Save a Seat to Save a Theatre

announced an emergency fundraising drive to raise a quarter of a million dollars by Oct. 15.

"We are, quite bluntly put, on the brink of financial disaster," co-founder and producing director of Theatre in the Square Palmer Wells said in a news release. "The need is real, it is urgent and it is immediate."

Theatre in the Square is asking patrons to participate in the Save Your Seat campaign. By donating $1,000, patrons will secure an engraved plaque on the back of one of the 225 seats in the main stage theater. More than a dozen seats have already been reserved.

The non-profit organization has a $1.5 million operating budget, 65% of which comes through ticket sales and 35% of which relies on donations from individuals, corporations and foundations.

Theatre in the Square represents a $785,000 economic impact on Cobb County, Palmer said in the release. The theatre pays taxes on the city and state level, the expenditures provide revenue to local businesses and the staff and patrons dine at restaurants on the square and around Marietta.

Theatre in the Square employs over 140 contracted artists including actors, designers and directors each year as well as a full-time staff of 10 and a part-time staff of five.

You can call Theatre in the Square at 770-422-8369 or send in a donation to 11 Whitlock Ave SW, Marietta, GA 30064, C/O Save My Seat.