Save The Cavern Club Theater

Theater has always been a bastion for artists and dreamers, a place where we can escape for a short while to dream, laugh, cry, and celebrate with characters both larger than life and extraordinarily human. Among these sacred spaces, those that cater to queer art and performance are doubly important. For many of us, we remember a time when places where we could go and live out loud and celebrate our way were few and far between.

For 26 years The Cavern Club Theater, has been one such place. The Cavern Club has been home to Drag and LGBT+ Performers, as well as any number of artists, freaks, and self-proclaimed “FruitCakes.” Throughout its storied history, the Cavern Club has always encouraged artists to express themselves freely, which has lead to nearly three decades of shows unlike any other. Because of this celebratory commitment to outrageous spirit, the Cavern Club has been host to a vast array of some of the performance world’s very best, including the likes of…The Plush Life. The Fruitcake Follies. Chico’s Angels. Jackie Beat. Sherry Vine. Love Connie. Drew Droege. Sam Pancake. Leslie Carrara-Rudolph & Lolly. Dina Martina. Lady Bunny. Alaska Thunderfuck. Paige Turner. Jackie Cox. Jer Ber Jones. Calpernia Addams. Joey Arias. Jimmy James. Mink Stole. Chi Chi Rones. Roz Drezfalez. Deven Green. The Boofont Sisters. Julie Brown. Tammie Brown. Mario Diaz. Nadya Ginsburg. Selene Luna. Tony Tripoli. Alec Mapa. Jonny McGovern. Tom Lenk. Jack Plotnick. Varla Jean Merman. Coco Peru. David LeBarron. Blake McIver. Jasten King. Prince Poppycock. Dynasty Handbag. Scott Thompson. Alison Arngrim. The Nellie Olesons. Unitard. Mac & Poppy. Pat & Charlie. New World Cabaret. Rise & Shine with Bette & Juliette.

…and so many, many more.

It is our hope to be able to keep hosting artists and performers in the years to come, providing a space where they can live free and dream big, even if it’s on a little stage. But, in light of the recent global situation and the impact the Covid-19 virus has had on the world of art and performances spaces…we need your help.

Even as government officials debate the next steps, with no firm timetable for the easing of stay-at-home restrictions, the Cavern Club Theater remains dark and needs financial assistance to be able to weather this storm.



Hopefully, that’s where you come in.

First and foremost, you may be wondering how the campaign settled on the $15,000 amount as the goal. The answer is simple: We took the monthly operating cost of the theater, which averages around $2,500/mo and looked ahead to 6 months to when the world may feasibly be returning to communal spaces. Funds raised through this campaign, on behalf of Daniel Derkacz (a.k.a. Mr. Dan), will go not only toward the theater’s rent, but also coverage of utilities, insurance, payroll assistance, wigs, heels, and dresses (…well, ok, maybe not those last three). Should the Cavern Club be able to safely re-open before the 6 month dark period, or should the campaign substantially surpass its goal, the additional funds will go to help support the artists that contributed to this magical venue.

Simply put, by supporting the Cavern Club Theater in these unprecedented circumstances, you are proclaiming that art is important and VITAL. What’s more, you’ll be helping protect a historic venue that has been the refuge of artists and dreamers…and ensuring that more may come to dream here in the future.

Live theater is valuable, essential, and we need to keep it alive. Your support will mean the world to those whose livelihood is directly related to the Cavern Club Theater. Please consider donating to the campaign. And SAVE THE CAVERN CLUB THEATER.

Thank you for your time and consideration.