Arts & Entertainment
Donors Come Through To Save Bob Baker Marionette Theater
The nation's oldest puppet arts theater will survive despite the pandemic closure due to donors, who rallied to raise $365,000.
LOS ANGELES, CA — The Bob Baker Marionette Theater, the nation's oldest puppet arts theater, has reached its fundraising goal of $365,000 and is out of danger of closing due to the coronavirus pandemic, a spokeswoman said Monday.
In order to survive throughout 2021 -- and beyond -- the theater asked for donations to meet its annual goal of $365,000, which covers lost income from the cancellation of live shows and anticipates a very slow return to a full house. That goal was reached just before Christmas, according to theater spokeswoman Molly Cox.
"With over half of the donations averaging $50, the BBMT community stepped in with tie-dye fundraisers, art auctions, DJ sets and a variety of other support efforts," Cox said. "The theater's entire annual goal for 2021 survival was met in under one month."
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In March, four months after the grand opening of the theater's new location in Highland Park, all live performances were stopped as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a cumulative loss of more than $500,000, Cox said.
The 57-year-old company then transitioned into the digital age by providing online puppet shows, pre-recorded performances and other resources for puppetry fans of all ages.
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The Marionette Mobile, a custom retrofitted box truck that transports fully self-contained Bob Baker puppet shows, was launched for socially distanced performances and ice cream delivery to doorsteps throughout Los Angeles. The establishment of the immersive Peek-a-Boo Stroll Thru created a contactless experience at the theater.
However, with more than $500,000 lost from COVID-19-related closures and a decimated income stream, the theater was losing $30,000 per month and was in severe danger of closing its curtains forever, Cox said.
The newly met financial goal ensures that the theater will be able to remain in its Highland Park home throughout 2021, Cox said.
"There remains a long road ahead until traditional operations are able to resume at BBMT," Cox said.
"While the success of this campaign prevents BBMT from losing the theater, further fundraising efforts will support the theater's continued programming and innovations in the new landscape of live theater."
City News Service