Theater seeks money for annex furnace

It's easy to imagine being "frozen" on stage and forgetting your lines.

However, Richmond Civic Theatre doesn't want its actors to literally freeze.

The theater's annex building has had real problems with its heat.

A new furnace had to be installed recently in the annex in the first block of South 10th Street, which is just behind the theater's main building on East Main Street.

The annex is where actors rehearse for upcoming shows, sets are constructed, props and costumes are stored and various community meetings take place.

"Whenever shows are on stage, the next shows coming up need to have a place to rehearse," said office manager Bonnie Miller. "... It has heavy, heavy usage."

So far, the theater has raised about $500 for the $10,000 bill that included replacing the furnace and tying the heating and air conditioning together.

Even though it doesn't have the money raised yet, RCT had the furnace work done because no one wanted kids to be cold as they rehearse for the next plays.

Because RCT is presenting Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None" this weekend and next, the annex has been home to about 50 kids preparing Stage One Youth Theatre's performances of "Schoolhouse Rock, LIVE!, Jr." taking place Nov. 13-15.

Rehearsals are also starting for kids and adults performing in "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," which will be staged Dec. 11-13 and 18-20.

Miller began a GoFundMe online campaign to raise money for the furnace, posting a picture of actors bundled up in heavy coats.

Miller's online plea includes humor.

"Can YOU help? WON'T YOU THINK OF THE ACTORS? I know, I know, they think plenty of themselves. But, they are all volunteers, so they could use a little help from you."

The furnace was at least 50 years old, Miller said. "It literally rusted through."

When Lemon's Florist moved to 3203 E. Main St. a few years ago, RCT bought the annex building because it needed extra space as more Stage One and Studio 10 shows and fundraisers were added.

RCT's building fund is especially low to pay for the furnace work because a new roof was just put on the main theater and extensive repairs were needed in its basement. Improvement projects arise regularly for the 106-year-old Murray Theatre.

How to help

Richmond Civic Theatre appreciates donations of any size to pay for the furnace work at the annex.

Donations may be mailed or dropped off at 1003 E. Main St., by calling (765) 962-8011 with a credit card, or made via the GoFundMe account at https://www.gofundme.com/8x34939v

Office manager Bonnie Miller said she will be glad to show the annex to anyone interested. Call the number above to arrange a tour.