If your theater is not a registered 501c3 non-profit, then you can still raise funds, but you have to make it clear that there are no tax benefits for the donor. The best thing to do in this case is offer advertising or sponsorships. The business then files the expense as advertising in their accounting.
Special events such as screenings of popular classic films, movie premieres, concerts and comedy shows if you have a stage, etc. can be good special events. You will raise funds via tickets (higher than normal film tix) and esp. through the business sponsorships.
If your theater is not a registered 501c3 non-profit, then you can still raise funds, but you have to make it clear that there are no tax benefits for the donor. The best thing to do in this case is offer advertising or sponsorships. The business then files the expense as advertising in their accounting.
Special events such as screenings of popular classic films, movie premieres, concerts and comedy shows if you have a stage, etc. can be good special events. You will raise funds via tickets (higher than normal film tix) and esp. through the business sponsorships.