'A serious challenge': Milwaukee Chamber Theatre needs $200K to keep curtains open

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A local performing arts theatre is urgently calling on donors in an effort to preserve its future.

Milwaukee Chamber Theatre (MCT) is facing financial woes that could close their curtains.

"We're looking at a pretty serious challenge - a hole that we can't fill ourselves right now and need to ask other people for help to fill it," said MCT's artistic director, Brent Hazelton.

Hazelton told CBS 58 the theatre needs to find about $200,000 by next Tuesday, Feb. 28. to stay alive.

"Without those commitments, without those pledges, we are not able to get up again next season," Hazelton said.

MCT's structural deficit heading into next season was about $500,000.

So far, they've been able to gather $300,000, but the clock is ticking.

"It's not crying wolf, it's not leverage, it's simply a math problem. That's what the numbers are telling us right now," Hazelton said.

The pandemic hurt performing arts theatres across the country, with many seeing a decline in audience numbers.

A rebound is likely on the horizon, but MCT may not make it there.

"A lot of studies are saying we won't see a return to audiences at a pre-pandemic level until 2024," Hazelton said.

If they survive next season, MCT plans to restructure programming to attract a new, larger audience.

The theatre's mission is diversity, with socially poignant performances.

"It's so important for educational purposes, it's so important for the culture in Milwaukee and just humanity and connection," said actor Dimonte Henning.

Reliable funding will help the theatre with staffing and encourage local performers.

"What we're doing when we support not only MCT, but any organization, is supporting local artists who make their livelihood being in our community," said Patrick Rath, president and CEO of the United Performing Arts Fund.

MCT is asking donors to commit to three-year pledges.

"For us, this is about sustainability, not just survival," Hazelton said.

Since the theatre expressed the severity of their situation, pledges have been rolling in quickly.

"I know that we have a lot of people in Milwaukee who care about Chamber Theatre and want to see them around for many, many years to come," Henning said.

To donate or learn more about Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, click here.