Cape Broadway Theatre Fundraiser

Update 2/3/2022

Cape Broadway Theatre has been approved for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). All donations are tax deductible

Cape Broadway Theatre was built in 1921 and was immediately established as the region's premier theatre. When built, the theatre was the pride and joy of Southeastern Missouri, known for its simple elegance and timeless beauty. In additional to hosting national touring theatre companies, the space was an integral part of the community; hosting multiple community events from cooking contests to carnivals. Determined to restore the building to its former glory, our non-profit faces immediate challenges from the more than 20 years of disrepair. And so, we ask for your help.

Since this was such a vibrant part of Southeast Missouri, Cape Broadway Theatre would like to again make this a part of the community of Cape Girardeau Region. Upon completion, this revitalized, historic building will provide a mixed venue theatre. Offering space for theatre productions, small concerts, e-sports competitions, comedians, business meetings, conferences, movies, and other events. The adjoining spaces will house a variety of collaborative small businesses; including shops, the potential for an eatery with rooftop dining, and the oft coveted - functional, downtown office space. This will keep the theatre sustainable by providing steady income, even in a post-COVID climate.

The estimated cost for restoration of the theatre is 15,000,000. After completing a feasibility study, it is believed that $6,000,000 could be raised through fundraising and the rest of the money will be gained through historical tax credits, new market tax credits, TIFS and grants. We have partnered with multiple professionals with theatre, business, construction, networking, event planning, leadership, and technical expertise and we have the city, the local university and city’s support of restoring the theatre to help us reach our goal.

Since we want the theatre to be an integral part of the community, we plan on having three initiatives to connect the neighboring communities.

1. Community Partnerships-Exploring community partnerships to provide an accessible gathering space for community enriching activities. We would also work with area schools and businesses, arts groups, and non profit groups to provide a free or low cost venues for the community.

2. Economic Historic preservation has a positive impact on a community’s economic health, and local historic districts stabilize and often increase both residential and commercial property values. Rehabilitation of historic buildings requires more skilled labor, creates more jobs, and spurs more new business growth than new construction. Neighborhoods on the edge of downtown also enjoy increased investment as a result of downtown revitalization. Your theatre could be the centerpiece of this rebirth

3. Underserved Community Outreach- Cape Broadway Theatre would like to provide arts and music to the distressed areas of the community near the theatre. We will bring in a theatre group that puts on a theatre production twice a year allowing local and underserved children to perform who will get great exposure to arts and music. In addition, we plan on providing free movies or events once a month for citizens that normally can’t afford these events otherwise.