The Meteor Theatre is calling on the public to help fund desperately needed strengthening and upgrade work.
Theatre trustee Aaron Chesham said despite raising $750,000 over the past two years from community funders, the Hamilton City Council and Lotteries, the shortfall was in the region of $600,000.
Since the gifting of The Meteor theatre by Hamilton City Council to the community in February 2014, Aaron said the agreement was the trust would take over running the theatre for three years, provided they funded the earthquake strengthening.
"In our mind there's no point doing the strengthening if we don't tidy up the areas that really need it," Mr Chesham said.
These changes include new male and female dressing room space with showers. The theatre currently makes do with a curtained off area without showering facilities. A green room for actors will also receive a spruce up.