As one of Denver’s most innovative theater companies, Buntport has been known to stretch their resources in creative and sometimes absurd ways.

A donation of synthetic ice became the impetus for “Kafka on Ice,” which Westword named the Best Experimental Play in 2005. A van, table, Tonka trunk and an old-fashioned hair dryer were transformed into multi-layered sets, a character and the captain’s chair of an intergalactic garbage ship.

They’ve garnered awards, created an impassioned following and entertained audiences with everything from weighty political-themed dramas to sublimely silly comedic antics.

But now the eight-year-old company is facing its biggest challenge. It needs $50,000 to upgrade the building’s ventilation system to meet city code regulations. And soon.

“We need to be able to start doing the work so our show “Musketeer” in August will not feel like Dante’s Inferno. And I mean that literally,” says Evan Weissman, one of Buntport’s six-person ensemble.

Since 2001, they’ve been housed in a Lipan Street warehouse just off the Santa Fe art district, and despite the building’s shortcomings they want to stay. Although they’re not facing an imminent shutdown — they’re complying with the city’s instructions — the costly renovations are scary, Weissman says.

“It’s unavoidable and it was unanticipated,” he says, noting the costs are about a fifth of their annual budget.

Megan “Tron” Quicke, a member of Buntport’s Advisory Board, says raising money will most likely be a challenge.

“Much of their audience is made up of individuals on a tight budget, like myself. I haven’t found anywhere else that creates such works of genius on the stage that are so financially accessible,” she says.

Board Member Patrick Scully says Buntport Theater Company is to Denver what Steppenwolf Theatre Company is to Chicago. Steppenwolf’s alumni include Gary Sinise and John Malkovich. But Buntport is different; the actors aren’t heading to Los Angeles or New York.

“They’re all here for the long haul,” Scully says.

Since May, Buntport has become ultra-serious about fundraising. They sent letters and e-mails and hosted a fundraising event. So far, they’ve raised about $30,000, but Weissman says the renovations may cost even more than they’d thought.

Still, Weissman says they’ll try to keep their ticket prices the lowest in town.

We think theater should not cost a lot of money.”

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