One of the big surprises on Delmarva is the number of professional quality community theaters. It seems that every town that’s blessed with an old movie theater has turned that building into a live theater. The community players – often including retired or relocated artists with experience in major markets – present seasons which feature plays are far above the ‘dinner theater’ staples. Serious dramas, witty comedies, rarely performed works by masters, critically acclaimed works by new writers – the range, quality, and number of plays rival major metro areas.

But the economy is threatening these cultural gems. Two of them, in particular, are hurting badly and might be lost forever. Possum Point Players, based in Georgetown, has been entertaining audiences for over 30 years. Their playhouse, Possum Hall, is a 183-seat, handicapped-accessible, volunteer-run facility. They’ve got a delightfully quirky view of the world. Their name comes from their refusal to adopt the ‘artiste’ attitude towards their art. They are of, by, and for their community. This weekend, August 13, 14, 15, they’re holding a musical performance fundraiser, “Broadway Duets.” Past & present Possum Players will sing and dance their way through an evening of duets from Broadway shows. South Pacific, The King & I, Phantom – all your favorites. During intermission, there will be silent auctions and raffles. Tickets are $20. www.possumpointplayers.org or 302-856-4500.

Word came down this week that the Milton Theater will be auctioned at a Sheriff’s Sale in September. The building was purchased and renovated by local residents in the late 1990s. They’ve continued to work on the building and purchased a Victorian house adjacent to the theater on the riverfront in Milton. The plan was apparently to flip the house and use the proceeds to help pay down the mortgage on the theater. But the economic crash scrapped that plan. The theater enjoys a lot of support, but ticket sales are down, and the theater can’t make the $6K monthly mortgage. Efforts to work things out with the bank haven’t gotten far. The theater has concerts, plays, and movies booked through November, and the board of directors is determined to keep the lights lit. The town’s well aware of the economic impact of the theater as it brings in tourists who patronize restaurants and shops before and after the performances and who return for other events in town.

Maybe there’s an impresario out there who’s looking for a ‘farm club’ theater to promote. Or a business wanting to make an investment. Or some brilliant fundraising professional who has the magic answer. If you’ve got any ideas, let the theaters know. It would be more than a pity if the great live theater of the Eastern Shore became another victim of the economy.