Mass donations and fundraising benefits have relieved community fears of Muncie Civic Theatre closing its doors after the organization experienced financial troubles earlier this year.
"We did have a public meeting to inform our patrons and volunteers that we were under threat of shutting down," Emma Smith, the theater's administrative assistant, said. "But since then, we've had four fundraisers that helped us pay off the redline bills."
One of those fundraisers included a benefit concert inside the theater featuring Muncie band, the Spitshine.
"[The theater] is one of those things every community should have," Ryan Ramsey, vocalist for the Spitshine and Muncie native, said. "If they were ever in trouble, there's no way I could say no. We're the same breed of people, and it was an honor to be asked to play for them - and in such a beautiful theater like that."
The theater's Web site includes a page called "Save the Civic!" where supporters can still contribute a tax-deductible donation of any dollar amount to help the cause.
The Web page says it is experiencing an "unprecedented growth in single ticket sales," which make up approximately 60 percent of the theater's budget. However, the other 40 percent, which consists of corporate sponsorships, foundation grants and private donors, has declined within the past five years, leaving Muncie Civic Theatre with less money than needed to operate regularly.
With a struggling economy, many entertainment venues have found it hard to make ends meet and keep the popular shows coming to town, said Robert Myers, director of Emens Auditorium and Pruis Hall.
"Historically theaters have done well in difficult economic times," he said. "Yet today, people have so many options for the entertainment dollar. This is definitely a challenging economic climate."
The theater has found a way to survive these times, however, with not only the support of donors, but also the implementation of a strategic planning committee.
Nancy B. Carlson, chair of the Strategic Task Force and associate professor of telecommunications, said a plan to ensure the theater's future would be presented to board members in September.
"We've cut our payables from $50,000 down to $23,000, but our expenses continue, of course," Carlson said.
She said a big portion of those expenses happened to be the building. But the community is not willing to watch such a large part of its history close its doors due to a lack of funding, she said.
The Muncie Civic Theatre has been in the same building since its incorporation in 1931.
"The theater will survive due to the generous people in the community that clearly see what an asset it is to Muncie," Carlson said. "There's no way the theater is going to close. Any arts organization that has had 77 seasons will find a way to have the 78th."
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