With live theatres closed and shows canceled, theatres in New Jersey are increasingly turning to their audiences for help so the show can go on once they're allowed to reopen. 

 

Financial losses are mounting for theatres and performing arts centers unable to put on shows until coronavirus restrictions are lifted. The South Orange Performing Arts Center is now turning to the public for emergency help to pay its bills.

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“No one knows when audiences will be allowed to fill the theatre again,” says Craig Sumberg, executive director of SOPAC. "We've basically written off the summer."

Sumberg anticipates canceled shows through at least August due to coronavirus. With no revenue, the board of the nonprofit theatre is offering $30,000 in matching funds, which could double to as much as $60,000.

 

“That won't end our efforts to raise money, but that would certainly give us the confidence to keep the staff we need and plan the next season," says Sumberg.

Sumberg says SOPAC, which presents music, comedy and other programming, has laid off around half of its full-time staff.

George Street Playhouse, a member company of the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, announced Wednesday it had raised more than $125,000 in contributions to meet its expenses during the shutdown.

SOPAC will continue its effort to raise emergency dollars through May.