Daily Times.

The Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation LLC is now the organization responsible for the management of Summer Stage, according to the agreement between the Foundation, Upper Darby Township and the Upper Darby School District.

An annual $125,000 scholarship program from the township will make Summer Stage free for up to 400 Upper Darby children.

Shows will continue to be produced and performed from the Upper Darby School District Performing Arts Center.

Summer Stage founder Harry Dietzler will be executive artistic director for Summer Stage.

“In the past, Summer Stage was funded as a joint venture between the District and the Township,” Dietzler said. “I’m thrilled that the UDAEF is in a position to take this burden off  the taxpayers, and that Summer Stage will now be directly supported by the community it serves.”

Upper Darby Summer Stage is an award-winning 47-year summer theater program that has involved thousands of Upper Darby residents.

The UDAEF is a tax-exempt nonprofit serving the Upper Darby community for the past 22 years.

Read more at the Daily Times about Summer Stage and the Foundation.