WESTPORT — A campaign to raise an “immediate” $2 million for the Westport Country Playhouse, launched last month as the theater struggles to rebound from a financial crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, has collected $1.8 million so far, playhouse officials reported Tuesday.

The $1.8 million in cash and pledges from more than 300 donors is $200,000 shy of the goal set for the “Save Your Playhouse” campaign, which has a July 31 deadline.

“As proven by this vote of confidence from many donors, our community continues to rally to keep the Playhouse doors open and raise the curtain on a new direction,” Athena T. Adamson, chairwoman of the playhouse board of trustees, said in a press statement.

“While there’s a deep respect for the playhouse history and what it is today, there’s also an eagerness for growth, change and the next chapter,” Adamson said, referencing the theater’s recovery plan to shift its traditional focus on live theater productions to a broader range of presentations.

Beginning next year, plans call for the theater to function as a “performing arts center,” according to theater officials, from January through August. Presentations will include single-night events, including cabaret, comedy, music, play-readings and speakers. 

Then, from September 2024 through March 2025, the playhouse will mount three theatrical productions, according to the announcement.

“The community is changing and we must adapt our programming,” Adamson said in the statement. “I believe we can save this treasure, but we need the public’s financial support, in any amount, by Monday, July 31, to fully implement our plan.”

Another of the changes planned at the playhouse was announced last week, with the hiring of Mark Shanahan as the new artistic director.

Shanahan, a director, playwright and actor, is currently the curator of the “Script in Hand” play-reading series at the playhouse. He succeeds Mark Lamos, who will step down from the role in January after 15 seasons.

For more information about the “Save Your Playhouse” campaign and to make a donation, click here. Naming opportunities also are available, including engraved paving stones in the playhouse courtyard and seat plates in the theater. For details, email development@westportplayhouse.org.