KINGSPORT — LampLight Theatre needs $4,500 in additional monthly support to move to Broad Street in downtown Kingsport.
That’s the word from LampLight founder Billy Wayne Arrington, who met with supporters earlier this week at the organization’s current facility in Fall Branch.
“We’re ready to be part of Kingsport and we know great things will happen there. We just need the support now. It’s the people’s decision,” Arrington said.
Last year, LampLight Theatre initially hoped to move into the old State Theater on Broad Street, but the price tag to purchase and renovate the building was too steep.
So the nonprofit organization began working with Restoration Church to possibly purchase its building — the Strand Theatre at 140 Broad St., across the street from the State Theater.
On Tuesday, Arrington said he calculated that LampLight would need the additional $4,500 a month in support to pay for the added mortgage responsibility, utilities and insurance on the Strand Theater. Funds are also needed to renovate the theater.
Arrington said LampLight has more than $23,000 that has been donated since the organization started looking to move to downtown Kingsport last year. That money is being held in a separate account and can be used toward the renovations and/or purchase price of the Strand Theater.
In addition, many people pledged to donate to the effort last year. Arrington is asking those folks to contact LampLight to begin fulfilling those pledges.
“The move is definitely doable if the people who made the pledges last year will follow through,” Arrington said.
He said if LampLight gets the support it needs, the organization could move quickly to downtown Kingsport.
“We would like to be there by Easter,” Arrington said.
LampLight Theatre offers Christian-based entertainment in theatrical productions, dinner theaters, concerts, conferences, seasonal events and outreach opportunities for at-risk youth. Arrington said the organization wants to move downtown to reach more people.
Donations are tax-deductible. To make a donation, or to fulfill a previous pledge, call LampLight at (423) 245-1551.
One-time donations and “Have a Seat” donations are being accepted as well.
For more information, visit online at www.lamplighttheatre.com.