Kazoo State Theatre announces temporary closure

Iconic venue in downtown Kalamazoo seeks long-term financial support

The Kazoo State Theatre, one of Kalamazoo's cultural gems, has announced it will temporarily close its doors due to financial challenges. The historic venue has been a fixture in downtown Kalamazoo for over a century, hosting a variety of performances, including Broadway shows, concerts, and community events.

According to Executive Director Mary Kramer, the decision to close was made after careful consideration and was necessary to ensure the theatre's long-term sustainability. The theatre has been facing financial difficulties for several years due to declining ticket sales and increased operating costs.

Kramer says: "This was not an easy decision, but it is one that we believe is necessary to ensure the future of the Kazoo State Theatre. We hope that by taking this step, we will be able to secure the financial support we need to continue providing our community with the high-quality programming they have come to expect."

The theatre will close its doors on March 31st 2023, with all scheduled performances canceled. The closure is expected to last for several months while the theatre works to secure long-term funding. During this time, the theatre will continue to operate its education and outreach programs, which serve over 15,000 students and community members each year.

The Kazoo State Theatre is a non-profit organization that relies on ticket sales, donations, and grants to operate. In recent years, the theatre has seen a decline in ticket sales due to increased competition from other entertainment options. The theatre has also faced increased operating costs, such as rising utility bills and insurance premiums.

The theatre has launched a fundraising campaign to raise $1 million to help cover its operating costs and make necessary repairs to the historic building. The theatre is also exploring partnerships with other organizations to generate additional revenue.

The Kazoo State Theatre is an important part of the Kalamazoo community, and its closure will be a loss for the city. The theatre is a cultural hub that brings people together and provides a unique entertainment experience. The community is rallying to support the theatre, and there is hope that it will be able to reopen its doors in the future.