The Michigan Theater and Art Deco State Theatre, in Ann Arbor, comprise a rare community asset. Executive Director Russell Collins says, “Not many cities, large or small, have managed to save their historic theaters. Even fewer have been able to maintain their theaters as lovingly as the Michigan and State Theaters have been.”

The State and Michigan Theaters are not financially supported by host institutions such as the city of Ann Arbor or University of Michigan, while many other local peer venues are subsidized by the host institutions that own them. The city of Ann Arbor does not pay the electric or gas bill, general maintenance, snow removal or operating expenses of any kind.

Heading into the colder weather expecting day-to-day utilities to rise, they hope to raise $40,000 to offset this winter’s bills. “Your gift will impact the day-to-day operations of the theater directly by helping to offset the cost of heating the building. Our monthly utility bills sometimes exceed $15,000 during the cold winter months,” says Collins. Donations provide tickets to the Not Just For Kids live theater program to children that cannot otherwise afford to attend.

To donate, visit MichTheater.org/membership-support.