As of Thursday, June 11, the campaign had raised nearly $9,200 from 16 donors.
The money would be used for rent and facility costs, staff payroll, utilities, insurance and other operating expenses, the organizers said.
“This fundraiser is designed to help bridge a temporary financial gap so that the theater can continue operating while these future resources come online,” according to the campaign.
The Great Star, which celebrated its centennial last year, describes itself as one of Chinatown’s last independent cultural venues and a home for Cantonese opera, film, music and community events.
City records describe it as a 410-seat performing arts and film theater and the last remaining Chinese theater in any Chinatown in the United States.
The theater at 636 Jackson St. opened in 1925 as the Great China Theater for Chinese opera. Over the decades, it also became a movie house and community gathering place.
After years of inactivity, Alice Chu and Roger Pincombe reopened the venue in 2021 and created a nonprofit to continue its legacy. Since then, the theater has hosted more than 650 events, 117 unique productions and more than 80,000 audience members, according to city records.
The fundraiser says the theater has upcoming performances, rentals and community events expected to generate revenue. It also acknowledged the theater received a San Francisco Arts Commission grant earlier this year, but noted additional support is needed to remain operational.
“Every contribution, no matter the size, helps keep the lights on, the doors open, and the stage active for artists, audiences, and community members,” the campaign says.