After 54 years, the CAT Theatre Board of Directors has announced that the theatre will close its doors as of October 31, 2018. The reason is because they cannot obtain a satisfactory lease for the building.

In the spring of 1964, a group of neighbors met and decided to form a community theatre. It was originally named the Chamberlayne Actors Theatre and later became professional when they began to pay their actors and crew.

The first Bifocals show, The Poetry Recital and Fancy Hat Society, will play September 17 at 2:30 and 7 pm. In addition, Boeing Boeing, the first mainstage show of this season will run September 7-22.That will be the final production.

Patrons who have bought season subscriptions will get refunds for the remainder of the season. Members of the Board express their gratitude to the many theatergoers who have supported them in the past.

This is sadly ironic since the theme of this year’s ARTSIES is “Location, Location, Location,” which focuses on the challenges theatres face in finding and maintaining places for their productions.