By Sara Beth Williams–
A community theater and performing arts group in Citrus Heights says it could close if the nonprofit isn’t able to receive more funding.
Royal Stage theater, a performing and visual arts nonprofit that offers theater, dance, and music classes, along with mental health services to students in need, issued an urgent call for help last week, saying that without more regular funding, the community theater could shut down.
In an interview Friday, Royal Stage founder Tamara Warta said the theater does not plan to close its doors right now, and emphasized that the urgent call to action is an “invitation for community members who love the arts to be a part of its future.”
Warta cited the loss of regular financial donors and regular grant funding from the City of Citrus Heights due to a conflict of interest because of ongoing litigation with Sunrise Mall’s majority owner as some reasons for the strain on its current finances.
Because the theater is located within Sunrise Mall, Warta also said that all businesses within the mall combat constant social media rumors that the mall is closed, or being demolished, even though it is still open, leading to reduced visibility and business. Rent also increased, and federal arts grant funding availability has decreased.
“A combination of rising expenses, lack of visibility, and grant funding cuts has created the perfect storm,” Warta said.
Royal Stage is proceeding with planned performances of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” and “The Secret Garden” in November, along with its winter showcase in December. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” begins Nov. 13 and “The Secret Garden” begins Nov. 22.
After more than a decade of utilizing stages at various churches, the nonprofit began looking for a location that was permanent and more centrally located. In 2022, Royal Stage found their “theater home” in Citrus Heights inside Sunrise Mall behind Macy’s Men’s.
Warta has said in past interviews that the performing arts group likes the location within Sunrise Mall, and has had a good relationship with, and values working with the city.
The nonprofit has invested thousands of dollars into the permanent theater space in electrical work, renovations, and repairing the HVAC system. However, Warta also said on Friday she’s not against relocating, but cannot find a place that will accept a ministry and allow only minimal rent.
“We have over 300 actors and dancers, and we love them and hope to continue to give them a place to go,” Warta said.
The nonprofit recently celebrated fifteen years and has had its theater space located in Citrus Heights since 2022.
In order to help continue to fund community theater and performing arts opportunities for students, Royal Stage is seeking corporate sponsors and monthly financial partners. Advertising options are also available online and in print, and the nonprofit encourages residents to attend their upcoming shows.
Information on how to donate, and ticket information for upcoming shows can be found on the nonprofit’s website at royalstage.org.
Royal Stage theater is located at 6041 Sunrise Blvd., behind the former Macy’s Men’s building. Royal Stage also has a studio located in Roseville.
