Despite sweeping cuts to Alachua County arts programs from the state, for the Hippodrome State Theatre, the show must go on.
The Hippodrome launched a fundraising effort last week to make up for the $12,000 less funding it will receive between October and December, said Jessica Hurov, the Hippodrome managing director.
The theater’s first goal was to raise $12,750 by Friday. As of press time, it has raised $8,021, according to the theater’s donation page on Facebook.
“We are humbled and thrilled by the response so far,” Hurov wrote in an email. “It’s inspiring to see everyone come together like this, and we don’t take it for granted.”
Each year, the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs evaluates funding needs for a dozen Alachua County arts organizations, including the Hippodrome. While Division of Cultural Affairs estimated the theater needed about $150,000, the state budget only allocated $47,912 for the next fiscal year, Hurov said.
She said the theater typically uses grants from the division to pay the already modest salaries of its actors, directors, set designers and other artists.
The theater doesn't plan to make any personnel cuts or adjustments, and they refuse to raise ticket prices or undo their senior, military and student discounts, Hurov said.
“We’ll figure this out,” Hurov said. “Support so far has been fantastic.”
The Hippodrome’s new feature adaptation of George Orwell’s dystopian “1984,” set to open Friday, will also not be affected by the cuts, Hurov said. The production began several months ago, and she said sacrificing a play’s quality or how long it is at the theater is a last resort.
“We aren’t at that point and don’t want to get to that point,” she said. “That’s why we’re speaking out now.”
Gene Witmer, a Gainesville resident of 20 years, said the theater is a staple in the community he hopes he won’t see disappear anytime soon.
Witmer, a UF philosophy professor, said he’s donated about $1,000 to the theater every year for the past few years, and gave $100 to the Hippodrome’s current fundraiser soon after he saw it online.
“I’ve always been happy to have the Hippo with us,” Witmer said. “I think it is very valuable.”
Since first attending a play at the Hippodrome about seven years ago, Witmer said he’s probably watched 40 to 50 plays at the theater. He said others should witness the beauty of live theater.
“To have that experience teaches you something about the power of art, the power of communication,” he said. “It can bring you to tears.”
