Columbia Children’s Theatre Faces Financial Crisis – Urgent Call for Community Support!
Hey there, Columbia! We’ve got some bittersweet news coming out of our beloved Columbia Children’s Theatre (CCT). From the heart of our community, where laughter, creativity, and art flourish, comes an urgent plea for help as they navigate through a significant financial hurdle in their 20th season.
From Laughter to Concern
Artistic director and co-founder Jerry Stevenson shared a somber message: “We need to raise around $50,000 by January 1, or we’re going to have to make some serious decisions about operations.” While that number might seem small compared to the big bucks enjoyed by local college football teams, for this local nonprofit that thrives on ticket sales, it’s a crucial lifeline.
CCT has been a driving force in Columbia and throughout the Midlands. Since its inception in 2005, the theater has blossomed from offering enriching classes and summer camps for kids aged 3 to 18, to staging full-length productions of popular Broadway shows. It has become a beacon of hope, creativity, and education.
A Quick History of Success
Many will remember when CCT moved into the former retail space within the Richland Mall back in 2009. It wasn’t long before the mall became a hub of artistic energy with a full season of plays, school performances, and even acting and dance classes for curious youngsters. From heartwarming family fare to hard-hitting adaptations like “Romeo and Juliet” aimed at older teens, CCT has always pushed boundaries while touching hearts.
Over the years, alumni have stepped into the spotlight of the greater Midlands arts scene, boasting impressive achievements and demonstrating the foundation they received from CCT. In fact, many graduates have gone on to make significant impacts in the local arts community, which showcases CCT’s profound influence.
Changes and Challenges
However, change is never easy. Earlier this year, the Richland Mall was sold for redevelopment, and demolition of the historical hub quickly followed. This unexpected twist forced CCT to find a new home rapidly. “We were forced to re-home very quickly,” reminisced Stevenson. With a tight timeline, the organization found refuge at the Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center in West Columbia, which has been a supportive host amidst their challenges.
But the transition hasn’t come without its costs. The new venue has limitations, and the entire operation has incurred unexpected financial burdens, shrinking the team down to the equivalent of just three-and-a-half staff members. With performances now frequently limited to one or two days, they face a pressing challenge to maintain the same level of excellence and outreach they’ve delivered for years.
Urgent Call to Action
Now, as CCT moves forward, Stevenson and the team are reaching out to our community. “Without these funds, the future of CCT is uncertain,” he stated, making it clear how imperative this funding campaign is to preserve the magic that the theater has brought to countless children and families.
The call for support comes not just through ticket sales and tuition. CCT is looking for local businesses and individuals to help by advertising in playbills, sponsoring productions, or whatever help they can offer through in-kind donations. It’s a *team effort*, and every little bit helps!
How You Can Help
If you’re eager to support the local arts and ensure that CCT can continue inspiring youth through theater, head over to columbiachildrenstheatre.com or call (803) 691-4548 for more information. Let’s rally together, Columbia! The future of CCT depends on you!
So, if you’ve enjoyed the shows, classes, or any of CCT’s wonderful contributions to our community, now is the time to make a difference. Together, we can keep the lights shining bright at Columbia Children’s Theatre!
