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UPDATE 9/29/12 11:15pm
Despite the problems surrounding the Theater at Lime Kiln, the show must go on in Lexington.
Saturday was the last performance of the 2012 season. It was William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night.
Board members of the theater were on hand for the performance. But they hope this isn't the last act of the theater. Even though its out of money and had to lay off all of its employees, the board's chairperson is optimistic they can raise the necessary funds to keep it open.
"That's the reason why we made the call. We wanna give everybody time to evaluate the situation if we can receive help from the county and the city then we're ready to take it," said Amy Gianniny, chairperson.
The theater needs about $400,000 dollars to cover operating costs and repairs. Their deadline is December 30th.
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UPDATE: 09/28/2012 04:04 p.m.
A major new development out of Lexington. An outdoor theater there will not be closing after all.
On Friday, the Board of Directors chose to keep the Theater at Lime Kiln open even though it's out of money and badly needs repairs.
The decision is a dramatic turn from what we've heard this week from the Executive Director who said the theater would be forced to close for good this Sunday.
The Board Chair Amy Gianniny says WDBJ7's coverage and other media stories led to an outpouring of support. She said they've received calls from private citizens and groups asking to help.
That's why the Board decided to give the theater another chance. The Board also agreed the fundraiser needed more time. They started it just 60 days ago.
The Board laid off all six employees and the Executive Director.
The Theater still needs about $400,000. Its new deadline is December 30.
The Theater at Lime Kiln wraps up its 2012 season on Saturday with William Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night".
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A local theater has run out of money. The Executive Director says they have no choice but to close the Theater at Lime Kiln in Lexington.
The theater's last day will be this Sunday, September 30.
Executive Director Tony Russell has been working around the clock to raise money but it wasn't enough.
"I think that this is a magical place," says Russell, "I think it's a real asset for the town."
The two stages are carved out of an old lime quarry. The seats are just benches in the middle of the woods.
"It's a wonderful, beautiful space and I think everyone in town has had special evenings there," says local store owner Melissa Scholl.
It's considered a treasure here in Lexington showing plays and musical acts. It first opened nearly 30 years ago.
About 200 people will be in the stands on Saturday night for a performance of William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. It's a one night only performance and it could be the last act for the Theater at Lime Kiln.
"We have no cash to continue," says Russell.
Russell says the theater needs $400,000 to keep going. They've received $60,000 in donations but it's not enough.
"You always hope for a white knight you know we've got a lot of telephone calls today," says Russell.
He has appealed to the city and county governments but says they've offered no help.
We spoke to one supervisor who tells a different story.
Rockbridge County Supervisor David Hinty says Russell gave them less than 30 days to consider the request.
Hinty says the theater's documents were missing financial numbers and he says the theater is a private entity.
So what happens if the theater does close?
The land owner told WDBJ7 he hopes another community group will come in and start a new theater.
The owner, Russell Ford, is also a Rockbridge County Supervisor. He wouldn't comment on the financial issues with the theater.