Hatboro Theater Fundraises to Keep it Cool

Even in unseasonably warm winter days, chances are you're not even thinking about air-conditioning or when you'll be looking to cool things down.

But, the Village Players of Hatboro certainly are. 

The volunteer-run theater has been fundraising to replace its "beyond repair" air-conditioning system since last spring. With a shoestring budget, the nonprofit group was staring down a $20,000 cost that actor and director Fran Carroll said could potentially close the curtains for good.

Since then, Carroll said the group has shifted direction a bit. Instead of replacing the entire system, Carroll said the Village Players are buying smaller air-conditioning units at roughly $5,000 apiece. So far, the group has bought one - to keep audiences cool during summer shows - and is looking to buy three or four more. 

"That's an ongoing thing," Carroll said. "We're $4,000 away from another unit."

In the warmer months the Village Players had held garage sales of costumes, sets and the like, generating between $300 and $400, Carroll said. The group plans to offer sales again this spring. 

During performances, including  which continues through Jan. 25, the theater offers a 50/50 drawing at intermission. Proceeds from that as well as donations go toward air-conditioners, Carroll said.

The next air-conditioning unit the theater purchases will be used to keep the on-stage actors cool during warmer months, Carroll said. In the middle of January, that timeframe likely seems a world away.

How you can help

Donations can be made to the Village Players of Hatboro by clicking on the PayPal link on the group's Web site.