Georgia Shakespeare says it raised needed funds by end of year

Georgia Shakespeare exceeded the amount it said needed to raise to avoid shutting its doors and restore its financial stability, the theater group announced Jan. 3.

In September, the theater group said it needed to raise $500,000 by the end of 2011. The theater company said it needed $150,000 of that within two weeks to keep its doors open.The group raised the needed $150,000 and then went on to raise a total of  $515,000 by Dec. 31, it said in a press release.

“We’re inspired by the way our supporters responded to our call,” said new Managing Director Lauren Morris, “Our supporters have given us a second chance, and we are determined to transform Georgia Shakespeare into a company that can thrive and excel on a sustained basis.”

Details of the company’s 2012 season will be announced soon, Georgia Shakespeare said. The company is based on the campus of Oglethorpe University.

“Successful completion of the emergency campaign was an essential first step in building a theater company that can flourish over the long haul, through good and bad economic times,” said Ashley Preisinger, newly installed co-chair of the Board of Trustees.  “It’s a multi-year journey, but we are determined to take bold steps to make substantial progress in 2012.”