FOOTLIGHTS THEATRE: Fighting the Fight!
Donation protected
The Footlights Theatre, like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, is FIGHTING THE FIGHT during this very challenging pandemic. While most theaters remain closed, I was blessed to reopen our doors in early July, providing live theater ever since.
BUT... trying to financially survive on a 25 seat occupancy (normally we seat 75) has been extremely stressful- especially with an average attendance of 10+/- per show. I went above and beyond the costly Maine state restrictions, protocol and guidelines to keep our patrons safe and healthy to the best of our abilities- but I also respect our patron's decision not to attend an indoor show at this time.
Bottom line, the box office barely covers rent and utilities- and sometimes, it doesn't. There is no extra money to save. Our patrons were extremely generous in March to keep the theater venue open for 3 months with their contributions. Without them, we would have had to close permanently 5 months ago... but miracles do happen, people are coming to see the shows, and somehow we're still here and open!
But now, it is time to FIGHT THE FIGHT again- with covid cases increasing and winter weather approaching, I do not know what the future holds for us, especially if there is another shut down, and I want to be prepared.
My goal is to raise $15,000 by December 1st (opening night of A Christmas Carol), so we can cover rent and utilities until April 1st- which will be a HUGE financial stress off of the theater- and me.
I refuse to be a covid casualty... but this pandemic may make ME a "casualty" if I don't get some financial help to relieve some of the daily stress of "filling the seats" to stay open. I HATE asking for contributions, but this fight to stay open is bigger than me and I can't do it alone. I have been working as a staff of one since March- with the help of some amazing volunteers and a few incredible performers, we have managed to FIGHT THE FIGHT and stay open.
If you can contribute anything- no matter how big or small -I will gratefully accept it and be forever appreciative. If you know of anyone or any business that can contribute, please give them this information and have them contact me. EVERY cent is going back into the theater so we will still be here when this pandemic is over.
ALSO- if we can raise all this money, I can finally afford to have our shows filmed and available online (as per so many requests)- but it's not cheap for a quality video to be made... this money will make it happen!
The glorious (and deserving) Ogunquit Playhouse in Ogunquit ME just raised 3 million dollars to keep their incredible theater open... I pray to the theater Gods that, together, we can raise "a mere" (ha ha) $15,000 to keep the Footlights Theatre open.
THANK YOU so much... on behalf of myself and everyone who loves the Footlights Theatre- THANK YOU. I promise you, as we celebrate our 8th year, I am NOT going to stop fighting the fight- with your help, we can and WILL reach our goal.
Michael J. Tobin
Executive Artistic Director
The Footlights Theatre
190 US Route 1, Falmouth ME 04105
Click here for website
BUT... trying to financially survive on a 25 seat occupancy (normally we seat 75) has been extremely stressful- especially with an average attendance of 10+/- per show. I went above and beyond the costly Maine state restrictions, protocol and guidelines to keep our patrons safe and healthy to the best of our abilities- but I also respect our patron's decision not to attend an indoor show at this time.
Bottom line, the box office barely covers rent and utilities- and sometimes, it doesn't. There is no extra money to save. Our patrons were extremely generous in March to keep the theater venue open for 3 months with their contributions. Without them, we would have had to close permanently 5 months ago... but miracles do happen, people are coming to see the shows, and somehow we're still here and open!
But now, it is time to FIGHT THE FIGHT again- with covid cases increasing and winter weather approaching, I do not know what the future holds for us, especially if there is another shut down, and I want to be prepared.
My goal is to raise $15,000 by December 1st (opening night of A Christmas Carol), so we can cover rent and utilities until April 1st- which will be a HUGE financial stress off of the theater- and me.
I refuse to be a covid casualty... but this pandemic may make ME a "casualty" if I don't get some financial help to relieve some of the daily stress of "filling the seats" to stay open. I HATE asking for contributions, but this fight to stay open is bigger than me and I can't do it alone. I have been working as a staff of one since March- with the help of some amazing volunteers and a few incredible performers, we have managed to FIGHT THE FIGHT and stay open.
If you can contribute anything- no matter how big or small -I will gratefully accept it and be forever appreciative. If you know of anyone or any business that can contribute, please give them this information and have them contact me. EVERY cent is going back into the theater so we will still be here when this pandemic is over.
ALSO- if we can raise all this money, I can finally afford to have our shows filmed and available online (as per so many requests)- but it's not cheap for a quality video to be made... this money will make it happen!
The glorious (and deserving) Ogunquit Playhouse in Ogunquit ME just raised 3 million dollars to keep their incredible theater open... I pray to the theater Gods that, together, we can raise "a mere" (ha ha) $15,000 to keep the Footlights Theatre open.
THANK YOU so much... on behalf of myself and everyone who loves the Footlights Theatre- THANK YOU. I promise you, as we celebrate our 8th year, I am NOT going to stop fighting the fight- with your help, we can and WILL reach our goal.
Michael J. Tobin
Executive Artistic Director
The Footlights Theatre
190 US Route 1, Falmouth ME 04105
Click here for website
Organizer
Footlights Theatre
Organizer
Falmouth, ME
