SUPPORT CHARLESTON’S ORIGINAL THEATRE!
92 years and counting of live quality
theatre in Charleston, SC
New York Times, July 23, 2023: “As they struggle to recover after the pandemic, regional theatres are staging fewer shows, giving fewer performances, laying off staff and, in some cases, closing.”
The Lowcountry theatre community has also been challenged by rising theatre rental costs, lack of performance venue opportunities and audience apathy. Charleston’s oldest theatre company, however, has resisted and overcome this drift. As owners of the Queen Street Playhouse, Footlight Players is not menaced by lease cancellations or rising rents. Instead the company faces a different challenge, that of maintaining a historic building, converted from an antebellum cotton warehouse in the 1930’s. As Executive Director Brian Porter notes, “Owning our own building is both a blessing and a burden.”
Currently in its 92nd season, Footlight Players has seen a growth in audience numbers and diversity since the pandemic. This season's regional premiere of POTUS extended its run after multiple sell-out performances while daring productions such as Wild Party thrilled and challenged our audiences. Executive Director Brian Porter and Artistic Director Kyle Barnette have elevated the selection of works and attracted a broader spectrum of performers to auditions, added the Act Two show series created to welcome theatre newcomers as well as our Speakeasy Series of cabaret performances, which are usually sold out.
Renting out the theatre to other local organizations such as the Spoleto Festival helps keep the lights on. The upkeep on its historic French Quarter home, however, often impacts the operating budget.
Founded in 1931, Footlight Players and the Queen Street Playhouse play an influential role in the cultural life of the Holy City. This holiday season we ask that you consider guiding your end of year support toward a tax-deductible contribution to our theatre company. Your thoughtful contribution will allow Footlight Players to continue to strive to the next level of artistic excellence while helping to maintain one of Charleston's most iconic performance venues.
To make your tax-deductible donation today, click the button below or call us at 843.722.4487
Happy Holidays and thank you in advance for your support!