My dear friend Lee turned me on to the theatre scene when I first moved to Birmingham in 2004. She showed me the ropes of volunteering at local venues by ushering and helping out where needed in exchange for seeing the shows. Thus began my love affair with local theatre.

I’ve been fortunate enough to see at least one show at almost every local theatre in Birmingham, I think. They each have their own unique history, personality, and character. I love watching their stages come to life with performances from some of the best thespians in the U.S.

One of the theatres in town that has become very important to me is Theatre Downtown. I’ve always enjoyed the off-the-beaten-path shows that it puts on, as well as the home it provides for ETC improv comedy troupe. I became such a fan of the theatre that I joined the Board of Directors for a few years. During my tenure I loved helping grow the social media presence, as well as have some input into the amazing shows the artistic director proposed for each year.

I’ve had so many wonderful memories at Theatre Downtown. I have friends who got married on stage, my husband was in his first play there, and I’ve spent countless days and nights ushering, cleaning, working concessions, and enjoying hundreds of shows with friends and family there. Theatre Downtown is part of my DNA now.

Theatre Downtown is housed inside Fifth Avenue Antiques in the Lakeview District of Birmingham. Last week the theatre found out that the building has been been sold and they have 30 days to move out. They are currently fundraising to help with moving costs, storage costs, and potential temporary venue costs for the rest of the season.

If you’ve ever enjoyed a show at Theatre Downtown (or plan to in the future, which I hope you will) please consider giving to their fundraiser by December 3rd – Giving Tuesday – also the day they have to move out by. You can donate to their fundraiser through their GoFundMe Charity link here:
https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/save-theatre-downtown.

Thank you in advance! And thank you Theatre Downtown for the many amazing memories at Fifth Avenue Antiques. I look forward to many more in your next iteration. 🙂