Community theater in need of funds

  • “The four old broads are eager to return to the stage!” Blue Ridge Community Theater Production Manager Joseph Nicolella said. The production, Four Old Broads, came to a halt amid the COVID-19 pandemic in late March. Broads shown, from left, are Toni Creed, Norma Bean, Swan McKnight and Sherry Triebert.
    “The four old broads are eager to return to the stage!” Blue Ridge Community Theater Production Manager Joseph Nicolella said. The production, Four Old Broads, came to a halt amid the COVID-19 pandemic in late March. Broads shown, from left, are Toni Creed, Norma Bean, Swan McKnight and Sherry Triebert.

    Blue Ridge Community Theater (BRCT) needs help!

    Amid their 20th anniversary season, the theater has taken a massive hit as a result of COVID-19 closures and guidelines.

    “Due to the pandemic, our outreach to the community has come to a complete halt, and today we find ourselves faced with the challenge of surviving,” BRCT Production Manager Joseph Nicolella said. “Now our focus is on sustaining our mission of enriching the lives of the children and adults in the foothills of Appalachia, but we need your help.”

    To make up for a loss of revenue, the folks of BRCT have set up a GoFundMe campaign to help cover mortgage payments, employee salaries and utility bills.

    Folks may visit charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/brct-20th-anniversary-covid-crisis-fundraiser to donate.

    Donations may also be made at their website www.blueridgecommunitytheater.com or by mail using the address 2591 E. First St., Blue Ridge.

    The theater hopes to raise $130,000.

    “In 2020, we have only had nine main stage performances, six Sunny D performances and two Live Music Is Better concerts,” Nicolella said. “And the rest of the year is in doubt.”

    Last year, the theater saw 94 main stage productions, 37 Sunny D performances and 14 Live Music Is Better concerts.

    “2020 was the year we were going to pay off our mortgage and financially secure our future. Now, sustainability has become survivability. With social distancing, we can only seat a fraction of our audience,” Nicolella said. “We are committed to live theater and live music in Blue Ridge. When we are allowed to re-open, we will.”

    As of Thursday, June 25, $8,144 had been raised.