Canebrake Players shift status to 501(c)(3)

After many delays, the Canebrake Players now can solicit donations as a non-profit. Donations to the 37-year-old little theater group now are tax-deductible.

Donna Bishop, treasurer, said many businesses in the area have wanted to support the organization financially, but it didn’t have a 501 (c)(3) status.

With the hoped-for donations, the Canebrake Players board, headed by president Suzanna Naisbett, plans to work on several major projects and purchases. The recent production of “9 to 5” had major problems with the lighting system, Bishop said. “We got through that play on a prayer.” A new system will cost in the neighborhood of $10,000, she said.

A second project, being planned in conjunction with the City of Demopolis, would provide access for those with limited mobility. As it is now, there is no entry to the city-owned Old School building that doesn’t require negotiating steps.

Bishop said several groups in the city besides the Canebrake Players use the building for meetings and performances. Many residents who would like to attend shows cannot without wheelchair access and rest room facilities that can accommodate them.

“We have a lot of big goals,” along with a lot of other projects that are on the back burner, said Bishop.

Tax-deductible donations to the Canebrake Players may be sent to P.O. Box 1146, Demopolis, AL 36732. If donors want to earmark their contributions for a certain project, they are encouraged to do so.