SAINT PAUL, Minn. - The Penumbra Theatre Company announced Thursday to temporarily suspend programming due to an immediate cash flow challenge.
"All of us are stretching right now to make ends meet," said Managing Director Chris Widdess.
In order to ensure viability, Penumbra is curbing their expenses by cutting $800,000 from the budget including six full-time staff positions.
"Until we get out of this hump the choices become more difficult," says Widdess. "We are being responsible and addressing it."
The Penumbra Theatre Company is one of the oldest African-American theaters in the country and has stood its ground in St. Paul for 35 years.
Widdess says their goal is to raise $340,000 by December and if the fall fundraising is successful the company will present a musical next year.
There are close to 80 non-profit theaters in the Metro and often more than 20 percent of their budget comes from individual giving. Corporate donations are also important, but Widdess says many corporations have cut back in recent years.
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