“We’re trying to make sure that the theater is still going to be here in another 50 years for our children and grandchildren,” said Kathleen Lassiter, Community Theatre Board of Trustees Member and Fundraising Chair.

The Salem Community Theatre has been a proud part of the Salem community for decades, a theatrical gem in Salem’s rich artistic crown. However, 103 years since the historic building first opened its doors as the State Theater in 1922 and 44 years since it was remodeled for its new life as the Community Theater in 1981 renovations are needed. To that end the theater is launching a capital campaign to fund “critical updates including infrastructure repairs, safety enhancements, and thoughtful renovations to improve the overall experience for actors, volunteers, and audiences.”

“We’re not just repairing a building,” said Lassiter. “We’re investing in the future of the arts in Salem — ensuring our theater continues to be a space for storytelling, creativity, and connection.”

The campaign launches Sept. 6 with an open house event from 2 to 4 p.m. featuring guided tours of the theater with photos and memorabilia from its rich history including posters, playbills, and photos from past productions and even from its time as the State Theater on display, refreshments, and information about how the public can help revitalize the theater. The event also coincides with the start of the theater’s shoe drive “Step Up for Salem Community Theatre!” shoe drive, which is collecting gently worn, used, and new shoes in partnership with Funds2Orgs and will directly support the renovation efforts.

Fundraising Chair Kathleen Lassiter said that the biggest challenging facing the theater was replacing its 270 seats which were installed used in 1981 when the theater was first renovated and some of which are experiencing stability issues. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Lassiter said that the biggest challenge that the theater is looking to tackle is replacing 270 seats which she said were already used when they were purchased as part of the 1981 remodel, a project which is expected to cost $176,000. She said that while the theatre can still seat guests, several seats were beginning to have stability issues and needed to be roped off during performances.

Other major priorities included structural repairs to areas with water damage, and changes to improve safety for actors in backstage areas like improved lighting, and handrails, and enclosing some unfinished sections like the tunnel between wings. Lassiter said that they would also like to make repairs to the concrete in front of the theater, and improvements to the theater’s second floor including the music room and dressing rooms. She also said that the theater had been invited to participate in the city’s celebration of the United States semiquincentennial on July 4, 2026, as part of the America 250-Ohio Community Program with a mural by a local artist on the side of the theater off North Lundy Avenue which would require the theater to raise $5,000.

The theater is also set to host “a variety of fundraising events and performances to engage the community and build momentum for the campaign.” Lassiter said these events would include a community talent show in late Winter, poinsettias in honoring or memorializing a loved one, and a gala in Spring, and efforts to expand upon the theater season and the types of performances at the theater like bringing in standup comedians.

Residents and businesses can also directly sponsor the renovations of an individual seat or room. Seats can be sponsored for $500 which would include a permanent engraved plaque to honor a loved one or their passion for theater. Rather than a set price, room sponsorships match the cost of renovations for a specific room in which the sponsor’s name or dedication will be proudly displayed. As always individual shows can also be sponsored with several levels ranging in price from a $250 community sponsor to a $1,500 platinum sponsor.

Sponsors will receive prominent recognition on the renovated space, as well as in playbills, on social media, and on the theatre’s website. In addition to specific sponsorships, donations of any amount can be made which directly support all infrastructure work and can be earmarked towards the mural fund.

The theater is looking to extend the floor of its sound and lighting booth to the wall as part of efforts to make safety improvements for actors and crew. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

To learn more about the Capital Campaign, upcoming events, or sponsorship opportunities, visit salemcommunitytheatre.org.

Lassiter said that while the backstage stairs to the balcony were structurally sound, that they were never enclosed from the theatre’s past as a movie theater and present a risk of personal items or props being dropped with no way to retrieve them. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

The capital campaign will also see renovations to the theatre’s second floor including the dressing rooms, workshop, music room, and costuming areas. Lassiter said that once improvements had been made to these spaces the theatre would be able to expand its community programming like the return of music lessons. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

During the open house event kicking off the capital campaign on Sept. 6 attendees can participate in guided tours of the theatre and see memorabilia from throughout its rich history. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

During the open house event kicking off the capital campaign on Sept. 6 attendees can participate in guided tours of the theatre and see memorabilia from throughout its rich history. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

During the open house event kicking off the capital campaign on Sept. 6 attendees can participate in guided tours of the theatre and see memorabilia from throughout its rich history. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)