OLT 2026 Needs YOU!
- Old Library Theatre
- Sep 5
- 3 min read
For 58 years, Old Library Theatre (OLT) has been a vibrant part of Northern New Jersey’s cultural heartbeat, offering award-winning productions, inclusive programming, and creating a welcoming space for artists and audiences alike. We were closely tied to the Borough of Fair Lawn from day one in 1967 and looked forward to continuing that relationship on into the coming decades.
Then, in January 2025, the Borough of Fair Lawn abruptly informed us that OLT would no longer be recognized as its resident theater company. The change came with many immediate issues- not the least of which, a 275% increase in rental fees. When coupled with our usual budgeted overhead for production expenses, it was clear our current operating model was no longer sustainable.
Despite these challenges, we honored our commitment to our actors and audiences, continuing production on our first two musicals of the 2025 season: Cardboard Trees and a Painted Moon and Rock of Ages. After these shows concluded, however, we were forced to cancel our summer productions, redirecting those funds into encorporating as an independent, 501(c)(3) entity.
Now, after a 6 month pause, we are ready to get back on stage, finishing our Fall season with Frank Wildhorn's musical epic, Jekyll & Hyde (October 17th-26th) and Sarah DeLappe's powerful drama, The Wolves (December 12th-14th)
But in order to build into 2026 and beyond — we need your help.
Today, we are launching our RAISE THE CURTAIN FOR OLT fundraiser, running now to the end of November. Your donations will directly support the essential steps we’re taking to ensure Old Library Theatre’s future, including:
Finalizing our Independent Nonprofit Status:
As an 501(c)(3) we:
Must secure liability insurance on a show-by-show basis. This is absolutely critical to ensure our productions run professionally, smoothly, and above all else, SAFELY.
Compensate the legal team helping us file the necessary paperwork with the IRS. This has been our most immediate expense and has truly consumed the bulk of our time away from the stage.
Maintaining the High Production Value You Expect from OLT:
Your support fuels the creative engine behind every show — enabling us to build sets, design costumes, light the stage, and hire talented directors, designers, and musicians. These are the essential ingredients that make community theater thrive.
STORAGE!
Another major blow to our organization was the loss of on-site storage for our sets, props, costumes, and more. We are extremely grateful to our friends around the North Jersey Community Theater community who have reached out to provide "temporary homes" for some of our most cherished items, but a longterm situation is critical to our survival.
Building Our 2026 Season!
While things are definitely going to look a bit different in 2026 for Season 59, we are absolutely committed to continuing our proud legacy as Old Library Theatre. Rather than mourn what has been lost, we look forward to building NEW connections at new venues in new communities. But this will also come with some start-up expenses:
Show rights - Every production you have seen at OLT came with a pricetag long before a word was spoken or a note was sung. We must pay the rights holders for each show we produce.
Venue Rental - Without a "home base" we are now an "on the road" group that needs to negotiate rental costs for every show we commit to producting.
You know the old addage: "The show must go on!!" — and it will. With your support, we’ll continue bringing powerful stories to the stage — created by and for our community, with the care, creativity, and connection that make OLT special.
As we look ahead to 2026, we’re not just planning a season — we’re redefining what OLT stands for and rediscovering our artistic voice. We’re building a season that reflects who we are and where we’re headed. We can’t wait to show you what’s next!