The Enduring Legacy of “A Christmas Carol”

Help Us Raise $60,000 by May 31, 2026 to Keep the Magic Alive Old Courthouse Theatre (OCT) is more than entertainment—it’s the living, breathing soul of Concord and surrounding communities. On our local stage, stories unfold, connections are forged, and dreams take flight beneath the glow of the lights. This is a place where laughter resounds, tears are shed, and each applause reminds us that we belong. As we launch our annual fund drive, with a goal of raising $60,000 by May 31, 2026, we invite you to help ensure that our theatre remains a vibrant, welcoming home for creativity and culture. Why does my donation matter? Every dollar you contribute powers the magic of live performance. Old Courthouse Theatre is a non-profit organization fueled not by big box office receipts, but by the generosity of patrons like you. Ticket sales alone do not cover the costs of lights, costumes, sets, scripts, and the skilled artists who dedicate themselves to bringing unforgettable stories to life. Your support bridges the gap, sustaining not only our productions but also our educational programs, outreach initiatives, and vital building maintenance. Support Local Talent: When you give, you nurture the dreams of aspiring actors, directors, designers, and technicians from right here in our neighborhood. Preserve, Maintain, and Improve Our Historic Home : OCT’s beloved building is a local treasure—standing for over 100 years, However, with age comes the ongoing need for maintenance and restoration. Your donation helps ensure this historic space is not only safe and welcoming but also improved for future generations. We are committed to essential repairs, accessibility upgrades, and protecting the unique character of our theatre. Invest in Tomorrow: Equipment and Technology Upgrades : As we look ahead, keeping pace with modern production needs is crucial. Your support allows us to invest in new lighting, sound systems, and backstage equipment—ensuring that every show is as magical and memorable as the last. These upgrades mean more dynamic performances, greater safety for cast and crew, and new possibilities for creativity on stage. What is the impact of my generosity? Every gift, large or small, adds up to something extraordinary. When you invest in our theatre, you invest in people—volunteers who devote countless hours, children who discover confidence in their first role, and audiences who leave inspired. The ripple effect of your generosity is felt across our entire community. Arts Education : Your donation funds workshops and summer camps that introduce young people to stagecraft, building artistic skills and lifelong friendships. Inclusion and Diversity : We strive to foster diverse voices on our stage and behind the scenes, ensuring that everyone’s story can be told and heard. Economic Vitality : A thriving theatre attracts visitors, supports local restaurants and businesses, and creates jobs—making our town a more vibrant place to live. Where will my gift be invested? OCT’s Board made the decision to invest the funds in several areas. These are: Lobby Renovations – Our lobby was last renovated over 25 years ago. An investment in subfloor improvements, new carpeting, painting, ceiling repairs, electrical and select replacement of furnishings is needed. Improvements to our Audio System – Our recently conducted Season Survey confirmed that OCT must improve our sound system. The first order of business is purchasing the needed wireless microphones and peripherals. If possible we will address overhead microphones. Improvements to Wilson Family Black Box The plan is to obtain similar chairs for the black box. This is to improve the comfort of our patrons. AED Units For the safety of cast, crew, volunteers and patrons , the plan is to purchase two AED units for the Main Stage and the Wilson Family Black Box. Improvements to our Network OCT would like to improve the ability to scan tickets, improve the speed of check out in concessions and monitor energy usage 24 hours a day. Our current network will not support that. Also, OCT would like to improve production capabilities that require consistent and a robust network usage. Reserve Funds Like every family and organization, OCT needs to maintain a rainy-day fund. For nonprofits, the guidance is to hold in savings at least six (6) months cash to cover overhead expenses. OCT needs to grow our savings to meet that guidance. Any excess funds will be invested in planning for handicap access to the Wilson Family Black Box Theatre and exterior facility needs. What does the annual fund mean to our community? If you’ve ever watched a child beam with pride after their first curtain call, or witnessed an audience moved to tears by a powerful performance, you’ve seen the difference OCT makes. For many, this is a sacred space—a second home, a launching pad for dreams, and a source of life-long memories. Consider the student who found their voice in our summer camp, the retiree who rediscovered a love of acting, or the family who made our annual holiday show a beloved tradition. Your support keeps these stories unfolding, year after year. The Urgency: Why now? Our goal is ambitious: we need to raise $60,000 by May 31, 2026. With rising costs for materials, utilities, and licensing, the need for support is greater than ever. Added to this are the increased demands of maintaining and improving our century-old building, as well as investing in the equipment that keeps our productions running smoothly and safely. This fund drive is not just a routine appeal—it’s a call to action to sustain the lifeblood of our artistic community. If we fall short, we risk programming cutbacks, fewer educational opportunities, and falling behind on needed facility repairs. Your timely gift ensures we can plan a full season of performances, keep our historic theatre safe and accessible, and maintain the technical resources that bring stories to life. How can I help? Make a Donation : Every contribution, whether $25 or $2,500, brings us closer to our goal. Consider becoming a monthly donor for sustained impact. You can make a one-time donation at: https://octconcord.app.neoncrm.com/forms/season-50-annual-fund . If you prefer, you can make a monthly donation at: https://www.octconcord.com/support#FoundersCircle Share Our Story : Spread the word among friends, family, and colleagues—your voice can inspire others to give. Attend Our Events : Enjoy a show, participate in a workshop, or volunteer your time. Your presence supports us as much as your dollars do. Here is the link to our season: https://www.octconcord.com/50th-season Corporate and Matching Gifts : Ask your employer about matching donations, or sponsor a performance to give back to the community in a meaningful way. Can I trust my donation will be used for its purpose? We are committed to using your donations wisely. Every dollar raised goes directly into programming, education, equipment and building improvements, and maintaining our venue. A Personal Invitation Imagine a world without the laughter, connection, and inspiration that theatre brings. Imagine a community less vibrant, less united, and less hopeful. Together, we can ensure that doesn’t happen. By giving to our annual fund drive, you are not only sustaining our theatre, the memories of countless artists and audiences, and ensuring that a 100-year-old landmark continues to be a beacon of creativity, you are helping to write the next chapter of OCT’s story: one filled with light, laughter, and limitless possibility. Join us, and let your generosity take center stage.  See you at the theatre……