Columbia Children’s Theatre Faces Financial Crisis in its 20th Season
Columbia, South Carolina – The Columbia Children’s Theatre (CCT) is in desperate need of community support as it navigates a challenging financial situation during its landmark 20th season. With its mission to present entertaining and educational theater for young audiences, CCT has become a beloved institution in the Midlands. However, the future looks uncertain unless the organization can raise $50,000 by the beginning of the year.
A Call for Help
Artistic director and co-founder Jerry Stevenson has issued an urgent funding call to the community. “We need to raise around $50,000 by January 1, or we’re going to have to make some serious decisions about operations,” he shared. This financial need may seem small compared to the lavish budgets of college sports teams, but for a local nonprofit relying on ticket sales, it’s a crisis.
A Rich History
Founded in 2005 by Stevenson and Technical Director Jim Litzinger, CCT has dedicated itself to providing theater for young audiences using paid professional performers. After relocating to the Richland Mall in 2009, the theater flourished. With a full season of plays, school performances, and youth theater shows, CCT quickly became a hub of creativity for children and young adults. Over the years, it has impacted thousands of young lives in a positive way.
Unexpected Changes
But in early 2023, everything changed. The Richland Mall, where CCT was headquartered, was sold for redevelopment. Just like that, the longtime home of CCT was gone, leaving the organization scrambling to find new space. “We were forced to re-home very quickly,” Stevenson remembered. This sudden change incurred an unexpected financial burden for the theater.
Thanks to the support of the Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center, CCT has found temporary housing. However, this former school facility isn’t entirely equipped to serve as a performance venue. Some classes now take place there, but CCT must rent additional space for storage and administrative needs, adding to the financial strain.
A Shrinking Operation
The impacts of these changes are evident. Performances are now limited to just one or two days in borrowed space, instead of the extended runs the theater once enjoyed. While after-school classes and productions at local libraries continue, these initiatives have become more challenging with transportation and technology costs.
With the staff now reduced to just three and a half full-time equivalents, the emphasis is on ensuring a quality production despite the limitations. As Stevenson pointed out, hiring professional actors and other creative talent remains crucial, which means they’re still hired on a gig-by-gig basis.
Looking Ahead
Despite these challenges, CCT leadership is committed to upholding existing promises. The theater will continue to operate and plans to hold a major children’s show at the C.A. Johnson High School Auditorium in July 2025. But without immediate financial relief, the scale and quality of productions may have to be drastically cut.
As the end of the fiscal year approaches, CCT is urging community members to help. They’re encouraging traditional end-of-the-year giving, financial sponsorship of productions, advertisement opportunities in playbills, and in-kind donations to bridge the funding gap.
Join the Cause
The impact of CCT on the local culture and youth cannot be overstated. Many alumni have continued to thrive in the Midlands arts scene, underscoring the essential role CCT plays in fostering young talent.
“Without these funds, the future of CCT is uncertain,” Stevenson emphasized. The organization is calling on anyone who can help to visit their website or reach out directly. Every little bit helps to ensure that the lights of Columbia Children’s Theatre keep shining bright.
If you’d like to support CCT, head over to columbiachildrenstheatre.com or give them a call at (803) 691-4548.
