#SaveTheatre80

Hello Friends of Theatre 80 St. Marks!

As many are aware, we are in a race against time to save Historic 80 St. Marks Place, the home of Theatre 80, William Barnacle Tavern and The Museum of the American Gangster.

Just a few days after this news coverage of supporters holding a rally at City Hall, owners Lorcan and Genie Otway were evicted from the building.

Click the video below to view the TV spot.

Click here to view the written article:
https://pix11.com/news/local-news/manhattan/legendary-east-village-theater-facing-final-curtain-if-debt-not-paid/

We are not giving up. The building was sold at a 13 minute auction to the single serious bidder for $8.7M. This amount is far less than any of the recent appraisals which range between $12M to $15M. Thousands of NY voters are asking the Mayor of the city of NY to right this terrible wrong through his powers of Eminent Domain. We are seeking philanthropists who will donate large contributions to facilitate the reimbursement of the purchaser of this historic building. 

As per the attached recent determination letter from the IRS, Historic 80 Saint Marks Inc is now exempt under IRC Section 501(c)(3) and is classified as a public charity, so all donations are deductible to the extent permitted by law.

We are seeking supporters/donors/lenders with the vision and commitment to support and preserve critical venues in our city’s history, recognizing the cultural importance of small theatre venues in providing attainable space for creative growth for artists and creators of all ages.

No donation is too small. Every little bit helps.

Our plans when we open back up include continuing the diverse creative programming for the stage we have always presented and supported, as well as exciting expansions including programming for creative programs with local community partners for childrens and teens programs, to be announced.

Feel free to reach out to us with your ideas and creative projects. This is your neighborhood, and your community, and as always, The Otways and Theatre 80 and William Barnacle Tavern have existed to serve the community with a safe place for artists, creators, lovers of the arts and all community members to meet and share ideas, problem solve, learn and grow.

The new not-for-profit, Historic 80 St. Marks Inc.’s mission is to preserve and protect the building’s history and culture, while providing creative space for artists and creators, from seasoned pros to students starting on their creative journey.

We appreciate your support and participation in saving this important part of New York City’s community and cultural landscape.

Please SHARE this fundraiser with neighbors who are unaware of what is happening and anyone you feel will want to help!

Each and every person who donates will be acknowledged. When the building is saved, we will design a permanent display containing the names of everyone who supported this effort.

We thank YOU with the deepest appreciation.

For donations over $1,000, please contact us directly at historic80stmarkspp@gmail.com.

To learn more about how and why this is happening, see the news spots and articles below.

Otways evicted from St. Mark’s Theatre 80, still praying ‘angels’ will save building from sale

April 06, 2023
The Village Sun – New York

Owner Of Off-Broadway Theater, Tavern Struggling To Keep Historic Business Open

Dec 31, 2021
CBS News – New York

Theater 80 Tries to Hang On During Pandemic

by Roger Clark | Manhattan – Feb 09, 2021
Spectrum News-NY1

Theatre 80 St. Marks Owners Fight to Keep Venue After Being Told to Vacate By August

For over 60 years, the venue has hosted numerous plays and musicals including the original production of “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.”

by A.A. Cristi – May 20, 2022
Broadway World

Roger Clark from NY1 interviews

owner Lorcan Otway on Theatre 80’s uncertain future.

Click to watch now.

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