Beach Haven's Surflight Theatre Seeks $600,000 to Stay Open

Due to lack of funds, the lights may be going off permanently at a Beach Haven theatre.

Surflight Theatre, which has been serving the community for 65 years, has announced they are severely short on money and are asking patrons to contribute and help them reach their goal of $600,000. Trustees of the theatre are trying to reach $300,000 by tomorrow, Jan. 25. The 450-seat theatre, which offers a variety of shows from musicals to dramas, is not new to financial troubles.

In 2011, they declared bankruptcy, followed by a fire in 2012, as well as a flood from Superstorm Sandy. Despite these hardships, the theatre actually reopened in April 2013, with the tremendous help of community volunteers. They are hopeful that they can get back up on their feet just like they have in the past, but wary that the community will not come out in full force like they did three years ago.

"Because of past issues, I hope the public doesn't think the board is crying wolf," says Suzy Yengo, a spokesperson for the theatre.

The board at Surflight has told the community that their annual operating costs are $400,000, including maintenence to multiple buildings as well as their musicals. In order to launch their 2015 season, the theatre must reach their $600,000 by March.

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