Bill and Pamela Stace, who have owned the Miramar Theatre, 2844 N. Oakland Ave. -- and the recording studio it houses, Walls Have Ears -- for six years have launched an appeal to friends and fans of the theater to raise the funds required to keep it open.

"The Miramar Theatre has now come to a crossroad in its existence that threatens its future," the Staces wrote in an e-mail sent out late Thursday night. "The theater is in the midst of a grave financial crisis and needs outside support to continue operating. There are many prospects on the horizon for new shows and new plans, but if the Miramar cannot raise $70,000 to $100,000 before May 1 we will be forced to close."

The Staces explained that as a for-profit business the theater cannot apply for the grant money that keeps many such small arts venues alive. Ticket revenues, sponsorships and theater rentals have provided insufficient income.

"We are asking for any financial contribution you can give. Your gift will not go unrecognized, however, because for any contribution over $100, we will give a gift certificate for two tickets to any future Miramar show. Investors are also welcome to contact us."

A former vaudeville house and movie theater, the Miramar was also the home to the Milwaukee Rep for a number of years and housed the Metropole, a rock club, in the 1970s and early '80s.

The Staces bought the theater six years ago as a home for Walls Have Ears but also as a place to stage concerts, theater and dance performances and other events. It has, over the years, fulfilled that goal, drawing diverse crowds with a wide range of productions, from comedy performances to rock operas to emo concerts to film screenings and more. It was recently the site of a three-day rock extravaganza, St. Valentine's Day Massacre.

"We do not want something for nothing, only a chance to continue to grow," wrote the Staces. "We look forward to seeing you for many more years."

Contact Bill and Pamela Stace at (414) 967-0302 or at themiramartheatre@earthlink.net.