Buzzards Play Productions is in trouble.

Owner Janice Rogers feels “in over her head” trying to keep the theatre at 3065 Cranberry Hwy. afloat, especially since costs to keep the building open amount to $15,000 per year.

Rogers found the theatre in a rut after a few shows were cancelled due to adverse weather.

“The problem is that last winter really hurt us,” she said. “We had two shows in January, and then no sooner than it started, we got hit with a bunch of snow. It doesn't take too long to get behind on the eight ball when you don't have any shows coming in.”

Rogers said the theatre has lost hundreds on other shows due to low turnouts. After paying for entertainers and promoters, the money leftover goes towards the rent and utilities, which amounts to about $3,000 each month.

“Everyone thinks the money goes directly to the venue, and it doesn't,” Rogers said.

Buzzards Play Productions is a nonprofit, and earns money through grants. Last year, Rogers hired a grant writer to help the theater get out of its rut. After three months, a $500 grant was secured – but Rogers spent $1,500 paying the grant writer for the work. She hired an accountant as well, which was an extra $150 per month.

Eventually, Rogers decided it was time to discontinue the theatre because of financial troubles, but the theater community didn't want it to close. Rogers has decided to try to keep the theatre open for one more year, but said the theatre administration “can't do it on our own anymore.”

Though Rogers and members of the theatre, including its Board of Directors, are coming up with ideas to raise money, fundraising suggestions and donations are welcomed. Those with suggestions may email Rogers at buzzplayprod@gmail.com.

Rogers has also set up a GoFundMe page for the theatre, which has raised $2,605 in 24 days. If 21 people donated $20 a day for the next month, the remaining amount due to keep the theatre open for another year will be paid off, she said. The GoFundMe page can be accessed at www.gofundme.com/bpp3065comedy.

“I'm hoping that this will be our turnaround year,” said Rogers. “I think it's going to take a while. I'm looking to bring people on board, because I love the theatre, and I want this to succeed.”