Reed City Crossroads Theatre needs the community’s help to keep its doors open.
The theater has been a cornerstone of Reed City for over 40 years. Located at 249 W. Upton Ave., the current facility’s roof is in critical condition and will soon be uninsurable.

The cost of replacing the roof, and the goal for the fundraiser, is $36,000. If this goal is not met, the Theater Guild will explore all possible options to avoid a shutdown. The roof was damaged after an intense storm last fall and was initially approved for new shingles. However, the insurance company later determined that a full replacement was required. According to Theater Guild Treasurer Lorne Archer, the board has applied for numerous grants and discussed the possibility of a loan with a local bank if the fundraising goal isn’t reached.

“The roof is about 15 years old,” Archer said. “The theater is too important to let go. As a board, we will do whatever it takes to stay open.”

Items for the auction include gift certificates from local businesses and several art pieces, one of which being a handmade necklace by jewelry artisan and River Junction owner Sarah Sharp. A ticket is not required to participate in the auction. Bidding is open until Saturday night, Apr. 12, and can be accessed here: https://givebutter.com/c/CrossRoadsMurderMystery.

According to Auction Organizer Jennifer Newman, who performed at the theater in 1997, feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. “People are excited to help keep our doors open,” Newman said.

The theater is hosting “Blackwood Manor’s Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre,” which will serve as the grand finale for the auction on Saturday, Apr. 12. The dinner has been sold out for the past three weeks.

According to Archer and Newman, a new roof would unlock many possibilities for the theater. Ideas such as hosting live bands on weekends, open mic nights, movie screenings, comedy shows, and youth showcases have been discussed. The theater has a long history of hosting summer and winter holiday performances with local students. A band has also expressed interest in performing at the theater within the next month.

For more information, visit the Guild’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/thecrossroadstheatreguild/.