The stressed economy is steadily putting a strain on families, businesses and nonprofit organizations.

One organization feeling the pinch is the Orangeburg Part-Time Players. Not only does it owe approximately $70,000 for renovations to its downtown home, the BlueBird Theatre, the group's president said it is also down some $40,000 in donations, money that is relied on to help pay operating costs for the theater.

In an effort to "keep the building going ... keep the group alive," OPTP President Daryl Cate said the local thespians are planning a number of fund-raisers this year beginning with "Thursday Night Live," an evening of singing, dancing, comedy and more, at 8 p.m. Thursday, April 2, at the BlueBird Theatre. Tickets are $15 and include refreshments after the show.

And on Saturday, April 4, a rummage and bake sale will be held at the BlueBird from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

All proceeds from these events will go to retire the BlueBird's "Raise the Roof" debt, Cate said.

"Our individual and business and corporate donations are taking a hit," he said. "Just to run the building and produce the shows that we do, we're facing a $40,000 shortfall. That's a lot of money. Normally, we have a couple of good corporate donors, and we've been told we're not going to be able to get those.

"We plan our budgets a year in advance. We have not gone up on ticket prices this year, so we're looking for other alternatives to raise revenue for the shows. We just have to run the theater like a business, and if the money doesn't come in, we can't spend it."

Also down are donations for goods and services, which the group relies on for many of its productions.

Cate said while the primary focus is on paying off its debt, "we've also got to continue the day-to-day operations of the theater itself."

"Just keeping and maintaining that big building isn't cheap. A lot of people do not realize we are a completely nonprofit, volunteer organization. We don't get any funding from the city, the county, the state or NEA (National Endowment for the Arts)."

Bo McBratnie, OPTP member and "Thursday Night Live" director, said he's excited about the opportunity to raise money for the theater and showcase local talent.

"I really expect to sell out," he said. "Where else in Orangeburg can you go out and have three hours of entertainment and dessert for $15?"

Next week's show will feature local residents performing song, dance, poetry, rap and comedy routines. McBratnie said the evening is the culmination of an idea that's been tossed around for years.

"I hope everyone comes out and supports the arts in Orangeburg," he said. "We are very lucky to have the talent and the resources we do, and I hope people take advantage of that."

Performers lending their talents to benefit the BlueBird are George Barlow; Mathew Bates; Cate; Solomon Cook; Hope Curry; Lara Curtis; Thomas Curtis; Will Curtis; Tony Drawdy; Carly Harward; Daniel Harward; Ken Herring; David Hutto; Frank and Beans (Frank Larisey, Clay Strider and Matt Quay); Benji French; Kirby Kirby; Masvatar; McBratnie; Colbie "Peezzy" Polite; Remote 42; Vondella Smith; Donna Smoak; Dontrey Staley; Kim Whitesides, and Lashawn Woolridge.

"Hopefully, it will be a huge success, from a box-office standpoint," McBratnie said. "It's already been a success from an audition standpoint. We had probably 30 people (at auditions) who had never been in the theater. We're trying to get the Part-Time Players and the BlueBird Theatre open to different groups. This show is very diverse with a vast array of talent.

"I'm sure everyone will find something they truly enjoy and enjoy something they may never have before."

Sponsors include 1058 Grille and Garden Gate Florist. "Thursday Night Live" is rated PG-13. For tickets or more information, call 803-308-5530, 803-308-3853 or 803-536-5454.

"I'm very excited about 'Thursday Night Live,'" Cate said. "Most of the performers are not OPTP regulars. There is a lot of talent in Orangeburg. Maybe the BlueBird Theatre can be a venue for regularly showcasing that talent."

The April 4 rummage and bake sale will take place in the BlueBird Theatre lobby and on stage, with $1 face painting at the front of the stage. A lunch of chili or soup, bread and tea will be available for $5 and served in the back parking lot under a tent, weather permitting, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

"I think it will be a fun day and a chance for folks to buy things at a reasonable price," OPTP veteran Jacqueline Skubal said. "Anyone who wants to give donations of any kind, whether it's things they want to clear out of the attic or baked goods, or a monetary donation, we'll take it."

In addition to baked goods, jewelry, books, toys and puzzles, furniture, baby and toddler clothes, and household and other items, OPTP memorabilia, including cookbooks, T-shirts and CDs, will be available for $10 each.

Donations will be accepted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 28, and beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, April 3. Businesses are also invited to donate items for sale or raffle. All donations are tax-deductible.

To donate items or volunteer for the rummage and bake sale, call Skubal at 803-531-3548.

Cate said while the OPTP's financial situation isn't dire, "if we don't look at it, it could be."

"We're going to have to raise this money," he said. "We'll do whatever we can do to raise the money. If it means car washes on the weekends, we'll do it.

"That's our passion, and we've got to keep the building going -- we've got to keep the group alive."

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