COLUMBIA, S.C. — For the first time in 20 years, Columbia Children’s Theatre is facing a financial crisis that could leave the future of the theatre up in the air.
Columbia Children’s Theatre (CCT) says it must raise $50,000 by January 1st to continue its tradition of bringing joy and magic to the Midlands. Without these funds, the future of the theatre is uncertain.
Artistic Director Jerry Stevenson first made the announcement on the theatre's Facebook page, urging help from the community. In the post he says,
"Last year, the closure of Richland Mall left CCT without a home. This unexpected blow required us to find a new space quickly, bringing unforeseen financial challenges. Still recovering from the impact of COVID - the effects were significant.
Although we’ve taken significant steps to restructure the organization and strengthen our financial footing, the costs of this transition have placed us in a critical position."
The theatre, currently located on Chris Drive in West Columbia, doesn't have space to perform shows, presenting even more financial challenges – including funding important props himself.
“I have put my entire retirement savings from when I was in Chicago into this company, so HELP!” said Artistic Director Jerry Stevenson. “Our problem now is we are renting two spaces and none of those are really generating revenue. We are still having to go out and rent these high school theatres, deals with Harbison, so basically COVID and the mall closing, our rent tripled."
“We are largely going into auditoriums with the school districts. We have a partnership with District One, District Two ... they just opened their new performing arts center, we have a big partnership with them, Harbison Theatre, so really any place in town," Stevenson said.
If the goal is not reached by January 1, they run the risk of losing their home down the line. The theatre won't close immediately but drastic cuts would be made.
“I don’ think total closure is on the rise immediately, but you know we would have to lose a staff member and then one of the three remaining of us would have to absorb their duties.”
As the theatre gets ready to celebrate 20 years in Columbia, Stevenson is hopeful for a miracle and remains committed to shows planned for the holiday season.
If you would like to donate, you can do so here.
