Corpus Christi's Aurora Arts Theatre starts GoFundMe campaign to keep doors open

A Corpus Christi community theater is in danger of closing permanently as the coronavirus pandemic takes a toll on its business.

The Aurora Arts Theatre, which marks its 10th anniversary this year, is aiming to raise $50,000 through a GoFundMe campaign.

The theater usually produces at least five musicals a year to generate the bulk of its revenue. It has lost between $100,000 and $150,000 during the pandemic, theater owner and executive director Mary Chapa said.

If the GoFundMe campaign is not successful, the theater will have to close before the end of the year. 

“This amount of money would certainly help to get us there,” Chapa said. “And hopefully in January, there’ll be some better news about what the situation is with the virus … something that’ll help us move forward in a more positive way.”

Without the ability to host productions, the theater devised other ways to bring in revenue, including cinema nights and popcorn and T-shirt sales, but those activities were not enough to cover expenses, Chapa said. The theater’s four staff members have been on furlough since March, and the theater has relied on volunteer work.

It reopened for a production of “Rumors” — the first theatrical production in the city since the pandemic began — from July 17 to Aug. 3, but it allowed only 30% occupancy, or about 30 audience members. There are usually 17 to 21 performances for each production; there were only 10 performances of “Rumors,” and not all of them sold out, Chapa said.

“We’re trying to keep positive,” she said. “This virus has taken us by surprise, and we’re just trying to get through it like everybody else.”

The theater, at 5635 Everhart Road, will host a rummage sale on Saturday, Chapa said. Details will be shared on its social media pages. 

Performances of another play, “Love Letters,” are scheduled for Sept. 11, 12, 18 and 19.

Vicky Camarillo covers education, immigration and other issues in South Texas. See our subscription options and special offers at Caller.com/subscribe.

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