Brookhaven Little Theatre Vice President Sha Walker said the Haven's multi-phase restoration project has been put on hold because two of the project's main contributors - the Mississippi Department of Archives and History and the Mississippi Arts Commission - have no more grants to offer. Due to decreased state revenue, the Legislature did not appropriate enough funding for the two agencies' long list of grant opportunities in fiscal year 2009, he said, and neither agency is expecting increased funding in the fiscal year 2010 budget, which lawmakers are crafting now.

"Grant funds have dried up," Walker said. "With the budget problems we're having, those are the first things that get cut."

Until grant funding is restored to the organizations, Walker said the BLT board would not attempt any renovation projects on its own. The board is waiting for matching grant funds to pair with its Save the Haven funding for Phase Three of its restoration project, which informal project estimates value at around $300,000, he said.

The third phase would include renovations to the theater's lobby, concession area, restrooms and the new Marquee Room, which was created when the old Posey Place was enclosed during Phase Two last year.

"We can either expend what we have on a small project or sit on these funds in a CD, collect interest and wait for the economy to improve," Walker said. "Our money is collecting interest - it's not going anywhere."

When the economy improves and grant funding is restored, Walker said the Haven is in good position to be on the receiving end of incoming funding.

He said BLT officials keep close contact with supporting state organizations and the Haven is "on their radar" for future grant opportunities because of its past success in managing and using those grants. The theatre was the recipient of a $60,000 grant from MAC last year.

The entire $1 million restoration project has been grant-aided. BLT officials first began working on the old theatre in 2007, when Phase One of the project - an $80,000 job to replace the theatre's roof - was completed.

Phase Two, the renovation of the building's entire façade, began last August and wrapped up in October. The $180,000 phase saw the whole front of the building - from sidewalk to rooftop - restored and repainted, and the once-glowing tower sign was completely rebuilt and fitted with new neon lights to glow again.

After Phase Three is eventually undertaken and completed, BLT officials plan to address the theatre's stage, backstage areas, seating and balcony areas in phases four and five. An estimated $440,000 more will be needed to take on those large projects.

All BLT can do now, however, is wait.

"I'm sure there are some federal grants available, but we haven't found any we would qualify for yet," Walker said. "And, in light of the local economy, we've decided to pull back on local fundraisers. The community has been very generous, and we don't want to go to them again right now."

The Haven's usage, however, continues. BLT President Tommy Sproles said the board is focusing on Haven activities that will generate revenue, continuing with theatrical programs and looking to rent the facility out to local groups for various events, like last October's Brookstock at the Haven.

The theatre's play season - which has already featured "You Can't Take it With You," "London Suite" and "The Wizard of Oz" - will finish in July with the 2009 Summer Drama Camp for kids, which begins on Monday, July 13, and extends through Friday, July 24. Children participating in the camp will perform the play "Alice in Wonderland."

The two-week camp is designed to teach the basics of theatre to children in grades K-7 and raise awareness and money for the Haven. Sproles said BLT officials are hoping for at least 50 participants in this year's camp, who, at $150 each, could raise around $7,500 for the theatre.

"When we put on the plays, all the family members come in and it generates a couple thousand dollars in revenue for us," he said. "But the biggest thing it does is let the community know there are things going on there and, hopefully, it will increase involvement. We have to pass the torch on to someone."