Backdoor Theatre Building Fund

Because Live Theatre Deserves a Strong Home
Our Greatest Production Yet - A Stronger Backdoor Theatre!
For nearly five decades, Backdoor Theatre has called the historic 1919 Ice House home. This building has held thousands of stories, artists, volunteers, and audience members, and it continues to be the heart of our community theatre.

The Building Fund supports essential upgrades and long-term care of our facility, helping us protect this space, improve safety and accessibility, and responsibly plan for the future of Backdoor Theatre!

What Is the Building Fund?
The Building Fund supports critical exterior and interior improvements, as well as the creation of a true building fund reserve to help Backdoor Theatre plan ahead.

While the current phase of this work focuses on much-needed exterior upgrades, this fund also allows us to address interior needs and set aside seed money for future repairs, matching grants, and preventative maintenance. Simply put, this fund helps us take care of the building now, and avoid bigger problems later.

Photo from 1922 - Paving Indiana Avenue
Photo from 1927 - Peoples Ice Company - Plant B.
WHY NOW? 
After more than 50 years of continuous use, many of the Ice House’s systems are aging at the same time. Addressing these needs now helps us:
  • Improve safety and visibility for patrons, volunteers, and performers
  • Preserve the character and integrity of the historic building
  • Prevent more costly emergency repairs in the future
  • Ensure Backdoor Theatre remains welcoming and accessible to all
This is about being proactive (not reactive) as we look toward the next chapter of Backdoor Theatre.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
There are many ways to be part of this effort:
  • Make a one-time or recurring gift
  • Ask about employer matching gifts
  • Make a pledge
  • Include Backdoor Theatre in your long-term giving plans
  • Share this project with someone who loves Backdoor Theatre
Every contribution, at any level, helps us keep moving forward.

Looking to donate an in-kind gift or service? Please email [email protected]! 
TRANSPARENCY & STEWARDSHIP
Backdoor Theatre is committed to transparency and responsible stewardship. All funds raised through the Building Fund are used exclusively for building-related projects and long-term facility needs.
THE TRUE COSTS (What We’re Working Toward)
  • Brick & Mortar Repairs – $63,500 total
    Preserves the foundation of our 1919 Ice House.
  • Roof Protection – $30,170 total
    Prevents leaks and protects our stage and sets.
  • Exterior Lighting – $20,750 total
    Improves safety and visibility for patrons and volunteers.
  • Landscaping Enhancements – $28,500 total
    Adds beauty to our historic downtown home.
  • Painting – $5,500 total
    Refreshes and preserves our theatre’s exterior.
  • Signage – $13,500 total
    Ensures Backdoor Theatre remains visible and welcoming.     ​
  • Interior Updates - $25,000 total
    New flooring for Main Stage seating, update dressing rooms, future HVAC needs
  • Building Fund Seed Money - $15,000 total
    Long-term maintenance planning for the next generation
The Building Fund is not a one-time campaign - it’s a commitment. 
​A promise to always leave Backdoor Theatre better than we found it. 
These funds will be used now and in the years ahead to keep Backdoor Theatre a safe, beautiful, and inspiring space for generations of theatre-goers and theatricians to come!