The Exeter Theater Company has launched a membership drive to reopen the historic Ioka Theater in downtown Exeter.

After a few years of declining activity, the Ioka closed and was sold through a foreclosure auction in January to a company belonging to Alan Lewis of Kensington. Now, the volunteer-based, non-profit Exeter Theater Company, chaired by Tony Callendrello, has been challenged to recruit 1,000 “Premiere Members” by March 31 to prove there is community support and begin restoration.

Memberships start at $50 and go up to $2,500. Depending on the level of contribution, members can be recognized with their names on a wall in the theater lobby, on new theater seats, or on designated plaques. Any business that delivers 50 members will have its name on the iconic theater marquee for a week.

When the theater reopens to the public, members will be invited to a grand gala opening event. One member will win two free tickets to every Ioka show for its first year, including independent films, live concerts, comedy, dance and theater.

When the 1,000-member goal is met, the Exeter Theater Company will lease the venue from Lewis under favorable terms, possibly paying as little as $1 per year. The company will be responsible for operating the theater as a non-profit community organization for arts and culture, and to raise the funds necessary to restore, reopen and run the Ioka.

The group recently laid out its vision at www.exetertheater.org: “The historic Ioka Theater is the star of the Exeter area, a financially sustainable cultural institution presenting a wide range of theater and arts programs that creates excitement, pride and support within our community.”

If the group does not reopen the theater, all of the membership money raised will be returned. The building’s fate would then be up to the owner.

To become a member or volunteer, visit www.exetertheater.org or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Contributions can also be sent to the Exeter Theater Company, PO Box 275, Exeter, NH 03833