Cape Fear Regional Theater seeks $3.5M for cultural expansion in Fayetteville

The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing on June 5, 2025, to discuss the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, with significant input from community members advocating for various funding needs.

One of the most prominent discussions came from Charles Benjamin Houston, a local minister, who emphasized the connection between poverty and crime. He urged the commissioners to consider allocating funds for late school programs and job opportunities for youth, highlighting that addressing poverty is crucial for community safety and well-being.

Ella Wren, managing director of the Cape Fear Regional Theater (CFRT), presented a funding request for the theater's Act 2 capital expansion project. Wren noted that CFRT serves over 62,000 people annually, including 20,000 children, and requested a one-time investment of $3.5 million to support the project. She stressed that this investment aligns with the county's strategic priorities for cultural and recreational activities and would not impose ongoing maintenance costs on the county.

Mary Kate Burke, the artistic director of CFRT, echoed Wren's sentiments, detailing the theater's role in fostering talent and community engagement. Burke highlighted the theater's educational programs and their impact on local youth, noting a significant increase in enrollment and the importance of the arts for mental health and personal development.

Lana Drawhorn, a young performer, shared her personal journey with CFRT, illustrating how the theater has transformed her life and provided opportunities that she once thought were unattainable. Her testimony underscored the theater's role as a vital resource for youth in the community.

Additionally, Sheila Cuppy, chairwoman of Cumberland County Communicare, raised concerns about a significant reduction in funding for her organization, which provides essential services to vulnerable populations. Cuppy requested the restoration of $86,549 in funding, arguing that the cuts would severely impact their ability to serve local youth and those with mental health challenges.

The meeting highlighted the diverse needs of the community, with calls for increased support for both the arts and essential social services. As the commissioners consider the budget, the testimonies reflect a strong community desire for investments that address both cultural enrichment and social welfare.