By Collin Kelley
Editor

The fact that Intown art organizations are cash-strapped because of the economy and state/federal budget cuts is not news, but an urgent email from venerable Actor’s Express  to supporters calling for an immediate cash infusion to keep the doors open is a wake-up call.

Artistic Director Freddie Ashley said that if $50,000 is not raised over the next four weeks and an additional $150,000 over the next four months, Actor’s Express will close.

“Our staff and board have worked tirelessly to do more with less – cutting our spending while continuing to present works of the highest quality and importance. In spite of our efforts, though, we are faced with an impending deficit that quite literally threatens our existence,” Ashley said in the note.

Actor’s Express is planning its 24th season and has cut the budget to the bone, doing less with more, Ashley said. The theater company, based in the King Plow Art Center, has become known around the country for its staging of edgy, provocative plays and regional premieres. It’s stagings of Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Grey Gardens have been big hits, and the company has won a clutch of “best of” awards from theater critics.

“For the upcoming 2011-12 season, we are planning two recent Broadway hits, a great American classic, and also some exceptional new work – in other words, a season full of all the things that have made Actor’s Express special for 23 years,” Ashley said, “but without the funding the season won’t happen.”

If you would like to make a donation, visit www.actors-express.com.