CHAMBERSBURG – More than $50,000 is still needed toward the $75,000 goal for the Capitol Theatre Center in downtown Chambersburg’s “Bridging the Gap Fund Raising Campaign.”
As of Nov. 25 and heading into the remainder of the historic non-profit’s current show season, $22,259 has been raised toward the $75,000 goal. Capitol Theatre Center is an important year around contributor to the cultural arts, history and economic vitality of downtown Chambersburg and Franklin County, and community financial support is necessary to preserve the ongoing vitality, liveliness and sustainability of this long-time treasure, said Kelly Kozlowski, executive director.
Attendance at Capitol Theatre presented events has been on the rise over the last two years. “We are delighted to see both faithful patrons and new faces across generations enjoying this 1927 historic venue. We have both first-time patrons and patrons who have enjoyed the Capitol for many decades.” Kozlowski said.
“The trend is the opposite with financial contributions, which have decreased by 20 percent in the last several years,” Kozlowski added. “We are grateful for the positive response to the entertainment we are presenting at the Capitol, and are truly thankful to those who attend our events, volunteer and continue to make financial contributions. We strive to add to the quality of life and uplift our community at large while providing an outlet for artistic expression…all at an affordable ticket price.”
She noted, “Ticket sales generated from an event must first go to cover the event costs such as performance fees, tech costs, housing and meals for the performers and promotion. For the most part, public perception seems to be that ticket sales cover all of the expenses at the Capitol Theatre Center, but the fact is, even if every show was a sell-out, we would still need to raise over 50 percent of our operating costs from other sources to cover the maintenance, utilities, operations, fundraising costs, staffing and preservation of the historic theatre.”
The Capitol Theatre Center operates all year long and already has the lowest staff-to-event ratio for venues of its kind in a 100-mile radius, relying heavily on volunteers, the theater director said. The organization now operates with only one full-time and six part-time staff members and a 12-member volunteer Board of Trustees under the leadership of Board Chair Melanie Meyers.
To cover all operational and programming costs without adequate donations would mean Capitol Theatre event ticket prices would need to more than double, becoming unaffordable to much of the population served. “We don’t want that to happen, and it isn’t a viable solution,” Kozlowski said.
Other sources of revenue include business sponsorships of events, Theatre and Wood Center rentals by outside groups and organizations, office and studio space rentals, program advertising and concessions/bar sales.
Grant support for capital projects is also essential and most recently, the Capitol Theatre, a member of the League of Historic American Theatres was awarded a grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation Fund. The funding made it possible to restore walls and crown moldings in the main theatre, lobby and entry ways. “Grants like this are appreciated and very helpful. The goal at the theatre when receiving grants is to preserve this cherished historic community gem while adjusting to changes as this grand ‘ole lady ages over time,” Kozlowski said.
The Capitol Theatre Center Foundation operates as a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. There are several ways to make a gift in support of the Capitol Theatre Center:
-Eligible IRA owners can make qualified charitable distributions. Please consult your tax preparer for tax deduction eligibility.
-To discuss the possibility of making your gift including planned giving or sponsoring an event, contact Ex. Dir. Kelly Kozlowski at (717) 263-0202 Option 2 kkozlowski@thecapitoltheatre.org.
-Make an online donation on the theatre’s website at thecapitoltheatre.org
-By check payable to Capitol Theatre Center Foundation and mailed to: Capitol Theatre Center/159 S. Main St. Chambersburg, PA 17201
-Call/Visit the Box Office M-F 11am – 4pm (special holiday hours apply) (717) 263-0202
-Add a donation at the time of a ticket purchase online, in person or by phone.
Donors who contribute $250 or more can see their name in lights on the outside digital marquee on Main St. and donors who contribute $100 or more have the first opportunity to purchase tickets ahead of the general public to the next season’s shows.
