Virginia Repertory Theatre, central Virginia’s largest professional theatre, is on the verge of closing its doors for good. Without immediate intervention from donors, local and state government, and our patrons, the current production of Stephen King’s Misery will be our last.

Unfortunately, Virginia Rep is facing a deficit of $1.7 million, and a further deficit of $1.6 million projected for the year to come. Virginia Rep is not alone - theatres all across the country are struggling with the lingering, devastating effects of COVID, including not yet reaching pre-COVID audience levels, increased costs and donor fatigue. Further, unlike many organizations of our size, we lack an endowment fund to get us through the financial ups and downs common to not-for-profit organizations. If we cannot make up that shortfall - and quickly - we will not have the time and opportunity to make the changes to our structure and programming necessary to survive.

To be clear, we need an immediate infusion of more than $600,000 or we will be forced to close our doors in the coming weeks. Virginia Repertory Theatre is very much worth saving. Richmond deserves a world-class regional theatre, and based on the quality of its other leading arts institutions, Richmond clearly has the wherewithal to support one.  We are immensely grateful to the donors, foundations, and companies that have, and continue to support us through these difficult times.