CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Swift Creek Mill Theatre in Chesterfield County is hoping to fill its seats once again, but first, a spokesperson said it needs to raise $250,000 by the end of the month. "If we don't get the money, there's no guarantee for any future," said Steven Koehler, the ma naging director of Swift Creek Mill Theatre. Swift Creek Mill Theatre opened 60 years ago. It has built a community of creativity and traditions, but the theatre had to pause operations earlier this year. "The pandemic changed everything," Koehler said. "Our main stage ticket sales went down 25-30% since pre-pandemic numbers. That, mixed with the increased production costs have made it very hard to produce theater. And it's a national problem, but it hit us really hard." Prior to the pandemic, Swift Creek Mill Theatre would put on five to six mainstage shows a year and two to three youth productions. If the theatre can stay open, its goal is to bring staff back Oct. 1. One of its main goals is to continue its holiday tradition of nearly 40 years -- its production of "Drifty the Snowman." "We've had people that have been to... every single production since the 1980s, when Drifty first came about," Koehler said. In an effort to save money, Swift Creek Mill Theatre is taking a break from its pre-show dinner service. Koehler said it’ll allow the theatre to focus on its main mission, which is live theater. Swift Creek Mill Theatre is hoping to have a partial spring-summer 2027 season. "We need assistance right now," Koehler said. "We need help. Not just money, but also spreading the word and making sure that people know the kind of urgencies of our fundraiser, but also the excitement we have for the new business plan that we've worked so hard on all summer." The Swift Creek Mill Theatre Board reportedly realized it was spending more money than it was bringing in during the past several years. Koehler said part of this was caused by offering a full-service restaurant in addition to a theatre. Volunteers and board members reviewed years of financial and programming records and surveyed over 1,000 community members to help shape its new business model, focusing on live theatre. "It's a key part of the Richmond theater community, and a key part of just the overall community feel," Koehler said. "And down here in the Tri-City area and in South Chesterfield. It would be a great loss, and we hope that that won't happen." The theatre is also hoping to make its spaces rentable and host more one-night events with music to help utilize the building. The fundraiser ends Sept. 30, according to Koehler. ...read more read less