Virginia Repertory Theatre is seeking donations from the public in order to stay in operation. On Thursday, Sept. 19, the local nonprofit announced that a series of shakeups — including a change in leadership — has resulted in a $1.7 million funding shortfall.

Virginia Rep has brought on a new members for its leadership team over the past few years. The duo at the helm of the theater company are Managing Director Klaus Schuller, who joined the company around six weeks ago, and Artistic Director Rick Hammerly, who came on board in 2022. Hammerly told Style Weekly that the true funding deficit wasn't discovered until Schuller "started to do a little forensic work."

The company also says some donors have withdrawn their support. It's now in a $1.7 million legacy deficit, plus a projected $1.6 million deficit for next year. All of this leaves them with a $600,000 gap, which the company says must be bridged by the end of the month for Virginia Rep to stay in operation.

The November Theatre is home to Virginia Rep's Signature Season. | Photo by RICtoday

How Richmonders can help

The company is asking for donations. If it's unable to raise the necessary funds before the end of September, it says it'll be forced to shut down in a matter of weeks, cutting the 2024-2025 season short.

Nearly $50,000 has already been donated, which leaves over half a million to be raised before September 30"in the next 10 days" in NL. Donations of any size can be made online.