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'It's painful' | Actor's Theatre of Charlotte permanently closing in October

Theatre cites lingering effects of COVID-19 and disappointing ticket sales as reasons behind closing

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — On Monday, Actor's Theatre of Charlotte, one of Charlotte's longest-running theatre companies, announced that it will be permanently shuttering its doors at the end of October. 

The continuing effects of COVID-19, along with lackluster ticket and subscription sales, are among the reasons given for the theatre's upcoming closure.

"Despite our best efforts, we are heartbroken that we have to bring down the curtain on such a rich history of professional theatre here," said Laura Rice, Executive Director of ATC.

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ATC, a nonprofit theatre, was founded in 1989, "as a professional theatre to present bold and innovative new works by contemporary playwrights," according to its website. 

“It’s painful," Rice said. “I really wanted my children to grow up around it, I wanted my children to hear the stories that we produce and be a part of those conversations.” 

Rice also says there's been several challenges over the last few years. 

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In 2016, the company's location in Uptown was demolished for new apartments to be built. It eventually found a new home at Queen's University, but the venue won't be available for them to use next year. 

“The arts aren’t as appreciated as they should be especially local arts, and it’s a shame because the talent that is in this town is ridiculous,” ATC actor, Kristin Jann-Fischer said.

She shares her memories of making friendships from the productions. But not only is ATC permanently closing a loss for the actors, it's a loss for the city too. 

“The stronger your art scene is, and your theater scene is it just adds to the quality and the identity of our cities strength as a culturally rich, artistic place to live," ATC actor, Dennis Delamar said. 

"We're turning into not a cultural place anymore and its such a shame," Jann-Fischer said. "People won’t realize what’s missing until it's gone."

The theatre's final performance, EVIL DEAD THE MUSICAL, will run from September 29 to October 30 at the Barn at MoRA. Tickets are on sale here.

Contact Lexi Wilson at lwilson@wcnc.com and follow her on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram.

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