The Isaac Theatre Royal has started an online campaign to keep it open.

On the Boasted.org.nz fundraising page, it says while the theatre is temporarily dark (closed), it continues to incur crippling monthly running costs.

“We are asking for your help if you can afford it. While we are temporarily dark (closed) we continue to incur crippling monthly running costs. If this trend continues, the theatre would face permanent closure.”

The Isaac Theatre Royal is a charitable trust, independent of council and government.

In an online statement, it says “It relies on the events and the donations to survive. The show must go on… and it will… with your help. But at the moment social distancing and what we do – bringing people together, creating shared experiences – are at odds with each other.”

“These are unprecedented times for all of us, so if you can afford to help us, it would be most appreciated. And with your help we will be back…Your kind donation will help us re-open the theatre doors when the time comes and continue to preserve the Isaac Theatre Royal’s magnificent legacy.”

“In response to the pandemic, we have received the government’s wage subsidy, reduced all necessary expenditure and all staff have taken a pay reduction.”

The online statement says “unfortunately, this is not enough to keep us going. We have continuing expenses including; power, scheduled maintenance, security of the building and capital upgrades that are essential to maintaining and preserving the theatre. This includes; repairing the subfloor drainage issues which the theatre has encountered over the last couple of years. This needs to be repaired before the next snow melt (October).”

The Isaac Theatre Royal is a Heritage New Zealand Historic Place Category 1. The theatre is owned by the people of Canterbury and run by the Theatre Royal Charitable Foundation since 1980 when she was saved from demolition.

In 2015, Newstalk ZB Christchurch’s Canterbury Mornings programme supported a public campaign to encourage a fundraising target of $300,000 dollars.

The theatre set a goal of raising $150,000 through public funding, in order to receive match funding from the Earthquake Appeal Trust.

Canterbury residents gave generously and the goal was reached. Five years on the theatre is hoping the arts community will help keep the theatre on life support.

The online statement says “The Isaac Theatre Royal is one of the most prestigious and spectacular theatres in Australasia. She is a warrior, she is a survivor, she is resilient, she is wonderful and she is beautiful. Since 1908, the Isaac Theatre Royal has outlived trends, persevered through adversity, and solidified its iconic status. As a survivor, the Isaac Theatre Royal continues to remain relevant and cultivate a strong culture in Christchurch.”

The Isaac Theatre Royal is the spiritual heart of Canterbury’s arts scene; an iconic theatrical venue that has played host to spectacular shows and spellbound audiences for more than a century.The Isaac Theatre Royal has had many performances through the years from international and national Musicals, Ballets, Plays, Comedy’s, Dance, School graduations, prize-giving’s, Films, Weddings, Functions, Conferences.

The statement says “we know this is a difficult time for our community and we extend our solidarity to all of those who are impacted, especially staff, contractors, artists, performers, clients, promoters, local retail and hospitality operators, accommodation and transport providers whose livelihood depends on a vibrant and fully functioning arts industry. Stay safe. We look forward to seeing you once again at the theatre.”

You can donate here.